Most administrative rules and regulations are issued by agencies (example: Federal Communications Commission) acting under powers delegated through statute(s) enacted by Congress. The President, even though he is not a lawmaker, also has the power to issue documents that have legal effect. The President's authority may stem from a provision in the Constitution, a statute, or both.
Proclamations are normally used for public relations, ceremonial occasions, or celebrations and, although directed to the public at large, have little "real" legal effect. The President may proclaim something like Magic Johnson Week or National Cancer Awareness Week, and will ask the public to observe this time period with appropriate programs and activities.
The President normally uses Executive Orders (E.Os) to direct the activities of government agencies and officials. E.Os resemble administrative regulations and have similar legal effect. Example: Pres. Truman desegregated the armed forces by E.O.
A researcher can find Presidential proclamations and executive orders in:
In addition, Proclamations can also be found in the Statutes-at-Large. Library has hard copy complete.
Under authority granted in 5 U.S.C. sections 901-912, the President may examine and propose reorganization or changes in all government agencies to promote the better management of the executive branch. The President submits the proposed reorganization plan to both houses of Congress with a request for approval. Assuming both houses pass a joint resolution of approval, the plan then becomes effective when the President accepts the joint resolution.
Proposed reorganization plans are published in the Congressional Record. The library has recent volumes in hard copy and a complete set in microfiche.
Once approved, a reorganization plan is published in the Federal Register, title 3 of the C.F.R., the Statutes-at-Large, and in the Appendix to title 5 of the U.S.Code (or the USCA or the USCS). (The Congressional Record would be the one place to find plans that are not approved by Congress.)
Presidential administrative orders are published in the Federal Register or in Title 3 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Executive agreements are a form of international treaty. SEE: Any Pathfinders on U.S. Treaties.
In urging the passage of any legislation, in recommending changes in pending legislation, or in signing legislation passed by both houses of Congress, the President may issue a message or statement. SEE: Any Pathfinders on Federal Legislative Histories.
One can shepardize Presidential proclamations, executive orders, and reorganization plans in Shepard's C.F.R. Citations. SEE: Any Pathfinders on Shepard's Citations.
