Executive Orders

Definition

These are directives issued by the President of the United States that manage operations of the federal government. They have the full force of law, but can be overturned by a Supreme Court decision or new legislation.

Related terms

Presidential Proclamation: A statement made by the president on a matter of public policy. They are often symbolic and ceremonial in nature.

Executive Privilege: The right claimed by presidents to withhold information from other branches of government or the public for reasons of national security or privacy.

Veto Power: The power held by the president to reject bills passed by both houses of Congress. It can only be overridden with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.