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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.

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Many presidents believe issuing executive orders is more effective than working with Congress and passing laws. What other ways can presidents move their agenda forward? Do you think President Roosevelt was fair when he gave the military authority to target Japanese-Americans, German-Americans, and Italian-Americans in certain regions across the country and put them in internment camps? Did he overreach his power?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

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

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