Executive Orders

Presidential executive orders are powerful directives, but their authority is precisely aimed. This power stems from Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which tasks the president with ensuring laws are "faithfully executed," and from specific authorities delegated by Congress.

Crucially, the binding force of an executive order is directed inward, applying primarily to the federal executive branch. This includes federal agencies, departments, government officials, and federal employees.

Executive orders do not directly apply to entities outside the federal government. For example, a president cannot use an executive order to directly command a state government, a private college, or a private business to take a specific action. However, presidents can exert significant indirect influence. An order can set new requirements for companies wishing to secure federal contracts or establish conditions that states or universities must meet to receive federal grants.

This authority is not absolute. Executive orders cannot contradict federal law, appropriate funds, or exceed constitutional limits. They face checks from the other branches: the courts can rule them unconstitutional, and Congress can pass new laws to override them. A new president can also revoke them with a simple signature.