A delegate represents a larger group, such as a trade union, non-profit organization, state, political organization or corporation. They may have limited powers and need approval from their bosses or members. A member of the US House of Representatives is a delegate who represents their party’s interests. Candidates for important political offices may be called superdelegates.
A delegate is a person who generally has the power to represent a larger group. Such a group could be a trade union, a non-profit organization, a state, a political organization or a corporation. For example, a member of the US House of Representatives is a delegate for the territory, which elected him. As a member of the House, he works in the interest of his territory, at least in theory.
To delegate is to give authority or responsibility to others. In a certain sense, whoever has chosen a delegate chooses someone who represents himself and his interests. Instead of representing themselves, a large organization may choose one or more authorized persons to act for the company. This person is also often referred to as a representative.
While a delegate may represent the interests of an organized body, not all are equally empowered to act. For example, a company delegate who may participate in union negotiations may not be able to make decisions for the company. He or she may assert the company’s interests, but may need decisions approved by a company’s bosses.
Likewise, a delegate for a union might be limited in powers. He or she may be able to bring a company’s proposed deal to the union, but union members may have the power to vote on final contract decisions.
With a delegate being a member of the House of Representatives, the person is expected to represent all of his or her constituents. However, this is rarely the case. Instead, the delegate usually represents the interests of the party that elected him. Unless the person commits an act that would ban him from the House, he can vote on any issue by personal decision. The representative has sufficient power to act independently of the persons represented. However, failing to vote in a way that pleases a majority of people will usually lead to voters electing someone else in the future.
Sometimes, candidates for important political offices, such as the presidency of the United States, are called superdelegates. Each candidate is essentially a delegate who is attempting to gain office and lead the country from a specific political ideology, such as Democrat, Republican or Libertarian. These people represent the political parties that support them, but since the job of president is so large, the term “superdelegate” is deserved.
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