What term describes an instruction or duty given to a person or group?

The term "Commission" refers to an instruction or duty given to a person or group, particularly in a formal context. In various legal and administrative spheres, a commission often denotes a specific assignment or responsibility that grants authority to perform designated functions or tasks. For instance, when a notary public is commissioned, they receive official authority to carry out notarial acts, which may include the taking of acknowledgments, administering oaths, and certifying documents.

This term encapsulates the idea that the individual or group is not merely instructed but is also endowed with certain powers to undertake those responsibilities. Other words provided, such as "mandate" or "order," may imply a direction or command, but they do not inherently convey the connotation of granting authority or the formal appointment that "commission" does. A commission succinctly captures both the assigned duty and the authority to execute that duty, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.