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U.S. Presidential Documents

Introduction

The Executive Office of the President issues several categories of legally important sources:

  • executive orders
  • proclamations
  • reorganization plans
  • signing statements

The most commons forms of presidential lawmaking are executive orders and proclamations. Generally, executive orders relate to the conduct of business of the executive branch and are directed to executive agencies. Proclamations are mostly ceremonial, although some, usually dealing with trade matters, are substantive.

Executive orders and proclamations are published in the Federal Register, Title 3 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Compilation of President Documents, and the Public Papers of the Presidents.