Final answer:
Executive privilege is not a law but a recognized presidential power allowing withholding of information for national security. Its limits were established in the United States v. Nixon case. Presidents also use executive orders and signing statements for policy without needing Congress's approval.
Step-by-step explanation:
Executive privilege is a presidential power that isn't explicitly stated in the Constitution but has been recognized since the administration of George Washington. This privilege allows the president to withhold information from the public, Congress, and courts, particularly in matters concerning national security. The first instance of claiming executive privilege dates back to when Congress requested Chief Justice John Jay's notes from treaty negotiations with Great Britain.
While executive privilege allows a president to maintain confidentiality, it is not absolute. The landmark legal case United States v. Nixon highlighted that the privilege has limits, particularly when it clashes with legal proceedings and the pursuit of justice. In this case, President Nixon was compelled to release tapes recorded in the Oval Office, leading to his resignation.
In contemporary politics, presidents often use unilateral powers such as executive orders and signing statements to enact policies without Congressional approval. These tools enable the president to manage government operations and influence policy, thereby exhibiting executive dominance. It is significant to note that while these powers grant the president considerable authority, they are subject to judicial review and can be challenged in courts.