mandate
MAN-dayt
/ˈmændeɪt/
An official order, commission, or authority granted by a electorate or governing body to carry out a course of action.
Implies democratically bestowed backing or legal obligation that cannot be easily ignored.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'mandatum', combining 'manus' (hand) and 'dare' (to give). In Roman law, a mandatum was a contract where someone committed 'into the hands of another' a task to be performed.
Word relationships
- directive: 'Directive' focuses on an executive instruction rather than political authorization.
- authorization: 'Authorization' emphasizes granting permission rather than commanding an obligation.
- prohibition: 'Prohibition' is an official order forbidding something.
- veto: 'Veto' is the power or act of rejecting a proposed command or law.
Commonly confused with
- commandment: 'Mandate' carries political, legal, or electoral authority, while 'commandment' usually carries religious or moral authority.
Word family
- mandatory (adjective): Required by law or rules; compulsory.
Collocations
- electoral mandate
- clear mandate
- mandate from the public
- seek a mandate
Example sentences
- "The newly elected president claimed a clear popular mandate to reform the tax system." Elections
- "The government decided to mandate safety standards for all municipal public transport." Public Health
Memory hook
HAND + DATE: Handing over authority on this date. Entrusting authority into hands.
When not to use
Do not use for informal requests or casual suggestions.
Fun facts
- In international law after WWI, League of Nations 'Mandates' were territories placed under the administration of specific countries.
Also appears in
- Leadership → Authoritative Leadership
- Leadership → Responsibility & Accountability
- Leadership → Delegation & Empowerment
- Political Science & Governance → Democratic Theory & Representation
- Political Science & Governance → Public Administration & Bureaucracy
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Corporate Social Responsibility
- Military Science & Warfare → Peacekeeping & UN Interventions
- Religion & World Beliefs → Theocracy & Religious Law
- Student Life & Schooling → Student Government & Elections
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