Presidential Directives: Background and Overview (CRS Report for Congress)
Premium Purchase PDF for $24.95 (19 pages)
add to cart or
subscribe for unlimited access
Pro Premium subscribers have free access to our full library of CRS reports.
Subscribe today, or
request a demo to learn more.
| Release Date |
Revised Nov. 26, 2008 |
| Report Number |
98-611 |
| Authors |
Harold C. Relyea, Government and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
-
Premium Revised Jan. 2, 2008 (19 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Aug. 9, 2007 (19 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised April 23, 2007 (19 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Jan. 7, 2005 (19 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Feb. 10, 2003 (20 pages, $24.95)
add
|
Summary:
From the earliest days of the federal government, Presidents, exercising magisterial or executive power not unlike that of a monarch, from time to time have issued directives establishing new policy, decreeing the commencement or cessation of some action, or ordaining that notice be given to some declaration. The instruments used by Presidents in these regards have come to be known by various names, and some have prescribed forms and purposes. Executive orders and proclamations are probably two of the best-known types, largely because of their long-standing use and publication in the âFederal Registerâ and the âCode of Federal Regulationsâ. Others are less familiar, some because they are cloaked in official secrecy. There is, as well, the oral presidential directive, the sense of which is captured in an announcement that records what the President has prescribed or instructed. This report provides an overview of the different kinds of directives that have primarily been utilized by 20th century Presidents. Presenting background on the historical development, accounting, use, and effect of such directives, it will be updated as events suggest.
