The Writing Fellows Program at the US Military Academy, West Point

Texas resident David Dalition spent over 25 years as an attorney for the US Army after receiving his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. More recently, David Dalition was appointed to an esteemed Assistant Professor position with the US Military Academy at West Point.

The Academy’s central mission is to educate, train, and inspire cadets so that upon graduating they are committed to duty, honor, and country to prepare them for a professional career in the US Army. It provides cadets a fine comprehensive education that includes opportunities to apply for programs that extend beyond the basic core subjects, such as the Writing Fellows Program.

In the highly selective Writing Fellows Program, chosen cadets work with faculty to research and contribute to conversations regarding writing and communication. Students selected to participate in the program enroll in two intensive courses that focus on writing practices and education. Additionally, students present their own writings at national conferences hosted by various writing organizations. The program also brings in guest speakers and coordinates writing workshops.

Faculty who participate in the program gain from the experience as well. They complete relevant academic courses and staff the school’s Mounger Writing Center. Faculty also attend and present at conferences, and the program presents an opportunity for them to pursue their own projects. 

Executive Orders - A Constitutionally Granted Authority for Presidents

Retired U.S. Army Judge Advocate David Dalition served in the Army for 25 years, starting out as a trial attorney before working his way up to staff judge advocate. David Dalition also earned a Master of Laws from Columbia in constitutional law. He was the director of the advanced constitutional law program at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. He also worked with commanders regarding legal matters including the implementation of executive orders.

An executive order is issued by the President of the United States to implement his or her will through the executive branch of government. The president does this backed by powers given by the U.S. Constitution, specifically Article II, which grants the president the functions of commander in chief, head of state, head of the executive branch, and chief law enforcement officer. He is granted a sole constitutional responsibility to ensure laws are faithfully executed. Presidents since George Washington have done so through executive orders.

After a president issues and signs an executive order, the White House sends it to the Office of the Federal Register where it is numbered and published in the Federal Register. Because it has the force of law, it is also codified under Title 3 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

As the president has wide latitude accorded by the U.S. Constitution to issue executive orders, they do not require approval from Congress. In addition, Congress cannot simply pass legislation to overturn such an order. However, it may pass legislation that makes it difficult to execute orders such as by cutting funding. It is also important to note that executive orders can only be used to execute powers the president already has. They cannot be used by a president to give himself or herself new powers. The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned executive orders outside the president’s power.