Theories of Delegation in Political Science.

We survey modern models of delegation which assume that a boss and subordinate pursue their own goals. Among the major themes covered are thefolling: the conditions under which the boss will prefer to delegate versus those in which she will prefer to retain authority; the ways in which a boss can induce a subordinate to truthfully reveal information; when rational principals will use the ally principle; delegation in repeated interactions; and the ways in which delegation can overcome committment problems.