Question about an Executive Order....

[President Mitt]

I never really understood the Government action known as the Executive Order, I've Wikipediad it, and it was no real help, are there any limits to an executive order's abilities. If not, why doesn't Obama just sign an executive order demanding Single Payer Health care? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I really don't get this part.

[Franzl]

I never really understood the Government action known as the Executive Order, I've Wikipediad it, and it was no real help, are there any limits to an executive order's abilities. If not, why doesn't Obama just sign an executive order demanding Single Payer Health care? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I really don't get this part.

It's largely a legal grey zone, really.

[J. J.]

I think they are basically limited to the executive branch; the only penalty for violating one is losing your federal job.

[Stranger in a strange land]

I never really understood the Government action known as the Executive Order, I've Wikipediad it, and it was no real help, are there any limits to an executive order's abilities. If not, why doesn't Obama just sign an executive order demanding Single Payer Health care? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I really don't get this part.

because why even have a congress then?

The Supreme Court has ruled in the past that Executive Orders cannot be used to make law, but only to clarify existing legislation or to direct government agencies to carry it out.

[Bo]

I never really understood the Government action known as the Executive Order, I've Wikipediad it, and it was no real help, are there any limits to an executive order's abilities. If not, why doesn't Obama just sign an executive order demanding Single Payer Health care? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I really don't get this part.

It's largely a legal grey zone, really.