Answer:
The correct answer is executive orders because they are directives issued by the President of the United States that have the force of law. According to the Congressional Research Service, executive orders "are used to manage operations of the federal government" and "have been issued on a wide range of subjects, such as national security, immigration, and the economy." (CRS Report R45442, "Executive Orders: An Introduction")
Independent executive agencies (option A) are entities within the executive branch that are not part of a cabinet-level department but are still subject to presidential control. They can issue regulations, but these regulations do not have the force of law unless authorized by Congress.
Government corporations (option B) are entities created by Congress to provide goods and services to the public. While they are technically part of the executive branch, their governing boards are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, and they operate more like private businesses than traditional government agencies. Government corporations can issue regulations, but these regulations are not executive orders and do not have the force of law unless authorized by Congress.
Therefore, the correct answer is executive orders because they are the rules and regulations issued by the President that have the force of law, while the other options do not meet this criteria.