Final answer:
Executive orders are directives issued by the President to implement legislation, which are considered equivalent to laws. While critics may argue against their use, they can be overturned by future presidents and are subject to court rulings and changes in policy enacted by Congress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Executive orders are directives issued by the President of the United States to administrators in the executive branch on how to implement legislation. They have been used by presidents throughout history and are considered equivalent to laws by the courts. While critics argue that the use of executive orders by President Trump was unprecedented and disrupted the principle of federalism, it is important to note that executive orders can be overturned by later presidents and are subject to court rulings and changes in policy enacted by Congress.