Do you know the difference between a goal, a law, and an executive order? It is essential to understand that these terms are not interchangeable in civics. My high school class offered some definitions I’d like to share.
Goal
- “A goal is more of a political statement of something a person hopes to get done.”
- “A goal is an aspiration.”
- “A goal is something someone plans to do.”
Law
- “A law goes through both houses of Congress and the president and becomes permanent.”
- “A law is an action that is mandatory to follow.”
- “A binding rule created and enforced by the government.”
Executive Order
- “An executive order is a presidential directive.”
- “Executive orders are not laws written by the president, but they ensure that laws made by Congress are faithfully executed.”
- “An executive order is like a law and goes into effect immediately, but it can be revoked.”
It’s Important to Know the Difference
When listening to commentators, officeholders, bosses, instructors, or others, we need to recognize whether they are communicating a goal for a company, a lesson, or the country. If it’s a law, it is a directive that must be followed by a citizen, employee, student, or even a family member. There are consequences for ignoring laws.
However, an executive order is generally issued by a U.S. president. Combining the students’ definitions, an executive order is a presidential directive that must comply with the Constitution. It is immediate, has the power of law, and can be overturned when a new president takes office, or Congress passes legislation complicating its enforcement.
Careful listening helps avoid confusion between these terms. For example, the goal for you to drive safely is an aspiration. Stopping at a red light is a law, with consequences for noncompliance. An executive order requiring you to purchase a specific type of car would likely need the force of law to enact it, backed by constitutional reasoning.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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