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Presidential Documents

This guide is to assist Campbell students and faculty in tracking presidential executive orders and policy decisions.

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Introduction

U.S. Presidential Documents refer to a collection of official records and communications produced by the President of the United States and their administration. These documents encompass a wide range of materials, including executive orders, proclamations, speeches, memos, letters, and reports. Executive orders are particularly significant, as they carry the force of law and are used by the President to direct the operations of the federal government, address issues of national importance, or enforce existing laws. Proclamations are formal statements made by the President, often to commemorate or announce significant events, holidays, or national observances.

In addition to these, Presidential Documents also include press releases, which communicate the administration's policies and stances on various matters to the public, and policy statements that outline the President’s vision and goals for the country. Presidential letters and memoranda often address specific issues, such as foreign relations, domestic affairs, or legislative proposals.

These documents provide insight into the President’s decision-making processes and the direction of the administration. They are crucial for understanding the exercise of executive power and the administration’s priorities. Presidential Documents are accessible to the public through various government archives, including the Federal Register, which serves as the official record of federal rulemaking and executive actions. As a whole, these documents serve as a historical record, reflecting the evolution of U.S. government policies and the President's role in shaping national and global affairs.

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