What are the two major types of laws in the United States?

The correct answer identifies civil and criminal laws as the two major types of laws in the United States, which serve distinct purposes within the legal system.

Civil law pertains to disputes between individuals or organizations, typically involving issues such as contracts, property, and family matters. It focuses on the rights and obligations of individuals and often results in compensation or order for the affected party when a violation occurs.

Criminal law, on the other hand, involves actions that are offenses against the state or public. It encompasses laws that define crimes and prescribe punishments for those who violate them. The state prosecutes criminal acts, emphasizing maintaining public order and safety.

By understanding this division, it becomes clear how the legal system operates both to resolve private disputes through civil law and to uphold public order through criminal law, reflecting the dual nature of law in governing society.

Other options include types of laws that serve different roles but are not the primary distinction referred to in this context. For example, constitutional and statutory laws represent sources of law rather than categories of law type. Similarly, civil and administrative laws focus specifically on regulatory frameworks, while statutory and common laws pertain to the sources of legal principles rather than the overarching categories of legal functions in society.