Politics and Government Politics and Government
Mon, January 20, 2025

What is an executive order? Here's what the tool can and can't do


Published on 2025-01-20 09:20:38 - PBS
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  • An incoming president signing a flurry of executive orders is standard practice. But there are limits to what orders can achieve.

An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that manages operations within the federal government without requiring Congressional approval. According to the PBS article, President Trump utilized executive orders extensively to enact policy changes swiftly, bypassing the often slow legislative process. These orders can cover a wide range of issues from immigration to environmental regulations, and while they have the force of law, they can be challenged in court or reversed by subsequent administrations. The article highlights that while executive orders are a powerful tool, their use has sparked debate over the extent of presidential power, with critics arguing that they can undermine the separation of powers by circumventing Congress. However, supporters see them as necessary for efficient governance when legislative action is stalled.

Read the Full PBS Article at:
[ https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-is-an-executive-order-a-look-at-trumps-tool-for-quickly-reshaping-government ]
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