What are mandates classified as?

Mandates are classified as laws because they are established by governmental authority and often entail requirements that must be followed by individuals or organizations. When regulations are mandated, they carry legal weight and noncompliance can result in penalties or legal action. This classification underscores the mandatory nature of these directives, as opposed to optional guidelines or recommendations.

In distinction, while standards can be important frameworks within regulatory environments, they are typically not legally enforceable unless codified into law. Surveys often serve only to gather data or opinions and do not impose any legal obligations. Voluntary guidelines, by nature, are suggestions rather than legally binding requirements. Therefore, classifying mandates as laws emphasizes their enforceable nature and the obligation for individuals or entities to adhere.