Final answer:
The ultimate legal authority to set and enforce accounting standards in the United States lies with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, the ultimate legal authority to set and enforce accounting standards lies with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). FASB is a private, non-profit organization that was established in 1973. It has the power to establish and modify accounting principles that are used by businesses and other organizations.