MANDATES are instructions or commands issued by a higher authority. FIATS, EDICTS, DICTA, DECREES, and ORDERS are all terms used to describe mandates. FIATS are authoritative commands or ORDERS issued by a sovereign or other competent authority. EDICTS are laws or commands issued by a ruler or government. DICTA are authoritative commands or ORDERS issued by a court or other judicial body. DECREES are authoritative ORDERS or commands issued by a ruler or government. ORDERS are commands or instructions issued by a superior authority.