Posted by Chester Morton / Sunday, 26 February 2017 / No comments
The functions of the executive
There are three arms of government, namely, the Legislature,
the executive and the judiciary. The executive arm of government is that which
is charged with responsibility of formulating policies and implementing same
for the smooth administration of the state.
FUNCTIONS OF THE
EXECUTIVE
Formulate and implement policies
One of the functions of the executive arm of government is to
formulate and implement policies for the smooth administration of the country.
After the policies have been formulated, there are state agencies including the
Civil Service, which works on behalf of the executive to implement the policies
so formulated.
Maintain law and order
Another function of the executive is to maintain law and
order within the country. After laws are passed, an agency of the executive
must ensure that the laws are respected. In the event of any infraction of the
law, the police are mandated to arrest the culprit and arraign him or her
before the courts. When found guilty he is convicted but when found innocent,
he is freed.
Preparation and implementation of the annual budget
The executive is also tasked with the responsibility of
drawing up the annual budget and presenting same to the legislature for
approval. The executive does not have the power to implement any budget unless
it has been approved by parliament.
Protection of citizens
It is also the duty of the executive arm of government to
protect the lives and properties of the citizens of the land. This is done by
the country’s police force.
Protection from external aggression
Another function of the executive is to defend the
territorial integrity of the state. Where there is an external aggressor trying
to attack the country, it is the duty of the executive to ensure that the state
is protected. This duty is performed by the armed forces of the state which
includes the army, navy and the air force.
Makes laws
The making of laws is not a traditional function of the
executive. However, in most governments in modern times, the laws are initiated
by the executive and well deliberated upon before they are presented to the
legislature to pass into law. In that sense, the executive plays a role in law
making. Also, a bill passed by the legislature can be implemented only if the
president gives his or her accent. In this sense also, the executive is said to
be involved in law making.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Highlight six functions of the executive arm of government.
