Do you have questions about something you read or heard in the news recently? Are you unsure where to go for authoritative, balanced information about executive actions, congressional bills, or supreme court decisions? The library staff is here to help you find and interpret information in all its forms. Send us an email: library@gannacademy.org or come see us in the library.
Glossary of Presidential Power
Executive Order: An official, legally-binding document issued by the President. Executive orders are numbered and must be published in the Federal Register. The purpose of an executive order is to instruct agencies in the executive branch how to interpret and carry out laws.
Executive Memorandum: Much like an executive order, but it is not numbered and does not need to be published in the Federal Register. The Obama administration published memoranda on the White House website, and the Trump administration is doing the same, however, there is no requirement to publish executive memoranda.
Proclamation: This type of presidential action is not legally binding and is used for ceremonial purposes, for example, declaring that flags be flown at half-mast.
Veto: After bills pass the House and Senate they are presented to the President for his/her signature. If the president chooses not sign the bill into law, this an exercise of the presidential veto power.
Find an Executive Order
Historical Context