An executive order is a directive issued by the president of the United States that manages the operations of the federal government. It is a written instruction that tells government agencies how to implement and enforce laws passed by Congress. Executive orders have the force of law within the executive branch but cannot create new laws or override existing laws passed by Congress. The legal basis for executive orders comes from Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which grants the president broad executive authority. The orders must be supported by either the Constitution itself or by legislation passed by Congress. They are subject to judicial review and can be overturned if found unconstitutional or beyond the president’s authority. Executive orders are used to direct agencies on how to implement laws, allocate resources, create committees or task forces, activate emergency powers, and address military or foreign affairs matters. However, they cannot alter the Constitution, direct federal spending without congressional approval, overturn Supreme Court rulings, or bypass the legislative process. Presidential executive orders remain in effect until they are canceled, revoked, declared unlawful by courts, or expire. A new president can also revoke or modify orders issued by a predecessor. In summary, executive orders are powerful tools for presidents to manage the federal government's internal affairs and policy implementation, but they operate within constitutional limits and checks and balances that protect legislative and judicial powers.