Civics 101: Understanding Executive Orders

What is an executive order?

• A public opinion poll

• A decision made by the Supreme Court

• A law passed by Congress

• A directive from the president to the executive branch

Which president did NOT issue any executive orders?

• Donald Trump

• Abraham Lincoln

• William Henry Harrison

• George Washington

What is the role of the Office of Management and Budget in relation to executive orders?

• To publish executive orders in the Federal Register

• To approve executive orders for form and legality

• To enforce executive orders

• To draft executive orders

What is the Federal Register?

• A list of all federal employees

• A database of all congressional bills

• A record of all Supreme Court decisions

• A daily publication that includes executive orders and proclamations

What is the main difference between an executive order and a memorandum?

• Executive orders are suggestions, while memoranda are legally binding

• Executive orders are always published in the Federal Register, while memoranda are not

• Executive orders require congressional approval, while memoranda do not

• Executive orders are directives from the president, while memoranda direct agencies to use their own authority

What authority must an executive order be based on?

• The president's personal opinion

• A mandate from the Supreme Court

• The Constitution or a statute

• A public referendum

What was the subject of Abraham Lincoln's Executive Order number one?

• Abolishing slavery

• Establishing a provisional court in Louisiana

• Creating a new federal holiday

• Declaring a national emergency

What is a proclamation?

• A decision by the Supreme Court

• A directive to the executive branch

• A public announcement by the president

• A law passed by Congress

What happens if an executive order is challenged in court?

• It is enforced regardless of the challenge

• It is automatically revoked

• It is reviewed for legality and may be revised

• It is sent to Congress for approval

Why might a president choose to issue an executive order?

• To increase their popularity

• To bypass congressional gridlock

• To gain public approval

• To avoid Supreme Court review