Government and politics concepts · AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History
Executive order
Executive order: A directive from the president to the executive branch that has the force of law, without requiring congressional approval.
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What it means
Presidents use executive orders to manage how federal agencies carry out laws. They are an informal power not described in the Constitution, rooted in the president's role as head of the executive branch.
Executive orders can be overturned by later presidents, struck down by courts, or effectively limited by Congress through legislation or funding.
Example
A president directs federal agencies to prioritize certain cases or change hiring practices through an executive order.
On the exam
Executive orders are a common example of informal presidential power in Unit 2.