Executive Order vs. Policy

Attribute	Executive Order	Policy
Issued by	President	Organization or institution
Scope	Nationwide	Specific to organization
Legally binding	Yes	Depends on context
Duration	Can be revoked by subsequent President	Can be changed by organization

Executive orders and policies are both important tools used by governments to establish rules and guidelines for various aspects of governance. While they may seem similar in nature, there are key differences between the two that are important to understand. In this article, we will compare the attributes of executive orders and policies to provide a clearer understanding of how they function within a government.

Definition

An executive order is a directive issued by the head of a government, typically the president or governor, that has the force of law. It is used to implement or interpret existing laws, as well as to direct the activities of government agencies. On the other hand, a policy is a set of principles or guidelines that govern decision-making within an organization or government. Policies are often more broad and general than executive orders, providing a framework for decision-making rather than specific directives.

Authority

Executive orders are issued by the executive branch of government and derive their authority from the executive's constitutional powers. They are binding on government agencies and officials, and failure to comply with an executive order can result in legal consequences. Policies, on the other hand, are typically issued by administrative agencies or departments within the government. While policies are important for guiding decision-making within an organization, they do not have the same legal force as executive orders.

Scope

Executive orders have a wide scope of authority and can be used to address a variety of issues, from national security to domestic policy. They are often used to bypass the legislative process and enact policies quickly. Policies, on the other hand, are more limited in scope and are typically focused on specific areas of governance or operations within an organization. While policies can be important for establishing guidelines and procedures, they are not as far-reaching as executive orders.

Duration

Executive orders remain in effect until they are revoked by the issuing authority or overturned by a court. They can be used to establish long-lasting policies or to address immediate concerns. Policies, on the other hand, can be more easily changed or updated by the issuing authority. They are often reviewed and revised on a regular basis to ensure they remain relevant and effective. While policies can be long-lasting, they are generally more flexible than executive orders.

Public Awareness

Executive orders are typically publicized and widely reported on by the media, as they have significant implications for government policy and operations. The public is often aware of executive orders and their impact on society. Policies, on the other hand, are often less visible to the public, as they are internal guidelines for decision-making within an organization. While policies can have important implications for how an organization operates, they are not always as widely known or understood by the public.

Implementation

Executive orders are implemented by government agencies and officials, who are required to comply with the directives outlined in the order. Failure to comply with an executive order can result in legal consequences. Policies, on the other hand, are implemented by the organization or department that issues them. While policies are important for guiding decision-making within an organization, compliance is typically enforced through internal mechanisms rather than legal consequences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, executive orders and policies are both important tools used by governments to establish rules and guidelines for governance. While executive orders have the force of law and are binding on government agencies and officials, policies are more general guidelines that govern decision-making within an organization. Understanding the differences between executive orders and policies is important for understanding how government functions and how decisions are made at various levels of governance.