Skip to content

Administrative Orders

Include memoranda, notices, letters, and presidential determinations

Source

Economic Report of the President

An annual report written by the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. It overviews the nation's economic progress using text and extensive data appendices.

Source

Executive Agreements and Treaties

A treaty is an international legal agreement concluded between nations in written form and governed by international law. According to the U.S. Constitution, a treaty requires the advice and consent of Congress, known as ratification, before the U.S. may become a party to it. The President may enter the U.S. into certain types of international agreements, known as executive agreements, which do not require ratification if such authority is granted by legislation, an existing treaty, or the U.S. Constitution.

Other terms used for treaties and international agreements include: convention, protocol, covenant, charter, alliance, declaration, concordat, exchange of notes, agreed minute, armistice, memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding, compact, settlement.

Source:

Executive Orders

Generally issued to government officials, Executive Orders are official documents, numbered consecutively, through which the President of the United States manages the operations of the Federal Government.

Executive orders: current administration

Executive Orders via the National Archives

Sources for Historical Executive Orders and Proclamations

Prior to 1929, sources of executive orders and proclamations are not comprehensive. The following publication will help. Check the preface and introduction for a discussion about the availability of these documents

Inaugural Addresses

Presidential address made at the inaugural ceremony

Sources

Messages to Congress

Communications to Congress to propose new legislation, explain vetoes, transmit reports, convey information about the state of national affairs or matters of concern

Sources

National Security Directives

Issued by the President and are concerned with issues of national security such as U.S. port security, covert operations, etc.

Sources

Presidential Proclamations

Proclamations are general announcements of policy issued to the nation as a whole; commonly associated with ceremonial occasions.

Sources

Sources of Historical Presidential Proclamations

Prior to 1929, sources of executive orders and proclamations are not comprehensive. The following publications will help. Check the preface and introduction for a discussion about the availability of these documents

Reorganization Plans

Presidential proposals for changes in the form of agencies; may abolish or transfer agency functions; since 1986 must be approved by both houses of Congress

Source

State of the Union Addresses

Delivered at the beginning of every year in a President's term.

Sources

Vetoes

The procedure established under the Constitution by which the President refuses to approve a bill or joint resolution and thus prevents its enactment into law.

Sources

Search


Contact

U.S. Government Documents Librarian
Stephen Woods
814-865-0665

Social Sciences Library
814-865-4861
AIM: socscilib

or your Commonwealth Campus Library



Get Help