Implementation vs. Enactment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 13, 2024
Implementation refers to the process of putting plans, policies, or laws into action, whereas enactment is the formal passage of laws by a legislative body.
Difference Between Implementation and Enactment
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Implementation is the practical application or execution of a plan, policy, or law after it has been established. This process involves carrying out the steps or measures necessary to achieve the intended outcomes of the policy or law. On the other hand, enactment is the process through which a legislative body officially passes a bill, turning it into law. Enactment is a crucial step in the legal process, marking the transition of a proposal into a binding legal document.
While enactment occurs within the legislative framework and marks the birth of a law, implementation is the phase that follows, where the law or policy is operationalized and integrated into the society or system it aims to regulate or improve. Enactment is the responsibility of a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, whereas implementation can involve a wide range of actors including government agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders tasked with bringing the law or policy to life.
The success of enactment is measured by the passage of a bill through the necessary legislative procedures and its signing into law by the appropriate authority. In contrast, the success of implementation is gauged by the effectiveness of the law or policy in practice, including its impact on the targeted issue or population. Whereas enactment signifies the legal validation of a law, implementation focuses on the practical aspects of ensuring the law achieves its intended goals.
Enactment is a singular event that occurs when a bill is formally approved and becomes law. Implementation, however, is an ongoing process that may evolve over time, requiring adjustments and monitoring to address practical challenges and ensure the law or policy functions as intended. While enactment requires legal expertise and legislative negotiation, implementation demands organizational, managerial, and sometimes technical skills to navigate the complexities of bringing a law or policy into effect.
The relationship between enactment and implementation is sequential and complementary. Enactment provides the legal foundation for action, whereas implementation is the realization of that legal framework in practice. Both are essential for the effective functioning of legal and policy systems, ensuring that laws not only exist on paper but also work effectively in the real world to address societal needs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The process of putting plans, policies, or laws into action.
The formal passage of laws by a legislative body.
Phase
Follows enactment; operational phase.
Precedes implementation; legislative phase.
Actors
Government agencies, local authorities, stakeholders.
Legislative bodies, such as parliament or congress.
Success Measurement
Effectiveness in practice, impact on target issues/populations.
Passage through legislative procedures, official signing into law.
Skills Required
Organizational, managerial, technical.
Legal expertise, legislative negotiation.
Compare with Definitions
Implementation
Putting policies into practical effect.
The implementation of the new educational policy involved training teachers on innovative teaching methods.
Enactment
The formal passage of legislation.
The enactment of the civil rights act was a historic moment.
Implementation
Requires monitoring and adjustment.
Ongoing implementation of the health program requires regular assessment to ensure its effectiveness.
Enactment
A legislative body's approval of a bill.
After months of debate, the bill's enactment was celebrated by its supporters.
Implementation
Involves execution and management.
The agency was responsible for the implementation of the environmental regulations.
Enactment
Marks a proposal's transition into law.
The enactment of new immigration laws sparked wide-ranging discussions.
Implementation
Focuses on achieving intended outcomes.
Successful implementation of the safety protocols significantly reduced workplace accidents.
Enactment
Involves legal and procedural steps.
The enactment process requires a majority vote in both houses of congress.
Implementation
Can be complex and multidimensional.
Implementing the new tax law required extensive changes to the IRS systems.
Enactment
Results in a binding legal document.
The city council's enactment of the ordinance led to immediate changes in local policy.
Implementation
Implementation is the realization of an application, or execution of a plan, idea, model, design, specification, standard, algorithm, or policy.
Enactment
The act of enacting.
Implementation
The process of putting a decision or plan into effect; execution
She was responsible for the implementation of the plan
Enactment
The state of being enacted.
Implementation
A tool, utensil, or other piece of equipment used in doing work
A gardening implement.
Enactment
Something that has been enacted
"Dance itself is the enactment of an energy which must seem ... untrammeled, effortless, masterful" (Susan Sontag).
Implementation
An article used to outfit or equip someone
Ecclesiastical implements.
Enactment
The act of enacting, or the state of being enacted.
The actors' powerful enactment of the play was breathtaking.
The enactment of this law will be a great step backward for our country.
Implementation
A means of achieving an end; an instrument or agent.
Enactment
(law) A piece of legislation that has been properly authorized by a legislative body.
The enactments passed by the council that year included sweeping reforms.
Implementation
To put into practical effect; carry out
Implement the new procedures.
Enactment
(Malaysia) A law enacted by state legislatures of Malaysia.
Implementation
To supply with implements.
Enactment
The passing of a bill into a law; the giving of legislative sanction and executive approval to a bill whereby it is established as a law.
Implementation
The process of moving an idea from concept to reality. In business, engineering and other fields, implementation refers to the building process rather than the design process.
Now that the requirements are complete we can move on to implementation.
Enactment
That which is enacted or passed into a law; a law; a decree; a statute; a prescribed requirement; as, a prohibitory enactment; a social enactment.
Implementation
(electronics) A result of implementing something; a finished product, system or device.
His implementation works, but it needs some fine-tuning.
Enactment
The passing of a law by a legislative body
Implementation
The act of accomplishing some aim or executing some order;
The agency was created for the implementation of the policy
Enactment
A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
Implementation
The act of implementing (providing a practical means for accomplishing something); carrying into effect
Enactment
Acting the part of a character on stage; dramaticially representing the character by speech and action and gesture
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between implementation and enactment?
Enactment is the formal process of passing legislation, while implementation involves putting those laws or policies into action.
Who is involved in the implementation of policies?
Implementation involves government agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders working to put policies into effect.
Can a law be enacted but not implemented?
Yes, a law can be enacted but fail to be effectively implemented due to various reasons, including lack of resources, inadequate planning, or resistance.
Who is responsible for the enactment of laws?
Legislative bodies, such as parliaments or congresses, are responsible for the enactment of laws.
How do you measure the success of implementation?
The success of implementation is measured by its effectiveness in achieving the intended outcomes and its impact on the targeted issues or population.
Is implementation the same for every law?
No, implementation varies based on the nature of the law, the resources available, and the specific challenges of the context in which it is being implemented.
What happens if a law is not properly implemented?
If a law is not properly implemented, it may fail to achieve its intended goals, leading to inefficiency, continued problems, or the need for further legislative or administrative action.
What skills are important for effective implementation?
Effective implementation requires organizational, managerial, and sometimes technical skills, alongside the ability to adapt and solve problems.
How does enactment relate to implementation?
Enactment and implementation are sequential processes where enactment provides the legal basis for a law, and implementation is the realization of that law in practice.
Can the implementation process change over time?
Yes, the implementation process can evolve to address challenges, adapt to changing conditions, and incorporate feedback to improve effectiveness.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Ethnicity vs. Heritage
Next Comparison
Essential vs. NecessaryAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
