Which term describes the ability to take action that is normally authorized in advance by an assembly?

The term that describes the ability to take action that is normally authorized in advance by an assembly is ratification. Ratification refers to the formal approval or confirmation by an organization or assembly of actions taken by its members or officers that were performed without prior specific authorization. This process allows an assembly to legally validate decisions or actions that align with its established rules and expectations, ensuring those actions are recognized and accepted within the framework of the assembly's governing procedures.

In the context of parliamentary procedure, ratification provides a mechanism for the assembly to endorse actions that may have been necessary or urgent, even if there wasn’t explicit prior approval. It aligns the actions taken by individuals within the assembly with the collective will of the members, reinforcing accountability and the rule of law within the organization.

Other options do not accurately capture this concept; while delegation refers to assigning authority to act on behalf of the assembly, reconciliation involves resolving differences or ensuring agreement, and authorization is simply granting permission without the aspect of subsequent formal approval that ratification entails.