Executive Order
A directive issued by a president or head of government that has the force of law without requiring legislative approval.
Explanation
An executive order allows the head of government to act unilaterally within the scope of existing law. In the United States, presidents use executive orders to direct federal agencies, set policy, and take action that does not require new legislation. Major uses include FDR's internment order during WWII, Truman's desegregation of the military, and various immigration policy actions. Executive orders can be reversed by a successor president, which makes them less durable than legislation. Other countries have similar instruments under different names — decrees (France, Russia), statutory instruments (UK), or presidential proclamations.
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