Executive order

Federal administrative instruction issued by a head of state or government

An executive order is a directive issued by the head of state or government that manages the operations of a nation's federal administration. While the structure and authority of executive orders vary by country, they generally allow leaders to direct government agencies, implement policies, or respond to emergencies without new legislation. In many systems, the legality of such orders is subject to constitutional or legislative limits and judicial oversight. The term is most prominently associated with presidential systems such as that of the United States, where executive orders carry legal weight within the president's administration.