What is an executive order?

• A. Declaration by the president or governor which has the force of law
• B. Requires action by Congress or state legislature to take effect
• C. Based on existing statutory powers but not necessarily immediate
• D. Relates only to budget and fiscal policy

Answer: (A)

An executive order is a directive issued by the president or a governor that carries the force of law within the executive branch. It comes from the authority of the office and is used to direct how agencies operate, implement existing laws, or set policy details without needing a new law from Congress or the state legislature. It takes effect immediately in the administrative realm, but it must comply with the Constitution and statutes and can be challenged in court or changed by a future administration.

This explains why the choice stating it requires legislative action to take effect isn’t correct—the point of an executive order is that it doesn’t require new legislation. It also isn’t limited to budget or fiscal policy, since executive orders can address a wide range of policy areas.