Final answer:
Executive orders are a constitutional tool used by U.S. Presidents to direct the implementation of legislation, which makes the statement that they are an unconstitutional abuse of authority false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Executive orders are an unconstitutional abuse of presidential authority' is false. Executive orders are directives issued by the President of the United States to federal agencies within the executive branch on how to implement and interpret legislation passed by Congress.
These orders have the force of law unless overturned by the courts. The use of executive orders is derived from the constitutional mandate that the President must “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” Over time, presidents have indeed made more frequent use of their unilateral powers, including executive orders. However, these orders are not permanent; they can easily be overturned by succeeding presidents. For instance, President Reagan's executive order regarding American aid to international population control agencies was later rescinded and reinstated by subsequent presidents, illustrating the impermanence and revisability of executive orders.