How do executive orders work? - Christina Greer
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On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln legally changed the status of over 3 million people from “slave” to “free.” But his emancipation proclamation wasn’t a law — it was an executive order. The framers of the American Constitution made this power available to the executive branch. But what exactly is this tool, how does it work, and what’s the extent of its power? Christina Greer explains.
Many modern day presidents use executive orders in times of crisis or to expand programs they believe in. Do you think presidents should have this sweeping power over the 320 million Americans in the United States? Since recent presidents are usually elected by only half of the country, is the executive order too much power for one person? In your opinion, if the voters decided to take this power away, what could they replace it with? Can we ever ensure that one person will not use this power for bad deeds instead of good? How can Congress, the courts, and voters make sure this does not happen?
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Meet The Creators
- Educator Christina Greer
- Director Brett Underhill
- Animator Brett Underhill
- Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
- Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
- Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
- Narrator Christina Greer
