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B2 Noun and Verb #40 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

mandate

Top 40

At the A1 level, 'mandate' is a very difficult word. You don't need to use it yet. It means a very important rule that everyone must follow. Think of it like a 'big rule' from the government or a boss. For example, if your school says everyone must wear a blue shirt, that is like a mandate. It is not a choice. You can just say 'rule' or 'must' for now. 'Mandate' is for when you are talking about serious things like laws. It is a noun (a thing) and a verb (an action). As a noun, it is the rule itself. As a verb, it means making the rule. Most A1 students will not see this word in their books, but you might hear it on the news if people are talking about new laws. Just remember: Mandate = Official Rule.

At the A2 level, you might start to see 'mandate' in news stories or simple articles about politics. It is a formal word for an official order. If a leader wins an election with many votes, people say they have a 'mandate.' This means the people want them to do their job. It is also used for rules that you cannot break. For example, 'The city has a mandate for recycling.' This means you have to recycle; it is the law. You can use 'mandate' instead of 'official rule' to sound more serious. Remember that it can be a verb too. 'The law mandates seatbelts' means the law says you must wear a seatbelt. It is a good word to know if you want to understand how governments work.

At the B1 level, you should understand 'mandate' as both a noun and a verb in professional and political contexts. As a noun, it often refers to the authority given to a person or group to perform a certain task. For instance, 'The committee has a mandate to improve safety.' This means the committee was officially told to do this work. As a verb, it means to make something compulsory. 'The new policy mandates that all staff attend the workshop.' Notice how we often use 'mandate that' followed by a sentence. This word is common in business and news. It is stronger than 'suggest' or 'ask.' It implies that there is a formal power behind the requirement. You should try to use it when discussing rules or official responsibilities.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'mandate' correctly in various contexts, especially in formal writing and discussions. You should understand the nuance of a 'political mandate'—the idea that a landslide victory gives a leader the moral and political right to act. You should also be comfortable using it as a verb to describe legislative or corporate requirements. For example, 'The directive mandates a reduction in carbon emissions.' At this level, you should also be aware of common collocations like 'clear mandate,' 'popular mandate,' and 'to issue a mandate.' You should be able to distinguish it from similar words like 'authorization' or 'requirement' based on the level of official authority involved. It is a key word for expressing obligation in a sophisticated way.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of 'mandate' and its implications in legal, political, and historical contexts. You should be able to discuss the 'mandate system' in history or the 'judicial mandate' in legal proceedings. You should use the word to describe the legitimacy of power. For instance, you might analyze whether a government has a 'democratic mandate' for a specific policy. You should also be familiar with the more technical uses of the word, such as a court's mandate to a lower court. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight; it is not just about a rule, but about the source of the authority that makes the rule. You should be able to use it effortlessly in complex sentence structures, including the use of the subjunctive mood after the verb form.

At the C2 level, 'mandate' is a tool for precise and nuanced expression in high-level discourse. You should be able to use it to discuss abstract concepts of governance, international law, and institutional authority. You might use it to describe the 'mandate of heaven' in a historical essay or the 'unfunded mandates' in a policy critique. You should understand how the word functions in various registers, from the highly technical language of a legal brief to the rhetorical flourishes of a political speech. At this level, you should also be aware of the word's etymology and how its meaning has evolved over time. Your use of 'mandate' should demonstrate a mastery of English that allows you to convey authority, legitimacy, and obligation with perfect clarity and appropriate tone.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

mandate in 30 Sekunden

A mandate is an official order or the authority to carry out a policy, often granted by an election victory or a legal body.
As a verb, to mandate means to make something compulsory or required by law, removing the element of choice for those involved.
In politics, a 'clear mandate' allows a leader to implement their agenda with the perceived backing of the majority of the public.
The word is commonly used in legal, corporate, and governmental contexts to describe formal requirements and the scope of institutional power.

The word mandate is a powerful term that bridges the worlds of law, politics, and everyday requirements. At its core, it refers to the authority to carry out a specific action or the requirement that an action must be performed. When you hear the word used as a noun, it often refers to a 'clear mandate' given by voters to a politician after an election. This implies that because the person won, they have the permission and the duty from the public to implement their promised policies. In a more administrative or legal sense, a mandate is an official order. For example, during public health crises, governments might issue a 'mask mandate,' which is a formal requirement for citizens to wear face coverings in public spaces. As a verb, to mandate something means to make it compulsory or required by law. If a company mandates a training session, every employee is legally or contractually obligated to attend.

Political Authority: A mandate in politics is the 'permission' granted by the electorate. It is not just about winning; it is about the perceived strength of that win allowing for bold actions.
Legal Requirement: In legal terms, it is a judicial command or a formal order from a superior court to a lower court to perform a specific act.
Corporate Mandate: Organizations use mandates to establish standard operating procedures that are non-negotiable for all staff members.

The newly elected prime minister claimed a strong mandate to reform the healthcare system after winning sixty percent of the popular vote.

The federal government decided to mandate the use of renewable energy sources for all new public buildings starting next year.

Without a clear mandate from the board of directors, the CEO was unable to proceed with the controversial merger.

The court issued a mandate requiring the company to pay damages to the affected residents within thirty days.

The safety regulations mandate that all construction workers must wear high-visibility vests at all times on the site.

In summary, whether you are discussing a landslide election victory or a new office policy, 'mandate' is the go-to word for describing the power to act or the necessity of an action. It is frequently used in news headlines, legal documents, and corporate communications to denote a high level of obligation and legitimacy. Understanding its nuances helps in navigating formal English environments where authority and compliance are central themes.

Using 'mandate' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it often follows adjectives like 'clear,' 'strong,' 'popular,' or 'official.' As a verb, it is typically used in the active voice to describe what an authority requires. When you use it as a verb, you are saying that something is no longer optional. It is a 'must-do' situation. This section explores the various syntactic structures where 'mandate' thrives.

Noun Form: The Authority: The president's mandate was strengthened by the high voter turnout. Here, 'mandate' acts as the subject, representing the authority itself.
Verb Form: The Action: The state legislature voted to mandate carbon emissions testing for all vehicles. In this case, 'mandate' is the action of making the testing required.
Passive Construction: The use of safety harnesses is mandated by federal law. This is a common way to describe regulations without focusing on the person who wrote the law.

The commission has a mandate to investigate any allegations of corruption within the local police force.

New environmental laws mandate that all plastic packaging must be recyclable by the end of the decade.

The voters gave the council a clear mandate to prioritize public transportation over highway expansion.

Does the current constitution mandate a balanced budget every fiscal year?

The UN mandate for the peacekeeping mission was extended for another six months by the Security Council.

Mastering the use of 'mandate' allows you to describe power dynamics and regulatory frameworks with precision. It is a word that suggests legitimacy; it is not just a random rule, but one backed by authority, whether that authority comes from a law, a court, or the will of the people. By practicing both the noun and verb forms, you will be able to articulate complex ideas about governance and obligation more effectively.

You will encounter 'mandate' most frequently in serious, formal contexts. It is a staple of political journalism, legal proceedings, and corporate governance. If you watch the news during an election cycle, you will hear pundits debating whether the winner has a 'mandate for change.' In the workplace, you might see it in emails from the HR department regarding new compliance requirements. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation among friends unless they are discussing politics or specific rules.

The Evening News: Journalists use 'mandate' to describe the political capital a leader has. 'The Prime Minister lacks the mandate to push through such a radical bill.'
Legal Dramas and Courts: Lawyers and judges use 'mandate' to refer to the specific instructions or authority given by a court order.
Public Health and Safety: During emergencies, you will hear about 'vaccine mandates' or 'evacuation mandates' issued by emergency management agencies.

Breaking News: The Supreme Court has upheld the federal mandate for workplace safety inspections.

The CEO's mandate from the shareholders is to double the company's profit margin within three years.

Many citizens protested against the government's mandate to install smart meters in every home.

The central bank has a mandate to maintain price stability and control inflation.

The environmental agency will mandate stricter limits on industrial waste disposal starting in January.

Because 'mandate' implies a formal transfer of power or a strict requirement, it is a word that carries significant weight. When you hear it, pay attention to who is giving the mandate and what it requires. This will help you understand the power structures at play in the situation being described. It is a word that signals that something important and non-optional is happening.

Even though 'mandate' is a common word in formal English, learners often make a few specific errors. The most frequent mistake is confusing the noun 'mandate' with the adjective 'mandatory.' While they are related, they are used differently in a sentence. Another common error is using 'mandate' for small, personal requests where 'ask' or 'request' would be more appropriate. 'Mandate' always implies a formal or official authority.

Mandate vs. Mandatory: Incorrect: 'The meeting is a mandate.' Correct: 'The meeting is mandatory' or 'The company issued a mandate for the meeting.'
Overusing the Word: Don't say 'My mom mandated that I clean my room.' It sounds too formal and slightly humorous. Use 'ordered' or 'told' instead.
Preposition Errors: People often forget that the noun 'mandate' is usually followed by 'to' (mandate to do something) or 'for' (mandate for change).

Mistake: The government mandated for the people to stay home. (Better: The government mandated that people stay home.)

Mistake: He has a mandate of fixing the economy. (Better: He has a mandate to fix the economy.)

Mistake: It is mandate to wear a seatbelt. (Correct: It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt.)

Mistake: The boss mandated me to finish the report. (Better: The boss mandated that I finish the report.)

Mistake: I have a mandate from my friend to buy milk. (Better: My friend asked me to buy milk.)

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your English sound more natural and professional. Pay close attention to the part of speech you need. If you are describing a rule, use 'mandatory.' If you are describing the act of making a rule or the authority behind it, use 'mandate.' With practice, these distinctions will become second nature.

To truly master 'mandate,' it helps to compare it with other words that deal with authority and requirements. Words like 'authorization,' 'decree,' 'directive,' and 'requirement' all share some DNA with 'mandate,' but they each have their own specific flavor and context. Choosing the right one can change the tone of your sentence from a gentle suggestion to a strict command.

Mandate vs. Authorization: Authorization is giving permission; a mandate is giving an order or authority to act. You might have authorization to enter a building, but a mandate to manage it.
Mandate vs. Decree: A decree is an official order issued by a legal authority, often a monarch or dictator. It sounds more old-fashioned and absolute than a mandate.
Mandate vs. Directive: A directive is an official instruction. It is common in corporate and EU law. It is slightly less 'heavy' than a mandate but still very formal.

The manager gave her authorization to sign the contracts on his behalf.

The king issued a royal decree that all taxes would be lowered for the winter.

The board's directive was clear: cut costs by ten percent without firing any staff.

Is there a legal requirement to have insurance for your bicycle in this country?

The governor's sanction was required before the new development project could begin.

By understanding these synonyms, you can avoid repeating the word 'mandate' too often in your writing. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance that can help you be more precise. Whether you need the absolute power of a 'decree' or the simple necessity of a 'requirement,' having these words in your vocabulary will make you a more versatile communicator.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The word 'mandate' and 'command' share the same root, 'mandare,' which is why they both relate to giving orders.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈmæn.deɪt/

US /ˈmæn.deɪt/

First syllable: MAN-date

Reimt sich auf

Candidate Update Inundate Validate Liquidate Consolidate Accommodate State

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it like 'man-det' (short E).
Stressing the second syllable (man-DATE).
Confusing it with 'mandatory' pronunciation.
Mumbling the 'd' sound.
Adding an 's' to the verb form incorrectly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 7/5

Common in news and formal texts, but requires context to understand the nuance.

Schreiben 8/5

Hard to use correctly as a verb without sounding overly formal.

Sprechen 6/5

Rarely used in casual speech, mostly in professional settings.

Hören 7/5

Easily confused with 'mandatory' when heard quickly.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Rule Order Law Vote Power

Als Nächstes lernen

Legitimacy Constituency Compulsory Directive Authorization

Fortgeschritten

Jurisdiction Fiat Ukase Ordinance Statute

Wichtige Grammatik

Subjunctive after 'mandate'

The law mandates that he be present.

Noun + Infinitive

A mandate to explore new markets.

Passive Voice

It is mandated by law.

That-clause

The rule mandates that we wear hats.

Prepositional use

Under the mandate of the council.

Beispiele nach Niveau

The school has a mandate for uniforms.

The school has a rule for clothes.

Noun usage.

The boss gave a mandate to work hard.

The boss said we must work hard.

Noun usage.

It is a mandate to stay safe.

It is a rule to stay safe.

Noun usage.

The law will mandate new rules.

The law will make new rules.

Verb usage.

They have a mandate to help.

They have a job to help.

Noun usage.

The city mandates clean parks.

The city says parks must be clean.

Verb usage.

A mandate is an official order.

A mandate is a formal rule.

Definition.

The mandate says 'no smoking'.

The rule says 'no smoking'.

Noun usage.

The voters gave the mayor a mandate.

The people gave the mayor power.

Political context.

The company mandates a lunch break.

The company requires a break.

Verb usage.

There is a mandate to wear masks.

There is a rule to wear masks.

Noun usage.

Does the law mandate car insurance?

Does the law require insurance?

Question form.

The mandate was very clear.

The order was easy to understand.

Adjective + Noun.

The council has a mandate to build roads.

The council has authority to build roads.

Noun + infinitive.

The government will mandate recycling.

The government will make recycling a rule.

Future tense verb.

He followed the mandate of the court.

He followed the court's order.

Legal context.

The new policy mandates that all staff attend training.

The policy requires training for everyone.

Verb + that clause.

The president claimed a mandate for change.

The president said he has authority to change things.

Common phrase.

The committee's mandate is to review the budget.

The committee's job is to look at the money.

Possessive noun.

They are working under a UN mandate.

They are working with UN authority.

Prepositional phrase.

The law mandates a minimum wage for all workers.

The law requires a certain pay level.

Verb + object.

The court issued a mandate to stop the construction.

The court ordered the building to stop.

Verb + noun.

We need a mandate from the board before we act.

We need permission from the leaders.

Noun usage.

The regulations mandate specific safety equipment.

The rules require certain safety tools.

Verb usage.

The landslide victory provided a clear mandate for reform.

The big win gave authority for changes.

Collocation: clear mandate.

Federal laws mandate that hospitals provide emergency care.

National laws require hospitals to help in emergencies.

Verb + that clause.

The agency has a broad mandate to protect the environment.

The group has a wide job to save nature.

Adjective + noun.

Is the use of these chemicals mandated by the state?

Does the state require these chemicals?

Passive voice.

The peace treaty includes a mandate for democratic elections.

The treaty requires elections.

Noun usage.

The CEO's mandate was to turn the company around.

The CEO's goal/authority was to fix the company.

Noun usage.

The constitution mandates a separation of powers.

The constitution requires different branches of government.

Verb usage.

The court's mandate was finally carried out yesterday.

The court's order was finally done.

Noun usage.

The central bank's mandate is to maintain price stability.

The bank's official duty is to keep prices steady.

Technical context.

The legislation mandates a comprehensive review of the tax code.

The law requires a full look at taxes.

Formal verb usage.

Critics argue the government lacks a popular mandate for the tax hike.

Critics say people didn't vote for higher taxes.

Political nuance.

The mandate of the peacekeeping force was renewed for another year.

The authority of the soldiers was extended.

International relations.

The new regulations mandate that companies disclose their carbon footprint.

The rules require companies to show their pollution.

Verb + that clause.

The judge issued a mandate to the lower court to reconsider the case.

The judge ordered the other court to look again.

Legal technicality.

He interpreted the election results as a mandate for radical change.

He saw the votes as permission for big changes.

Interpretive context.

The organization operates under a mandate from the General Assembly.

The group works with permission from the Assembly.

Institutional context.

The treaty's mandate extends far beyond simple trade agreements.

The treaty's authority goes past just trade.

Abstract usage.

The executive order mandates a shift in the nation's energy policy.

The order requires a change in energy rules.

High-level policy.

The philosophical concept of the 'mandate of heaven' justified imperial rule.

The idea of divine permission helped kings rule.

Historical/Philosophical.

The court's mandate was seen as a pivotal moment in civil rights history.

The court's order was a very important time for rights.

Historical significance.

The commission was given a mandate to overhaul the entire educational system.

The group was told to change all of education.

Comprehensive scope.

Such unfunded mandates place a significant burden on local governments.

Rules without money are hard for cities.

Economic/Policy term.

The legitimacy of the mandate was questioned by international observers.

Observers asked if the authority was real.

Political legitimacy.

The legislation mandates that the state achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The law requires zero net carbon by 2050.

Environmental policy.

Häufige Kollokationen

Clear mandate

Popular mandate

Federal mandate

Unfunded mandate

To issue a mandate

To seek a mandate

Broad mandate

Legal mandate

Mandate that

Renew a mandate

Häufige Phrasen

Mandate for change

Under the mandate of

Carry out a mandate

Lacks a mandate

Scope of the mandate

Strong mandate

Constitutional mandate

Judicial mandate

To fulfill a mandate

A mandate from the people

Wird oft verwechselt mit

mandate vs Mandatory

Mandatory is an adjective (a mandatory rule); mandate is a noun or verb.

mandate vs Authorization

Authorization is permission; mandate is an order or authority to act.

mandate vs Order

Order is more general; mandate implies a formal or democratic source of power.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Mandate of heaven"

The idea that a ruler has divine right to rule.

The dynasty lost the mandate of heaven.

Historical

"A mandate, not a suggestion"

Emphasizing that something is absolutely required.

This safety rule is a mandate, not a suggestion.

Informal/Workplace

"Fresh mandate"

New authority after a recent win.

The election gave him a fresh mandate.

Political

"Blanket mandate"

A rule that applies to everything or everyone without exception.

The company issued a blanket mandate on remote work.

Corporate

"Mandate to lead"

The right to be the person in charge.

He felt he had a mandate to lead the party.

Political

"Moral mandate"

The feeling that one has a duty to act based on ethics.

The doctor felt a moral mandate to help.

Formal

"Double mandate"

Having two different sets of authorities or duties.

The governor had a double mandate from two parties.

Political

"Expired mandate"

Authority that is no longer valid because time has run out.

The committee is acting on an expired mandate.

Formal

"Stolen mandate"

The claim that an election was unfair and the winner has no right to rule.

The opposition complained of a stolen mandate.

Political

"Mandate creep"

When an organization slowly starts doing things outside its original authority.

We must prevent mandate creep in the new agency.

Corporate

Leicht verwechselbar

mandate vs Mandatory

Similar sound and meaning.

Mandatory is an adjective; mandate is a noun/verb.

The mask mandate made masks mandatory.

mandate vs Command

Both mean to give an order.

Command is more personal; mandate is more institutional.

The general gave a command; the court issued a mandate.

mandate vs Directive

Both are formal orders.

Directives are often specific instructions; mandates are broader authorities.

The directive told us how to file; the mandate told us what to achieve.

mandate vs Decree

Both are official orders.

Decree sounds like a king; mandate sounds like a democracy or court.

The king's decree was absolute; the president's mandate was from the voters.

mandate vs Permission

Mandate involves being allowed to do something.

Permission is passive; a mandate is an active authority or requirement.

I have permission to go; I have a mandate to lead.

Satzmuster

The [authority] gave a mandate.

The people gave a mandate.

The [rule] mandates [noun].

The law mandates insurance.

A mandate to [verb].

A mandate to help.

Mandate that [subject] [verb].

The law mandates that we stay.

Under a [adjective] mandate.

Under a federal mandate.

[Subject] lacks a mandate for [noun].

He lacks a mandate for change.

The mandate of [group] is to [verb].

The mandate of the UN is to keep peace.

An unfunded mandate.

The city complained about the unfunded mandate.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in news, law, and business; rare in casual conversation.

Häufige Fehler

The meeting is a mandate. → The meeting is mandatory.
Mandate is a noun/verb, not an adjective.
He mandated for us to leave. → He mandated that we leave.
The verb 'mandate' usually takes a 'that' clause.
I have a mandate of cleaning. → I have a mandate to clean.
The noun 'mandate' is followed by an infinitive (to + verb).
The government mandate masks. → The government mandates masks.
Don't forget the 's' for third-person singular verbs.
It is mandate to pay taxes. → It is mandatory to pay taxes.
Use the adjective form 'mandatory' after 'It is...'

Tipps

Verb Usage

When using 'mandate' as a verb, you can say 'mandate something' or 'mandate that...'. Both are very common in formal writing.

Political Context

Use 'clear mandate' when a politician wins by a lot of votes. It shows they have strong support.

Professional Tone

In business reports, use 'mandate' to describe the goals and powers of a new department.

News Keywords

Listen for 'mandate' in news about elections. It helps you understand if the winner is powerful or weak.

Avoid Slang

Don't use 'mandate' in casual slang. It's a serious word for serious situations.

Subjunctive Mood

In very formal English, use the base form of the verb after 'mandate that' (e.g., 'mandate that he go').

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound less 'heavy,' use 'requirement' instead of 'mandate.'

International Law

Remember that 'mandate' has a specific historical meaning in the UN and League of Nations.

Mnemonic

A MAN-DATE is an order given by a MAN with a DATE for completion.

Don't Overuse

If you use 'mandate' too much, your writing might sound too 'legalistic' or stiff.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'MAN' giving a 'DATE' for a deadline. A 'MAN-DATE' is an official order with a specific time to be done.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a large, official-looking scroll with a golden seal that says 'MUST DO' in big letters.

Word Web

Authority Rule Law Election Order Requirement Voters Court

Herausforderung

Try to use 'mandate' as a noun and a verb in the same paragraph about a school rule.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Latin word 'mandatum,' which is the neuter past participle of 'mandare.'

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally 'to give into one's hand' (manus 'hand' + dare 'to give').

Italic -> Latin -> Old French -> English.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'mandate' in sensitive political discussions, as it implies a level of authority that some may dispute.

In the US, 'unfunded mandates' are a major political issue between federal and state governments.

The British Mandate for Palestine The League of Nations Mandates The Mandate of Heaven (Chinese history)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Politics

Clear mandate
Popular mandate
Mandate for change
Lacks a mandate

Law

Court mandate
Issue a mandate
Legal mandate
Judicial mandate

Business

Corporate mandate
Mandate to reform
Scope of the mandate
Project mandate

Public Health

Mask mandate
Vaccine mandate
Health mandate
State mandate

International Relations

UN mandate
Peacekeeping mandate
Renew a mandate
Historical mandate

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you think a politician needs a landslide victory to have a real mandate?"

"What is the most annoying mandate you've ever had to follow at work?"

"Should governments have the power to mandate health decisions for citizens?"

"How do you feel about the school's mandate for student uniforms?"

"Does your current job give you a clear mandate of what you are supposed to do?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you were given a mandate to lead a group. How did you handle the authority?

Write about a law in your country that mandates something you disagree with. Why do you feel that way?

If you were elected leader of your city, what would be your first mandate for the citizens?

Reflect on the difference between a suggestion and a mandate in your personal relationships.

Discuss the importance of a 'popular mandate' in a healthy democracy.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is both! As a noun, it means an official order or authority. As a verb, it means to make something required.

You can, but it sounds very formal or funny. It's better to say 'I told them' or 'I ordered them.'

It is a formal rule from the government that says people must wear masks in certain places.

It means a leader doesn't have enough support or authority from the people to make big changes.

No, it is also used in law (court orders) and business (company rules).

It's when a high government makes a rule for a lower government but doesn't give them the money to pay for it.

It is pronounced MAN-date, with the stress on the first part.

Mandate is the rule itself; mandatory describes the rule (e.g., 'The mandate makes it mandatory').

Yes, a court mandate is a formal order to a lower court or to a person to do something.

Not exactly. A law is a general rule; a mandate is often a specific order or authority based on a law or election.