Which of the following signifies a trend of executive power within the presidency?

The trend of increasing executive power within the presidency is best exemplified by the increase of executive orders issued. Executive orders are directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government and have become a significant tool for Presidents to enact policy and take action without requiring Congressional approval. This ability allows presidents to assert their authority and can lead to significant shifts in policy direction, reflecting a broader trend towards greater executive power, especially in situations where legislative gridlock occurs.

By relying on executive orders, Presidents can sidestep the sometimes lengthy and contentious legislative process, emphasizing their ability to govern effectively. This has been particularly evident in recent administrations, where presidents have issued a large number of executive orders to address urgent national issues or to implement their policy goals rapidly. This trend underscores how the presidency has evolved to take on more power, sometimes at the expense of traditional checks and balances that involve Congress.