Which of the following describes a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule?

The term that describes a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule is "sanction." Sanctions are penalties or consequences imposed as a means of enforcing compliance with laws or regulations. They can take various forms, such as fines, imprisonment, or other forms of punishment, depending on the severity of the infraction and the specific legal context.

In the context of law enforcement and public policy, sanctions serve to maintain order and discourage individuals from engaging in behavior that is detrimental to society. They act as a form of enforcement, ensuring that individuals understand the repercussions of violating established laws.

On the other hand, felonies and misdemeanors refer to classifications of crimes, with felonies typically being more serious offenses that carry heavier penalties, while misdemeanors are less severe violations. Infractions usually refer to minor violations, often punishable by fines rather than incarceration. However, neither of these terms directly captures the concept of a threatened penalty. Thus, the correct answer clearly aligns with the definition of a sanction.