This chapter introduces the study of the use of directives as a tool of executive policymaking. As the nation’s Chief Executive and Chief Administrator, presidents have the federal bureaucracy at their disposal to address issues and concerns of African Americans; however, they must tread cautiously. The topic of race is very divisive and a president seeking to fulfill promises to Black voters risks alienating other constituencies. Even so, presidents represent African Americans in a wide variety of policy issues. Their directives make policy happen by directing the executive branch to carry out the president’s orders. The duration of policy may be temporary because later presents may amend, revoke, and supersede the policy of prior presidents. Finally, while presidents can use directives to deploy the resources of the executive branch, Congress and the Federal Courts may affect their implementation.