key term - Executive order

Definition

An executive order is a directive issued by the President or a state governor that has the force of law, usually without requiring approval from the legislature. It allows the executive branch to manage operations within the federal government or state.

Related terms

Legislative Branch:

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws and includes bodies such as Congress in the United States, acting as a check on executive power.

Judicial Review:

Judicial review is the power of courts to examine and invalidate actions of the legislative and executive branches if those actions are found unconstitutional.

Separation of Powers:

A principle where government responsibilities are divided among different branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power