Illustrate the functions of executive
Answers
Functions of the Executive:
1. Enforcement of Laws:
The primary function of executive is to enforce laws and to maintain law and order in the state. Whenever a breach of law 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 and policies concerning its work. For maintaining law and order in the state, the executive organises and maintains the police force.
2. Appointment-making Functions:
All major appointments are made by the chief executive. As for example, the President of India appoints the Chief Justice and other Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. Ambassadors, Advocate General of India, Members of Union Public Service Commission, Governors of States etc.
Likewise, the President of the United States makes a very large number of key appointments. All the secretaries who head various government departments, Judges of the Supreme Court and other Federal Courts, the Federal officials in the States etc., are appointed by the US President. However, all such appointments require the approval of the US Senate (Upper House US Congress i.e. Parliament).
The members of the civil service are also appointed by the Chief executive. This is, usually, done on the recommendation of a service recruitment commission. In India, the Union Public Service Commission annually holds competitive examinations for All India Services, Central Services and Allied Services.
It recruits on merit, candidates for appointment to these cadres. The appointments are done by the Chief executive in accordance with the recommendations of the UPSC. Similar practice prevails in almost all the states. As such appointment-making is a function of the executive.
3. Treaty-making Functions:
It is the responsibility of the executive to decide 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 also in accordance with the provisions the constitution of the state.
Each treaty is signed by a member of the executive. Most of the treaties also require ratification by the legislature of the State. It is again the responsibility of the executive to secure legislative approval for the treaties signed by it.
4. Defence, War and Peace Functions:
One of the key functions of the state is to defend and preserve the unity and integrity of the country and protect it in the event of an external aggression or war. It is the responsibility of the executive to undertake this work. To organise military for the defence of the state, 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.
The executive is the final judge of the nature of the threat to the security of the country. It has the prime responsibility to take all such steps as are needed in the interest of the security and integrity of the state. The chief executive of the state is also the supreme commander of the armed forces of the state.