An executive order is among the most common presidential documents in the United States government. Every U.S. president has issued at least one executive order while in office. Simply put, these documents are a signed, written directive to federal agencies that manage federal government operations. They are based on preexisting constitutional or statutory authority.
Although executive orders are not laws, they carry a similar effect (i.e., the force of law). They are meant to guide how certain laws are implemented. Crucially, executive orders cannot overturn existing laws or appropriate funds that have not previously been approved by Congress. These directives do not require congressional approval and can be reversed only by a sitting president. However, a judicial review may nullify an order if it is found to be unconstitutional.
Over 13,000 executive orders have been issued by U.S. presidents. President Roosevelt holds the record for most executive orders signed, clocking in at 3,721. Unsurprisingly, executive orders are frequently used at times of war or in the event of a national emergency, when swift action is required.
Each executive order is catalogued sequentially and assigned a number. This organization method facilitates research and reference processes. Executive orders tend to follow the same general structure and outline.
Orders have a heading that includes its assigned number and the date it was issued, followed by the title. Below the title is a short introduction beginning with the phrase “by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America” followed by an introduction of what is being ordered. Next is the body of the order, including action steps and directives. Finally, the order is completed with the president’s signature at the bottom.
