Executive Orders vs. Law

Attribute	Executive Orders	Law
Issued by	President	Congress
Scope	Applies to executive branch	Applies to entire country
Enforcement	Enforced by executive branch	Enforced by judicial branch
Duration	Can be revoked by next president	Can only be changed by passing new law

Introduction

Executive orders and laws are both important tools used in the governance of a country. While they both have the power to shape policy and affect the lives of citizens, there are key differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the attributes of executive orders and laws, comparing their strengths and limitations.

Authority

One of the main differences between executive orders and laws is the authority under which they are issued. Executive orders are issued by the President or a state governor and derive their authority from the executive branch of government. They are often used to direct the operations of government agencies and implement existing laws. Laws, on the other hand, are passed by the legislative branch of government and have the force of law behind them. They are typically more permanent and have a broader scope of application than executive orders.

Scope

Executive orders are generally more limited in scope than laws. They are often used to address specific issues or situations and are typically focused on the operations of the executive branch. For example, a President may issue an executive order to establish a new policy within a government agency. Laws, on the other hand, have a much broader scope and can affect the entire population. They are passed by the legislature and are binding on all citizens within the jurisdiction.

Enforcement

Another key difference between executive orders and laws is the way in which they are enforced. Executive orders are enforced by the executive branch of government, typically through government agencies. For example, if a President issues an executive order directing a government agency to take a certain action, that agency is responsible for carrying out the order. Laws, on the other hand, are enforced by the judicial branch of government. If a law is violated, the courts have the authority to interpret and apply the law, and to impose penalties on those who break it.

Duration

Executive orders are generally temporary in nature and can be revoked or amended by the issuing authority. They are often used to address immediate issues or to implement policy changes quickly. Laws, on the other hand, are more permanent and can only be changed or repealed through the legislative process. Once a law is passed, it remains in effect until it is amended or repealed by the legislature. This difference in duration gives laws a greater degree of stability and predictability than executive orders.

Public Input

One of the key differences between executive orders and laws is the level of public input involved in their creation. Laws are typically passed through a democratic process that involves input from elected representatives and public debate. This process allows for a wide range of perspectives to be considered and helps to ensure that laws are reflective of the will of the people. Executive orders, on the other hand, are issued unilaterally by the executive branch and do not require input from the public or the legislature. While executive orders can be an efficient way to implement policy changes, they may lack the same level of legitimacy as laws that have been passed through a democratic process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, executive orders and laws are both important tools in the governance of a country, but they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Executive orders are issued by the executive branch and are more limited in scope and duration than laws. They are enforced by the executive branch and do not require public input. Laws, on the other hand, are passed by the legislative branch and have a broader scope and greater permanence. They are enforced by the judicial branch and involve public input through the democratic process. Understanding the differences between executive orders and laws is essential for understanding the functioning of a democratic government.