What are executive orders?

Executive orders are directives issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government. They allow the President to set policies and manage the federal workforce without the need for congressional approval. This power is rooted in the Constitution, where the President is designated as the chief executive, thereby granting the authority to enforce laws and direct the operations of the executive branch.

These orders can cover a broad range of issues, including national security, immigration policy, and environmental regulations, making them an essential tool for the President to enact policies efficiently. While executive orders hold significant power, they are subject to judicial review and can be challenged in courts, particularly if they overstep legal boundaries. This mechanism provides a check on presidential power in the interest of maintaining the balance between the branches of government.

Other choices refer to different aspects of governance: legislative proposals are designed to create laws and require congressional action, regulations enforced by state agencies pertain to state law and policies rather than federal, and judicial rulings are interpretations of laws made by courts that can influence public policy but do not fall under the direct authority of the executive branch.