This is the way democracy ends...

...not with a bang but with laughter. From the inimitable Holden:

Government by executive fiat is all one big joke. And your media agree.

THE PRESIDENT: You asked a multiple-part question.

Q Yes, I did.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you for violating the multiple-part question rule.

Q I didn't know there was a law on that. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: There's not a law. It's an executive order. (Laughter.) In this case, not monitored by the Congress -- (laughter) -- nor is there any administrative oversight. (Laughter.)

Shamelessly filched from First Draft.