Final answer:
The number of executive orders has risen steadily since World War II due to increased reliance on executive actions by presidents, especially amidst congressional polarization. However, these can be easily overturned by later presidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
On the whole, the number of executive orders and proclamations has risen steadily since World War II. Modern presidents have increasingly relied on executive action, particularly as political polarization has made legislative policy change challenging. This growing dependence on unilateral powers includes not just executive orders but also the interpretation of legislation through signing statements, the use of executive agreements in foreign policy, and expansive definitions of war powers. Despite this increase in usage, it's important to note that executive orders can be easily overturned by subsequent presidents, as they don't carry the same permanence as laws passed by Congress.