How executive orders work

Summary

In this video, Casey Decker explains the power and limitations of executive orders, using President Trump's early actions as a case study. While executive orders allow the president to direct federal agencies and interpret laws, they are not the same as laws passed by Congress. The president cannot repeal laws or make new laws through executive orders, and any order that contradicts existing laws can be challenged in court. Ultimately, major policy changes require Congress's involvement, and executive orders are often used for short-term adjustments in policy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Executive orders are directives issued by the president to manage federal agencies and the executive branch.
• 😀 President Trump signed numerous executive orders on his first day in office, addressing a variety of issues.
• 😀 Executive orders are not the same as laws passed by Congress.
• 😀 The president cannot make new laws through executive orders; they must adhere to existing laws.
• 😀 The Constitution grants the president broad executive power, but this is limited to the executive branch.
• 😀 Executive orders primarily affect federal agencies like the White House staff, military, and departments such as the FBI or Department of Energy.
• 😀 While the president can direct agencies on how to enforce laws, he cannot change or repeal laws with an executive order.
• 😀 Executive orders are subject to challenges in court and can be struck down if they conflict with laws or exceed presidential authority.
• 😀 Executive orders can be repealed by the president, unlike laws, which can only be repealed by Congress or overturned by the Supreme Court.
• 😀 Although executive orders can bring quick changes, they often only produce short-term effects, as they are limited by existing laws.
• 😀 Long-lasting, significant changes require action from Congress rather than relying solely on executive orders.

Q & A

What are executive orders?

Executive orders are directives issued by the President to manage operations within the federal government. They focus on guiding the actions of federal agencies and departments under the executive branch.

Are executive orders the same as laws passed by Congress?

No, executive orders are not the same as laws passed by Congress. Laws are created through the legislative process, while executive orders are issued by the President to manage the executive branch and enforce policies.

What is the scope of power that the President has when issuing executive orders?

The President has broad executive power, which allows them to direct federal agencies, staff, and military actions. However, this power is limited by existing laws and cannot override laws passed by Congress.

Can the President change or repeal laws through executive orders?

No, the President cannot change or repeal existing laws through executive orders. However, the President can interpret and decide how existing laws are enforced, which can influence their application.

Can executive orders be challenged in court?

Yes, executive orders can be challenged in court. If an order is found to contradict existing laws or exceed the President's authority, it can be struck down by the courts.

Can executive orders be repealed by the President?

Yes, executive orders can be repealed by the President at any time, unlike laws, which can only be repealed by Congress or struck down by the Supreme Court.

What is the main difference between executive orders and laws?

The key difference is that executive orders are directives from the President aimed at managing the executive branch, while laws are statutes passed by Congress that apply to the entire country and cannot be easily repealed by the President alone.

What kind of policy changes can executive orders achieve?

Executive orders can quickly implement policy changes, especially within the executive branch. They are often used to direct federal agencies on how to enforce laws or handle specific issues.

Do executive orders result in long-term policy changes?

Executive orders often lead to short-term policy changes. For long-term and lasting changes, Congressional action is required, as Congress has the power to create or amend laws.

Why did President Trump sign so many executive orders on his first day in office?

President Trump signed many executive orders on his first day to swiftly begin implementing his policy agenda and bring about immediate changes, particularly regarding issues like TikTok and birthright citizenship.