Abstract
This article examines the use of executive orders issued during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Barak Obama. Using case studies of the most significant executive order issued by each president, and by using quantitative data on the number of executive orders issued by each president during their first term in office, the author finds evidence that supports the “two presidencies” thesis. Moreover, the author finds evidence supporting the theory that Republican presidents are more likely to issue executive orders related to foreign policy, whereas Democratic presidents are more likely to issue executive orders related to domestic policy. Also, because President Bush’s more impactful executive orders were related to foreign policy, he experienced greater success getting his policies enacted, as per the “two presidencies” thesis. President Obama, on the other hand, was less successful because many of his most important executive orders were related to domestic policy.
Recommended Citation
Witt, Catie
(2015)
"President Bush, President Obama, and Executive Orders,"
The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review: Vol. 4:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/eiupsr/vol4/iss1/5