Significant Presidential Executive Orders

Presidential executive orders shape policies and impact lives, reflecting the government's response to pressing issues. From civil rights to national security, these orders reveal the complexities of governance and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in society.

1. Executive Order 9066 (Japanese American internment)

   • Issued during World War II, it authorized the forced relocation and internment of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans.
   • Justified by national security concerns, it reflected wartime hysteria and racial prejudice.
   • Resulted in significant loss of property and civil liberties for those interned, with long-lasting impacts on Japanese American communities.

2. Executive Order 10925 (Affirmative Action)

   • Signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, it aimed to promote equal employment opportunities for all individuals.
   • Required federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure non-discrimination in hiring practices.
   • Laid the groundwork for future affirmative action policies and programs across various sectors.

3. Executive Order 11246 (Equal Employment Opportunity)

   • Issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, it expanded on the principles of Executive Order 10925.
   • Prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin for federal contractors.
   • Established the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to enforce compliance with the order.

4. Executive Order 13769 (Travel Ban)

   • Signed by President Donald Trump in January 2017, it restricted travel from several predominantly Muslim countries.
   • Aimed to enhance national security but faced widespread criticism and legal challenges for perceived discrimination.
   • Resulted in significant changes to U.S. immigration policy and sparked national and international debate.

5. Executive Order 9981 (Desegregation of the military)

   • Issued by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, it mandated the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces.
   • Marked a significant step towards civil rights and equality in the military, promoting integration.
   • Set a precedent for future civil rights advancements in American society.

6. Executive Order 12291 (Regulatory review)

   • Signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, it established a framework for reviewing federal regulations.
   • Required cost-benefit analysis for significant regulations to ensure economic efficiency.
   • Aimed to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and promote free-market principles.

7. Executive Order 13658 (Federal minimum wage increase)

   • Issued by President Barack Obama in 2014, it raised the minimum wage for federal contractors to $10.10 per hour.
   • Aimed to improve the standard of living for low-wage workers and reduce poverty.
   • Set a precedent for discussions on minimum wage increases at the federal level.

8. Executive Order 11110 (Silver certificates)

   • Signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, it authorized the issuance of silver certificates backed by silver bullion.
   • Aimed to increase the money supply and stabilize the economy.
   • Controversially linked to discussions about the U.S. monetary system and the Federal Reserve.

9. Executive Order 13228 (Homeland Security)

   • Issued by President George W. Bush in 2001, it established the Office of Homeland Security following the September 11 attacks.
   • Aimed to coordinate national efforts to protect the U.S. from terrorist threats and improve emergency response.
   • Led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003.

10. Executive Order 13492 (Closure of Guantanamo Bay)

    • Signed by President Barack Obama in 2009, it aimed to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
    • Sought to address human rights concerns and restore the U.S. image internationally.
    • Faced significant political and logistical challenges, ultimately leading to a partial closure rather than complete shutdown.