In the realm of U.S. politics, executive orders have long been a subject of contention and debate. These unilateral actions by presidents, often seen as a way to bypass Congress, have been utilized by every president since their systematic cataloging in 1905. Despite their perceived power, executive orders come with limitations, including the need for legal authority and the potential for challenges from the courts and Congress. President Donald Trump’s prolific use of executive orders, averaging 55 per year, has faced legal scrutiny and challenges.
Congress plays a significant role in constraining executive orders, withholding legal authority in certain areas or punishing presidents for issuing orders they disagree with. While presidents may use executive orders to push their agenda, they are not as durable as laws or regulations and can easily be revoked by a new administration. President Joe Biden, for example, quickly overturned several of Trump’s executive orders upon taking office. In light of these constraints, the use of executive orders by modern presidents has decreased under divided government.
Source
Photo credit kansasreflector.com