Well, it depends.<p>The POTUS is the head of the executive branch. And as far as I understand it, can order anyone of that branch to do stuff. That&#x27;s also how &quot;executive orders&quot; work: because the POTUS is their boss.<p>It&#x27;s also what Obama&#x27;s doing to break the gridlock: make rules that you have to go to SCOTUS to solve, or pass bills that supersede them.