THE FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE
The executive of modern democracies performs the following functions:
1. EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
As head of the government, the executive executes or enforces the laws of the land.
This function includes the preservation of the constitution and consecration of his services to
his nation’s welfare.
2. LEGISLATIVE FUNCTION
The executive also exerts a semblance of the legislative function.
In states possessing a presidential form of government, the President distinctly takes part in
law-making through the following:
1. By his regular messages to the legislature in which he calls the attention of the lawmakers to
the problems of the nation,
2. By his recommendation and initiation of legislative projects,
3. By his power to open, adjourn, and prolong the legislative sessions, and
4. By his VETO POWER, whereby he rejects measures which he does not consider suitable to
become laws.
3. JUDICIAL FUNCTION
Forms of Exercising the Judicial Function of Executive:
1. Indirectly, through the appointment of judges, and
2. Directly, through the power to grant PARDON, REPRIEVE, and COMMUTATION to convicted
criminals and also through the power to grant AMNESTY. Historically, the pardoning power
of executive exists to check the abuses of the judges.
4. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTION
The executive is the supreme administrative official of the nation.
All subordinate officials are appointed or removed from office by him with or without the
consent of the legislature.
The executive also formulates certain rules for a successful administration. Thus the entire
administrative machinery is subordinated to him.
5. DIPLOMATIC FUNCTION
The executive is empowered with the following:
1. To negotiate treaties and other international agreements with other nations,
2. To receive the diplomatic representatives of other nations, and
3. To appoint diplomats to represent the nation abroad.
6. MILITARY FUNCTION
The executive is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The President has the following powers:
1. To suspend the writ of habeas corpus
2. To establish or declare martial law
3. In wartime, the President can exercise functions that are not to be found in the constitution.
