Which term specifically refers to an obligation that must be performed in surety?

The term "liability" specifically refers to an obligation that must be performed in surety. In the context of suretyship, liability signifies the responsibility that a surety or guarantor assumes when they agree to fulfill the obligation of the principal (the individual or entity that is primarily responsible for the obligation). When a surety contracts to provide this guarantee, they essentially take on the liability that arises from the obligation, ensuring that if the principal fails to meet their obligation, the surety will step in to fulfill it.

The other terms do not accurately reflect this specific context. "Levy" pertains to the legal seizure of property to satisfy a debt, which does not directly relate to the performance obligation in surety. A "mandate" generally refers to a command or order, and while it can involve obligations, it doesn’t denote the financial responsibility inherent in a surety arrangement. "Territorial jurisdiction" relates to the geographical area over which a court or legal authority has authority, which is unrelated to the concepts of liability and surety. Therefore, liability is the correct term that embodies the essence of the obligation being referred to in the context of surety.