Final answer:
An ordinance is a specific law enacted by a local government, while a precedent is a legal decision that establishes a rule or principle for future similar cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ordinance is a law or regulation enacted by a local government, such as a city or town. It is specific to that jurisdiction and is enforceable within its boundaries. For example, a city might pass an ordinance banning smoking in public parks.
A precedent, on the other hand, is a legal decision or ruling that establishes a principle or rule that courts can apply to future similar cases. Precedents are set by higher courts and serve as a guide for lower courts when deciding similar cases. For example, a Supreme Court ruling that declares a certain law unconstitutional establishes a precedent.
In summary, an ordinance is a specific law enacted by a local government, while a precedent is a legal decision that establishes a rule or principle for future similar cases.