Executive Orders Assigned by Charlie to Emily

Charlie directs Emily to retrieve these executive orders from Janet amid routine Outer Oval Office paperwork, blending them into a stack of administrative documents as Anthony watches. Later, in the night-time Oval Office, Leo confronts Bartlet over them, highlighting an NSC routing technicality exploited politically—what was rescinded creates vulnerability. C.J. and Danny join the tense exchange, pivoting from inauguration levity to policy exposure.

2 appearances

Purpose

Enact presidential policy directives through administrative action

Significance

Spark political crisis when a technicality allows exploitation, forcing Bartlet and staff to clarify rescissions amid leaks and messaging fallout

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E4 · The Red Mass

Delegation, Doctrine, and a Sudden Political Crisis

Executive orders are singled out by Charlie as items that must be included in the secretary run; they act as a concrete administrative priority that justifies Emily's trip and frames the limits of what must be delivered.

Before: Part of the secretary's larger stack or on Charlie's desk awaiting processing.

After: Copied or designated for pickup by Emily to be included among items needing the President's signature.

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S4E4 · The Red Mass

Red Mass Prep and a Sudden Health Crisis — Validators, Then Wilde

A set of executive orders is referenced by Charlie and he asks Emily to copy them down and ensure the right items reach the staff secretary office — they function as routine administrative payloads that must not be delayed despite political distractions.

Before: On Charlie's desk or in his immediate purview, awaiting copying or delivery.

After: Assigned to Emily for copying and vetting; in transit to the staff secretary's office according to Charlie's instructions.

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