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U.S. Government : Executive Branch

a guide to resources for finding publications and information about the Executive Branch of the U.S. government.

Presidential Documents

Find all types of Presidential Documents at the sites [and in print resources] below. See individual document types for other resources.

Inaugural Address

Presidential address made at the inaugural ceremony.

In addition to the resources listed above, other sources for Inaugural Address transcripts include:

Administrative Orders

Include memoranda, notices, letters, and presidential determinations.

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.

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.

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.

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

Presidential Directives

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

Presidential Proclamations

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

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 proclamations

State of the Union Addresses

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

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.