The Economist criticizes President Obama's use of executive orders today; the article is interesting to those focused on constitutional separation of powers, but it is the subject matter of the orders that is probably the bigger deal. From the article:"Mr Obama has issued a series of directives trying to strengthen the system of background checks on those who buy guns. After Congress blocked the administration's attempt to close loopholes on sales online and at gun shows, he has instructed all federal law-enforcement agencies to co-ordinate more closely to improve the database that the checks rely on. The Department of Justice is offering $20m in grants to encourage states to submit more information to the database."
I don't think anyone should be particularly surprised the President is using his executive authority in this fashion after his speech in the wake of Newtown, for when the President of the United States says:
"I will use whatever power this office holds to engage my fellow citizens -- from law enforcement to mental health professionals to parents and educators -- in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this ..."
... he means it.
This one has come up a couple of times before here (a set of links are below).