Executive Orders and Presidential Transitions (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
July 30, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12724 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Ben Wilhelm |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Since at least the Administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt,
the concept of a President’s first “100 days” has been a
touchstone for evaluation of presidential effectiveness and
places at least some pressure on incoming Administrations
to act quickly on their campaign commitments and other
priorities. Executive orders have developed into one of the
most expedient tools available to a new President to change
federal policies, priorities, and operations, including during
that closely watched early window.
Concerns about the volume, timing, and content of
executive orders, therefore, may be heightened during
presidential transitions. In particular, it appears that both
incoming and outgoing Administrations may use executive
orders to establish preferred policies closer to Inauguration
Day than could be accomplished through laws or
regulations. When the incoming and outgoing Presidents
are members of different political parties, this perception
may be especially strong.
This In Focus examines key aspects of executive orders and
the executive order process with an eye toward their use
during transitions.
