In this article you will learn about the Functions of the Executive in Political Science.
Functions of the Executive
The executive branch of government is responsible for enforcing and administering the laws of a country. This branch is headed by the executive, who is usually the head of state or government. The executive is responsible for overseeing the functions of the government, implementing policies, and making decisions on behalf of the nation. The important role that the executive plays in the working of the government can be analysed by studying its various powers and functions. Here are the functions of the executive in more detail :
Policy-making : It is important for a modern welfare state to carry out a large number of tasks for securing the socio-economic-cultural development of its people. It has to formulate policies, prepare short and long term plans and then implement these. All actions of the state are guided by the settled plans and policies. The task of policy-making and the formulation of developmental plans are undertaken by the executive. These two functions are the most important functions of the executive through which the state carries out its objectives of promoting the welfare and all round development of its people.
Implementing Policies and Enforcementing Laws : The primary function of the executive is to enforce laws and to maintain law and order in the state as formulated by the legislature. Whenever a breach takes place, it is the responsibility of the executive to plug the breach and bring the offenders to book. Each government department is responsible for the implementation of the laws concerning the functions of that department. Preservation of peace at home through the enforcement of laws is the most important function of the executive.
Managing the Economy : The executive is responsible for managing the economy of the country. This includes setting economic policies and creating programs that will help boost economic growth. The executive is also responsible for creating budgets and managing government spending to ensure that the country's finances are stable.
Defence, War and Peace Functions : One of the main functions of the state is to defend and preserve the unity and integrity of the country and protect it in case of a foreign aggression or war. It is the executive who undertakes this function. To organise the military, to prepare for and fight the war if it becomes necessary, and to negotiate and sign peace settlement after every war, are the functions performed by the executive.
Foreign Policy-making and the Conduct of Foreign Relations : In the age of increasing global interdependence of all the states, it has become one of the most important functions of a government to formulate the foreign policy of the state and to conduct relations with other states. The executive is responsible for managing the country's foreign policy. This includes creating diplomatic relationships with other countries, negotiating treaties, and managing international trade. The executive is also responsible for protecting the interests of the country in the international community. It is the executive who appoints the ambassadors of the state to other states and conducts foreign relations.
Appointment-making Functions : The executive is responsible for appointing officials to various government positions. This includes members of the cabinet, ambassadors, judges, and other officials. The executive ensures that these officials are qualified and capable of fulfilling their roles effectively. Likewise, the President of the U.S. makes a very large number of key appointments.
Treaty-making Functions : The executive decides as to which treaties are to be signed with which other countries. The executive negotiates the treaties in accordance with the procedure defined by international law and directions and dictates of the constitution of the state. It is the responsibility of the executive to secure legislature ratification of the treaties negotiated and signed by it.
Law-making under the system of Delegated Legislation : The system of delegated legislation has considerably increased the law-making role of the executive. Under this, the legislation delegates a large amount of its law-making powers to the executive. The amount of delegated legislation made by the executive far outweighs the parliamentary legislation and this has strengthened the position of the executive vis-a-vis the legislature.
Financial Functions : The legislature is the custodian of the finances of the state. It alone has the power to impose, reduce or eliminate a tax. But, in actual practice, the executive performs a number of financial functions. It is responsible for preparing the budget. It collects and spends the money as sanctioned by the legislature and decides the ways and means through which the money is to be collected and spent.
Judicial Functions : The appointment of judges by the executive is regarded as a sound method which can ensure the independence of judiciary. The chief executive has the power to appoint judges.
Granting Pardons and Clemency : The executive has the power to grant pardons and clemency to individuals who have been convicted of crimes. This power is usually reserved for cases where there is a miscarriage of justice, or where the sentence is too severe. The executive must consider the facts of the case and make a decision that is in the best interest of justice.
Emergency Powers : The executive has emergency powers that can be used in times of crisis. This includes declaring a state of emergency, suspending civil liberties, and deploying the military to restore order. These powers are usually used in extreme situations, such as natural disasters or acts of terrorism.
Implementing Social Programs : The executive is responsible for implementing social programs that are designed to help citizens. This includes programs like healthcare, education, and welfare. The executive must ensure that these programs are effective and provide assistance to those who need it most.
The Political Executive exercises control over the working of the Permanent Executive and uses it for running the administration of the state in accordance with its policies, decisions, laws and the Constitution the state. Besides these major functions performed by a modern executive, there are several other functions for example functions which the executive has to perform for securing socio-economic cultural development of the people of the state. The departments of education, commerce, agriculture, transport, communication, cultural affairs and others, all play an important role in providing and improving these services. At every step and in every aspect of social relations, the executive plays a key role.
In conclusion, the executive branch of government is responsible for implementing policies, enforcing laws, managing the economy, and protecting the nation. The executive has the power to make decisions on behalf of the country and ensure that the government is working efficiently. The role of the executive is crucial in ensuring that the nation is safe, prosperous, and fair for all citizens.
This article on Functions of the Executive in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.