What is the purpose of executive orders?

Executive orders are directives issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government. They serve as a means for the President to implement existing laws, provide specific guidance to governmental agencies, and set priorities within the executive branch.

Through executive orders, the President can influence how laws are enforced or interpreted, establish protocols for government operations, and address various issues ranging from national security to public health.

While creating new laws without Congress is not within the power of executive orders, they can direct how laws already passed by Congress are executed. This is why the role of executive orders is particularly focused on administration rather than legislation. Additionally, executive orders cannot override Supreme Court decisions, as the judiciary maintains the authority to interpret laws and the Constitution. Similarly, the nomination of federal judges is a separate process that involves the Senate and is not executed through an executive order. Thus, managing federal government operations is the primary purpose of executive orders.