Executive Order
Presidential declaration. Legislation without the legislature. Effective before checks and balances.
How We Say It
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Where It Comes From
Not mentioned in the Constitution by name. Derives from Article II's grant of 'executive power' and the instruction to 'take care that the laws be faithfully executed.' George Washington issued the first one in 1789. The practice expanded dramatically in the 20th century β FDR issued 3,721 of them, including the internment of Japanese Americans.
How It's Been Used
Used when Congress won't act, or when a president prefers speed over durability. Executive orders can be reversed by the next president on day one β which is both their weakness and, for opponents, their only immediate remedy. The volume of orders issued in any administration is a rough measure of how far the president is operating outside legislative consensus.