Essential Functions Of The Organs Of Government (Answer Guide)

The government of a country consists of three main branches or arms – the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.

Each branch has specific roles and powers accorded to it to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the country. Understanding the functions of the three organs provides insights into a country’s governance structure and processes. 

The Legislature is the lawmaking arm of the government. It is responsible for drafting, debating and passing bills that become the laws governing the land. The legislature also controls state finances by approving budgets and taxation policies. 

It keeps the executive in check through oversight mechanisms. The legislature provides a platform for citizens to voice grievances and influence government policies. It represents the people’s will in the nation’s governance.

The Executive arm runs the day-to-day administration of the country by enforcing laws and policies made by the legislature. It comprises both political leaders and permanent civil servants. The executive formulates and implements policies and plans for national development. 

It also manages government finances, international affairs, and public services. Through delegated legislation, the executive makes rules and regulations under the powers given to it by the legislature who must, in turn, approve the actions and decisions of the executive arm.

The Judiciary interprets the laws and adjudicates legal disputes. Courts apply the law to specific cases and pronounce judgments. The judiciary safeguards people’s rights and liberties. It acts as the guardian of the constitution by reviewing executive and legislative acts. 

An independent judiciary, free from political interference, is crucial to upholding justice and the rule of law in a society. The judiciary also has the power to conduct judicial inquiries and provide advisory opinions to the government on legal matters.

Functions Of The Legislature

Elected representatives of the people make up the legislature. In most countries, the legislature comprises two houses – the lower house and the upper house.

The lower house, often called the House of Representatives or House of Commons, is directly elected by citizens through universal adult suffrage. The upper house, usually known as the Senate or House of Lords, may be elected indirectly or consist of nominated members.

The two houses share legislative duties, with the lower house often wielding more power. Unicameral legislatures with only one chamber also exist in some countries.

Besides enacting laws, legislatures have several other responsibilities in a democratic system. The essential functions are:

1. Lawmaking: Drafting and passing bills on various subjects to become the laws of the land.
2. Representation: Acting as an elected body that represents the will of the citizens.
3. Oversight: Scrutinising the executive’s actions and exercising control over it. 
4. Budgeting: Approving financial bills, taxation policies and auditing government spending.
5. Debating: Providing a forum for debate on issues of national importance.
6. Redressal: Addressing citizens’ grievances and working towards their resolution.
7. Constitutional: Powers to amend the constitution by passing amendments as per procedures.
8. Electoral: Electing heads of state and key officials in some countries.
9. Judicial: Conducting impeachment trials and inquiries to remove senior officials.
10. Miscellaneous: Ratifying treaties, national symbols, appointing special committees etc.

Functions of the Executive 

The executive arm implements laws and policies legislated by the parliament. It comprises two parts:

• The political executive includes heads of state, like presidents, prime ministers, and other ministers. They provide political leadership and policy direction and are accountable to the legislature.
• The permanent administrative executive constitutes the civil bureaucracy that manages the day-to-day running of government institutions. Civil servants are politically neutral professionals who offer policy advice to the political class.  

The broad functions of the executive include:

1. Policy Making: Formulating policies and plans for national development in various sectors.
2. Law Enforcement: Implementing laws and ensuring compliance through law enforcement agencies.  
3. Financial Management: Preparing the budget, collecting revenue, and managing public funds.
4. National Security: Safeguarding territorial integrity and maintaining law and order. 
5. International Relations: Engaging with other nations through foreign policy and diplomatic channels.
6. Public Administration: Managing government offices and agencies that provide various services to citizens.
7. Disaster Response: Providing relief measures during calamities and emergencies.
8. Legislation: Initiating and drafting bills for consideration by the legislature.
9. Judicial Powers: Granting pardons, reprieves, overseeing administrative tribunals.
10. Appointments: Nominating officials into critical posts under the executive and judiciary branches.

Function of the Judiciary

The judiciary comprises the system of courts in a country. The Supreme Court is the highest, while high, district, and lower courts form the judicial hierarchy. The core responsibilities of the judiciary include:

1. Dispute Settlement: Courts settle disputes between citizens and between citizens and the government.
2. Interpreting Laws: Translating legislative intent into specific guidelines for practical application.
3. Protecting Rights: Checking violations of fundamental rights through writs and directives.
4. Constitutional Guardianship: Reviewing the constitutional validity of laws and executive orders. 
5. Maintaining Law and Order: Instilling a sense of justice by punishing crimes.
6. Equity Legislation: Framing rules of procedure and filling in gaps in enacted laws to ensure fairness.  
7. Judicial Inquiries: Heading high-level fact-finding investigations into issues of national importance. 
8. Advisory Role: Providing legal opinion to the executive and legislature on matters referred.
9. Oversight of Lower Courts: Monitoring functioning and administration of subordinate courts.
10. Miscellaneous: Registration of documents, marriages, etc., that require legal sanctity. 

The independence of the judiciary from political pressures is vital for it to act as an impartial watchdog and dispenser of justice in society. An efficient judicial system boosts public faith in the government and upholds the spirit of democracy.

Conclusion

The doctrine of separation of powers creates checks and balances in governance by dividing authority between the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each arm has core functions, allowing it to regulate the other branches. This arrangement provides continuity and stability in the system while preventing excessive concentration of power. 

The harmonious working of the three organs of government ensures that the state serves citizens’ interests effectively and transparently. Understanding the role of each branch is essential for citizens to know how the system works and to demand accountability from public institutions and officials.

Researched by Olatunji Oluwabusola