An executive order is a

a. presidential order to carry out a policy or policies described in a law passed by Congress.

b. inherent executive power claimed by presidents to withhold information from, or to refuse to appear before, Congress or the courts.

c. binding international pact that is made between the president and another head of state and that does not require Senate approval.

d. formal agreement between the governments of two or more countries. e. written statement, appended to a bill at the time the president signs it into law, indicating how the president interprets that legislation.

The correct answer is A: a presidential order to carry out a policy or policies described in a law passed by Congress.

Explanation:

Executive orders are issued by the President holding office and do not require approval from Congress. Executive orders have the force of law. Based on their statutory or constitutional powers, US Presidents issue these directives to federal agencies, heads of departments, or other employees. After executive orders are published in the Federal Register, they take effect. Only the US President is entitled to overturn an executive order. Presidents usually issue this type of orders because it is part of their management of the executive branch, it is a way of administering the federal agencies, and through these directives, Presidents carry out their presidential responsibilities.