Question

Discuss the functions of a Legislature.

“Law-making, control over finances, deliberations and checking the executive are the four major functions of a legislature”. Discuss.

Discuss the functions of the legislature in a modern democratic political system.

Explain different functions of legislature?

State any two functions of the legislature.

Answer 1

1. Law-making functions: The legislature frames, amends, and repeals laws to govern the country. This is its most fundamental role.
2. Deliberative functions: It discusses issues of public importance, enabling representatives to debate policies and express the people's voice.
3. Custodian of national finance: It controls the purse of the nation by passing the budget, approving taxation, and authorizing public expenditure.
4. Legislative control over the executive: The legislature supervises the actions of the executive to ensure it functions within the law and in the public interest. Let us discuss it in two parts.
   1. Legislative control over parliamentary executive: In a parliamentary system (like India or the UK), the executive is directly responsible to the legislature and can be removed by a vote of no-confidence.
   2. How legislative control is exercised over a presidential executive: In a presidential system (like the USA), the legislature cannot remove the executive mid-term but can restrain it through checks and balances.
   3. Congressional checks upon the president: In the U.S., Congress can override presidential vetoes, control finances, approve appointments, and even impeach the President.
5. Constituent functions: The legislature has the power to amend the constitution, usually by a special procedure.
6. Electoral functions: The legislature may take part in electing important functionaries like the President, Vice President, or members of certain councils.
7. Judicial functions: It may perform quasi-judicial functions like impeachment of high officials, punishing for contempt, etc.
8. Ventilation of grievances: Legislators raise issues and complaints of the public, ensuring that people’s problems reach the government.
9. Miscellaneous functions: These include setting up commissions, passing resolutions, approving emergency proclamations, etc.