Executive Power (repost)

With one year to go in office, President Obama has once again actively "transformed" the legal, political, and institutional relations of power in the United States.  Enacting several "Executive Orders" relating to gun control and ownership, President Obama has by-passed Congressional authorization and acted unilaterally. This has ignited a storm of controversy not only over the Second Amendment, but equally as important over the fierce debate about the increasing power of the Executive. But, what is an "Executive Order"?  Where does it come from? AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT IS THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PHILOSOPHICAL ACCOUNT OF "MODERN EXECUTIVE POWER" THAT ENABLES THE USE OF "EXECUTIVE ORDERS"?  In light of these historic events, we are re-posting our third episode, "Executive Power." This is critical information. Enjoy.