Delegation of Authority

Delegation of authority is the formal assignment of decision-making or operational authority from one official or body to another, within limits established by law and organizational rules. A delegation can help an agency function efficiently, but it does not remove the delegating official’s legal obligations or expand the authority beyond what the law permits.

Example: A department secretary may delegate specified administrative decisions to an assistant secretary under the department’s governing rules and delegations.

Common misconception: A delegation permanently transfers all responsibility. Delegated authority remains subject to the terms of the delegation and may be limited, changed, or revoked.

Sources: https://www.federalregister.gov/reader-aids/understanding-the-federal-register; https://www.gao.gov/legal/appropriations-law