Did You Know?
SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Pursuant to the Federal Register, since the day he took office, President Donald J. Trump has issued 65 executive orders. Said orders have had a sweeping impact on minorities, refugees, and federal employees alike. What is an executive order? Black’s Law Dictionary defines an executive order as “an order issued by or on behalf of the President usually intended to direct or instruct the actions of agencies or government officials, or to set policies for the executive branch to follow.”
Are executive orders laws? In short- no. Executive orders are not laws but are mandates that are immediately effective but can be inherently challenged. Simply put, the United States Constitution is built upon the concept of checks and balances. There are three separate branches of the U.S. Government to include the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each of these systems were created to limit the power or actions of the others.
How can an executive order be challenged? The legislative branch (Congress) can reverse an executive order assuming it has the constitutional authority to do so. The judicial branch may also strike down an executive order if it is found that the President lacked constitutional authority. However, it should be noted that the judiciary power can only be invoked by citizens filing lawsuits to challenge an executive order that directly affects them.
And how do we become more proactive about our everyday concerns? Year in and year out, I have heard the age-old rhetoric that Presidential elections don’t impact our everyday lives. Now, more than ever we are witnessing first-hand how much they really do. I recently attended a fundraising event highlighting a Q&A with former President George Bush. He was very careful not to criticize the current administration or any administration for that matter. He did offer advice that I will leave with my readers today. “If you like what’s happening regarding our nation’s leadership, then vote. If you don’t like what’s happening regarding our nation’s leadership, then VOTE!”
Elections have consequences. Let us not sit idly by.
CONTACT INFO.
Raven Perry-Beach, Esq.
107 Jefferson St.
Suite 14
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 799-0292
* Licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and DC
NO CLIENT RELATIONSHIP: Communication with an attorney does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship or constitute the provision or receipt of legal advice. Any communication from this office should be considered informational only, and should not be relied or acted upon until a formal attorney-client relationship is established by written agreement.
