Question

Explain why the influence of the executive has grown in recent times?

Answer 1

1. Expansion of the Welfare State: Modern governments are expected to provide welfare services such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment. This has increased the responsibilities of the executive, which implements all such policies and schemes.
2. Complexity of Modern Administration: Governance today involves managing economic planning, global diplomacy, climate Issues, technology, etc. These require quick decision-making, which increases reliance on the executive branch and its experts.
3. Emergencies and Crisis Situations: Frequent national and global emergencies, such as pandemics (COVID-19), wars, terrorism, or natural disasters, demand swift and centralised action. This enhances the executive’s power through emergency laws and executive orders.
4. Media and Technology: With the rise of mass media and social media, the head of the executive (e.g., Prime Minister or President) often becomes the visible face of the government, gaining more public attention and political influence.
5. Decline of the Legislature: Legislatures are often slow, divided, or influenced by party politics, leading to delays in policymaking. This allows the executive to step in with ordinances, executive orders, or administrative decisions.
6. Growth of Bureaucracy: The executive controls the civil services, which have expanded massively. This bureaucratic machinery helps the executive implement and even shape policies, further increasing its role and reach.
7. Judicial Support: In many countries, courts have interpreted constitutional powers in ways that sometimes favour the executive, especially in matters of national security or public interest.
8. Coalition Politics: In parliamentary systems with coalition governments, the Prime Minister or President often becomes a central unifying figure, leading to more concentration of power in the executive.