Final answer:
An executive order is a presidential directive with the force of law, directing the implementation of existing legislation, without needing Congressional approval. These orders have played significant roles historically but can be overturned by new administrations, Congress, or the courts.
Step-by-step explanation:
An executive order is a presidential decree that directs the executive branch on how to execute laws and has the legal force similar to a law, though it does not require the approval of Congress. Executive orders can significantly impact government policies and the lives of citizens. Historic examples of executive orders include the Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln and the desegregation of armed forces by Truman. While these orders can swiftly enact policies, they are inherently imperfect for presidents due to their reversibility by subsequent administrations or potential for being overridden by congressional legislation or judicial review.
Executive powers granted by the Constitution allow the president to manage federal operations and issue orders, which often reflect a president's policy goals. These orders, such as the one establishing the Environmental Protection Agency, can reorganize executive branch functions or implement specific directives. Furthermore, executive orders can be based on expansive definitions of war powers, budget authority, and the general responsibility to ensure laws are faithfully executed.
Despite the authority to issue executive orders, the practice is not without limitations or checks. Executive orders are subject to court rulings and congressional policies. For example, the Supreme Court has historically invalidated orders that overstepped legal bounds, such as Truman's seizure of the steel industry. The existence of these checks highlights the balance of power within the U.S. government system and the provisional nature of executive orders in shaping policy.