Understanding Executive Orders

Executive orders are directives issued by the President of the United States to manage and direct the federal government. They carry the force of law within the executive branch and are used to instruct federal agencies on how to carry out their duties. While powerful, executive orders have important limitations: they cannot contradict laws passed by Congress and must fall within the President's constitutional or statutory authority.

Key Points

• Issued by the President: Executive orders come directly from the President and do not require congressional approval.
• Directs federal agencies: Their primary purpose is to tell executive branch agencies how to implement laws and policies. They shape how the government operates day-to-day.
• Cannot override Congress: Executive orders cannot contradict or rescind laws passed by Congress. If a law says one thing, an executive order cannot say the opposite.
• Limited scope: The President can only issue executive orders in areas where the Constitution or Congress has granted presidential authority.
• Can be reversed: Unlike laws, executive orders can be modified or rescinded by the current President or any future President. This is why policies set by executive order often change between administrations.