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The Story Behind Executive Orders : 1A We've heard about a lot of them the last few weeks.

They're one powerful tool in a commander-in-chief's arsenal to enact their agenda.

Donald Trump has made heavy use of the executive order in the past few weeks, but so have his predecessors. Both Joe Biden and Barack Obama issued many Executive Orders during their times in office.

We discuss the practice and boundaries of Executive Orders.

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1A

The Story Behind Executive Orders

The Story Behind Executive Orders

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President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

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Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office in Washington, DC.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

We've heard about a lot of them the last few weeks. They're one powerful tool in a commander-in-chief's arsenal to enact their agenda.

Donald Trump has made heavy use of the executive order in the past few weeks but so have his predecessors. Both Joe Biden and Barack Obama issued many such orders during their times in office.

What's the history behind Executive Orders? What are the boundaries of this executive power?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.