The Rule by decree reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Rule by decree

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Decree may be also a technical term used in the legal proceedings of certain democratic countries.

Rule by decree is a style of governance used mostly by dictators.

Rule by decree allows the ruler to arbitrarily make laws, without any sort of legislative process or discussion. Arguably the most prominent example in history is the Reichstag Fire Decree. When no formal government institutions exist or martial law is in effect, rule by decree is common.

Some democratic leaders, such as the presidents of Mexico have the constitutional authority to issue emergency decrees, as well. Other modern political concepts, such as the French decrees, orders in council and executive orders are partially based on this notion of decrees, although far more limited in scope.