What is an Executive Order?
An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government. It has the force of law, and it does not require approval from Congress. Executive orders are typically used to implement policy changes, enforce laws, or manage government agencies.
How Executive Orders Work
When the President signs an executive order, it becomes official government policy. Executive orders are published in the Federal Register and are considered binding on federal agencies. While executive orders can be overturned by Congress or the courts, they often have immediate impact and are difficult to reverse.
Examples of Executive Orders
One famous executive order is President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Another well-known executive order is President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13636, which established cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure.
Case Studies
President Trump’s Executive Order 13769, also known as the travel ban, prohibited entry into the United States for citizens of several Muslim-majority countries. The order faced legal challenges and sparked widespread protests. President Biden’s Executive Order 14008 revoked the Keystone XL pipeline permit, a decision that has had significant economic and environmental implications.
Statistics on Executive Orders
Since George Washington issued the first executive order in 1789, every president has made use of this power. The number of executive orders issued varies widely from one administration to the next. President Franklin D. Roosevelt holds the record for the most executive orders with over 3,700 during his four terms in office.
