When something is affected, you see the effect. The tax reform really affected life in the city. The effects of the tax reform were astounding. Thus, "to affect" = to make an effect on something

Generally speaking, affect is a verb and effect is a noun. When you affect something, you produce an effect on it. Even in the passive voice something would be affected, not effected.

"Effect" is something that happens as a result of something else. Ex: "The effects of pollution are significant." "Every choice you make has an effect on those around you." The word "affect" is a verb, meaning to PRODUCE an "effect". Ex: "The pollution affected the quality of air in the city." "I took some medicine, but it didn't affect me. I still feel sick."

look up in a dictionary. They explain it the best.