Commission facts for kids

The word commission can mean a few different things. It often refers to a task or a job that someone is asked to do. It can also be a payment you get for doing a job, or even a group of people working together on a special project. Let's explore the different ways we use this word!

What is a Commission?

A "commission" is like a special request or a job that needs to be done. Imagine your parents ask you to clean your room; that's a task, but a commission is usually a more formal or important task. It can also be the payment you receive for completing a specific task, especially in sales. Sometimes, it's a group of people given a special job to investigate something or make decisions.

Commission as Payment

When someone talks about earning a "commission," they usually mean a type of payment. This payment is often a percentage of the money made from a sale. For example, if you sell a video game console for $300 and your commission is 10%, you would earn $30. This is a common way for salespeople to get paid. It encourages them to sell more because the more they sell, the more money they earn.

Commissioning Art

Have you ever heard of someone "commissioning" a painting or a song? This means they are asking an artist to create a specific piece of art just for them. It's like placing a special order. For example, a family might commission a portrait of themselves. A city might commission a sculptor to create a statue for a park. The artist agrees to create the work, and the person or group commissioning it agrees to pay for it. This is a very old tradition that helps artists make a living and allows people to get unique artworks.

Groups of People Called Commissions

Sometimes, a "commission" is a group of people. These groups are usually formed to do a specific job, like investigating a problem or making important decisions. They are often very official and have a lot of responsibility.

Government Commissions

Governments often create commissions to handle important tasks. These groups are usually made up of experts or officials. For example, a government might set up a commission to study why traffic is so bad in a city. This group would research the problem, talk to people, and then suggest solutions.

• A Constitutional Commission is a special group of people. Their job is to review or even write a country's constitution. A constitution is like a rulebook for a country, explaining how the government works and what rights citizens have. These commissions make sure the rules are fair and up-to-date.
• A Royal Commission is a very important public inquiry. In some countries, like the UK or Canada, the government can set up a Royal Commission to investigate serious issues. For example, if there was a major accident or a big public concern, a Royal Commission might be formed to find out what happened and suggest ways to prevent it from happening again. They gather information, listen to witnesses, and then publish a report with their findings and recommendations.

The European Commission

The European Commission is a very important group in Europe. It's like the executive branch of the European Union (EU). The EU is a group of 27 countries in Europe that work together on many things, like trade, laws, and security. The European Commission proposes new laws for the EU, manages the EU's budget, and makes sure that EU laws are followed. It's made up of one commissioner from each EU country.

A Commission as an Official Document

Finally, a "commission" can also be an official document. This document is like a formal letter or certificate that gives someone a special job or rank. For example, in the military, when someone becomes an officer, they receive a "commission." This document officially appoints them to their new role and gives them the authority to perform their duties.