Executive Order 13979-Ensuring Democratic Accountability in Agency Rulemaking
Issued 2021-01-18 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
Executive Order 13979, titled "Ensuring Democratic Accountability in Agency Rulemaking," directs federal agencies to change how certain rules are made. Specifically, it requires that agency rules promulgated under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, must be signed by a senior appointee. Only senior appointees may initiate the rulemaking process for these rules or approve an
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
Executive Order 13979 addresses "Executive Order 13979-Ensuring Democratic Accountability in Agency Rulemaking". The President's stated reasoning: "that the officials responsible for making and executing the law are held accountable to the American people." Executive orders are a long-established exercise of presidential power, used by every President since George Washington. They are grounded in Article II of the Constitution, which vests executive power in the President and directs them to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed."
Executive orders cannot create new law, contradict existing federal statutes, or exceed the President's constitutional authority. The legitimacy of any specific order depends on whether it operates within statutory authority Congress has delegated, directs the executive branch on matters within its constitutional purview, or attempts to substitute executive policy for legislative choices. Courts can and do review executive orders for conformity with the Constitution and federal law.
Official Summary
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