Skip to content

Loading…

Loading

HomeAbout Contact

Loading…

Civics Matter

Empowering citizens through education, data, and news about civics and politics in the United States. Building a more informed and engaged democracy.

contact@civicsmatter.com

Explore

U.S. Congress
State Legislators
Governors
States
Counties
Districts

Learn

U.S. Constitution
Branches of Government
Supreme Court
Electoral College
Political Parties
Civics Glossary
How to Vote

Historical

U.S. Presidents
Vice Presidents
First Ladies
Presidential Elections
Speakers of the House
Senate Leaders
Congressional History

Quick Links

About Us
Blog
Contact
Search

Legal

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

© 2026 Civics Matter. All rights reserved. Building a more informed democracy.

What is Executive Order? | Civics Matter

Back to Glossary

Home
Glossary
Executive Order

Civics Glossary

Executive Order

Executive

Last verified: June 2026

Definition

A directive issued by the president that manages operations of the federal government.

More Executive Terms

Cabinet

The group of senior officials who lead the 15 executive departments and advise the president.

Executive Privilege

The claimed right of the president to withhold information from Congress, the courts, or the public.

Government Shutdown

Occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills, forcing non-essential federal agencies to cease operations.

Lame Duck

An elected official serving out the remainder of their term after a successor has been elected.

Pardon

The president's constitutional power to forgive a person convicted of a federal crime.

Pocket Veto

An indirect veto that occurs when the president does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns.

Share