Powers and Functions of the Executive in a State

As the hub around which the wheel of government revolves, the executive is the active force in government. As such, it performs a number of functions and exercises certain powers which are necessary for the survival of the political system. Some of these powers and functions of the executive are explained below.

Limitations on the Powers of the Executive Branch

Limitations on the Powers of the Executive Branch | 1. There is parliamentary control of the executive, especially in a cabinet system of government. The prime minister and his cabinet are responsible to the lower house. That is, they must explain and defend their policies in the house, and if the parliament withdraws its support for the government, the prime minister either resigns or advises the king or president to dissolve parliament in order to seek fresh support through a general election.

Power (Political Power) – Definition, Types & Sources

In simple terms, power means ability to rule. It is the ability to change or affect the behaviour or actions of another in the way one likes. For example, power is the ability of Mr A to compel Mr B to do something, which Mr B would ordinarily not want to do. Thus, in defining power, the word 'ability' is very important.