Laws and regulations may lead to similar results, but they differ in important ways.
Laws are passed by congress or state legislative bodies.
Examples are tax laws and workplace safety laws.
Regulations are promulgated by administrative agencies that are charged with the responsibility to "execute" the laws that have been adopted by congress. So, in practice, regulations often specify in more detail how given law applies a particular set of facts.
Examples are IRS tax regulations and OSHA rules that detail the what is required to comply with workplace safety rules.
The content of this article pertains to all US states and counties.
Democracy depends on powerful advocates. Here is a list of progressive causes and the organizations that fight for them.
You can participate in many levels of government: local, county, state, and federal.
Each county and state and city has its own political organizations. There are organizations to help you if you are interested in civic engagement.