Wednesday: Law & Civics
What is a directive issued by the President that has the force of law, but it does not require approval from Congress and can be overturned by the courts or a subsequent president?
Hint: This presidential directive has the force of law but can be undone by the courts or a future president—no Congress needed!
An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that carries the force of law without requiring congressional approval.
These orders are based on the president’s constitutional authority or powers granted by Congress and are used to manage federal government operations.
Once issued, executive orders are published in the Federal Register and must be followed by executive agencies. However, they are not absolute; the judiciary can rule them unconstitutional, Congress can pass legislation to override them, and future presidents can revoke or modify them.
Throughout history, executive orders have played a significant role in shaping policy, such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s order establishing the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression.
What about the other answers?
Executive Agreement: A deal made between the president and a foreign government that does not require Senate approval, unlike treaties.
Presidential Memorandum: These are also directives from the president but are generally less formal and do not have to be published in the Federal Register.
Presidential Proclamation: While similar, proclamations are more ceremonial and do not carry the same legal weight as executive orders.