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.

Functions of Political Parties

Functions of Political parties include the following in the political system - 1. Interest articulation, 2. Interest aggregation, 3. Recruitment and removal of political leaders, 4. Link between government and the people, 5. Mobilization of public opinion, 6. Peaceful means of changing government, 7. Simplification and clarification of issues.