The President of the United States has the power and authority to issue executive orders to federal officials and agencies for public policy purposes. In most instances, executive orders become official once signed and endorsed by the president. As an example, President Clinton issued Executive Order #12938 Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. In June of 2005, President George W. Bush issued Executive Order #13382, Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and Their Supporters. Why do you believe it is important for the President of the United States to be able to issue executive orders in an expedited format regarding weapons of mass destruction? Do you believe that a president should have the power of executive orders? Why, or why not?
Why are there international laws and treaties against the use of WMDs?
What are the different classifications and types of WMDs that exist today?
What treaties exist for each classification and type of WMD?
What are the roles of the United States and the United Nations when enforcing international laws and the parameters of each treaty?
What challenges exist when attempting to enforce international laws and legal initiatives related to WMDs?
What changes have been made to each international law and treaty listed above since inception?
Why is it important for the United States, the United Nations, and member states to continue to implement new international laws and treaties as new threats emerge?
What can be done to enforce international laws and treaties on non-member states of the United Nations?
