What is a key characteristic of a general agent?

A key characteristic of a general agent is the authority to conduct ongoing business for the principal. This means that a general agent can represent and act on behalf of the principal in a broad range of activities and transactions over an extended period. This encompasses a variety of responsibilities and duties that go beyond single transactions, allowing the agent to make decisions, negotiate contracts, and undertake actions necessary to carry out the principal's business or interests.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of agency authority. One option refers to authority that is limited to specific transactions, which is characteristic of a special agent rather than a general agent. Another option suggests authority constrained to a specific geographic area, which does not capture the ongoing commitment typical of a general agent's role. The final option involves authority based on a written agreement, which is relevant to defining any agent's capacity but does not specifically highlight the enduring nature of a general agent's responsibilities. The essential distinction lies in the general agent's ability to manage ongoing business transactions and decisions rather than being confined to singular or geographically limited tasks.