Which of the following is a rule issued by the president that has the effect and status of legislation?

An executive order is a directive issued by the president that carries the force of law and allows the president to manage the operations of the federal government. It is an essential tool for the executive branch, enabling the president to implement and enforce existing laws without requiring congressional approval. This can involve a wide range of actions, including the regulation of federal agencies or the direction of government policy on issues like national security, public health, and environmental regulations.

In contrast, a pardon is an act that forgives someone for committing a crime—essentially wiping the penalty from their record—without being a rule or directive to govern. A reprieve temporarily delays the punishment of a convicted person, while amnesty offers a broader forgiveness to groups of people, often for political reasons. Neither of these options has the legislative authority that an executive order possesses. The ability of an executive order to function similarly to legislation allows the president to enact significant policy changes swiftly and is crucial for the functioning of the executive branch in fulfilling its responsibilities.