Final answer:
A statute or act is a written law enacted by legislative bodies at either the state or the federal level. The hierarchy of laws in the U.S. starts with the Constitution and includes federal laws and state laws, among others. Public laws affect the entire society, unlike private laws, which are focused on individuals or entities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A written law enacted by state (or federal) legislative bodies is commonly known as a statute or an act. At the federal level, the process of creating a law begins with the legislative branch, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. Following the proposal and deliberation of a bill, if both chambers pass it, and if the President signs it, the bill becomes a law.
The hierarchy of laws in the United States is established by the U.S. Constitution, which is considered the supreme law of the land. Laws at various levels must align with the Constitution to be valid, following a specific order of precedence: the U.S. Constitution, Acts of Congress and treaties, state constitutions, state laws, and finally, city and county ordinances.
Public laws directly affect society as a whole and include significant policies like the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. These laws differ from private laws, which are directed towards specific individuals or entities. It's important to note that both federal and state governments are prohibited from enacting certain types of laws, such as bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, or laws that interfere with legal contracts.