Former President Barack Obama lacked congressional support for much of his agenda beginning in 2011, but he didn’t let that stand in his way. He leaned heavily on the power of the executive order, putting it to use in many and various causes.

One of these was his unilateral declaration that millions of acres (mostly out west) are now national monuments and parks. Everyone knew this was a political move, designed to thwart gas and oil drilling. Obama wielded his pen powerfully and got what he wanted without congressional approval.