Class 11 Political Science Notes – Executive

1. Introduction

The Executive is a branch of government responsible for implementing laws and administering public policy.
It is one of the three organs of government: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
In modern democracies, the executive is central to decision-making and governance.
The efficiency and structure of the executive directly affect policy outcomes and the functioning of democracy.
It is distinct from the legislature (makes laws) and judiciary (interprets laws), but collaboration is essential for smooth governance.
The executive ensures the protection of rights, maintenance of law and order, and delivery of public services.

The executive is the authority responsible for day-to-day administration of the state.
Its main functions include:
- Implementing laws passed by the legislature.
- Formulating policies for economic, social, and political development.
- Managing public services such as health, education, and security.
- Maintaining internal law and order and external security.
The executive interprets laws and exercises discretion in areas not explicitly covered by legislation.
It acts as the link between citizens and government, executing the policies that affect daily life.
In India, the executive comprises both political and permanent elements.

Presidential Executive:
- The head of state is also the head of government.
- Examples: USA, Brazil.
- Features include: separation of powers, independent elections for legislature and executive.
Parliamentary Executive:
- The head of state (President/Monarch) is mostly ceremonial.
- Real executive power lies with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
- Examples: India, UK, Canada.
- Features include: collective responsibility and fusion of powers.
Semi-Presidential Executive:
- Combines features of presidential and parliamentary systems.
- Examples: France, Russia.
- Both President and Prime Minister share executive powers.
Military or Authoritarian Executive:
- Executive power is centralized in one leader or junta.
- Limited accountability to legislature or citizens.
- Example: Former military regimes in some countries.

India follows a parliamentary system, modeled on the Westminster system.
Features include:
- Bicameral legislature (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and a nominal head of state (President).
- Collective responsibility of the Cabinet to the legislature.
- Prime Minister as the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.
The executive is divided into:
- Political executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers.
- Permanent executive: Bureaucracy or civil services.
The system ensures accountability to the legislature while maintaining efficient administration.

The President of India is the constitutional head of state and supreme executive authority.
Powers include:
- Executive Powers: Appointing Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Governors, and other key officials.
- Legislative Powers: Summoning and dissolving Parliament, giving assent to bills, issuing ordinances.
- Judicial Powers: Granting pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions.
- Military Powers: Supreme Commander of Armed Forces; can declare war or peace with Parliament’s approval.
The President functions mainly on the advice of the Council of Ministers, except in certain discretionary matters.
Symbolically represents unity and sovereignty of the nation.

Discretionary powers are the powers the President can exercise without the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Examples include:
- Choosing the Prime Minister when no party has a clear majority.
- Dismissing a government in cases of constitutional crises.
- Sending messages to Parliament regarding emergency situations.
- Refusing to dissolve the Lok Sabha in certain situations.
These powers are rarely used and mostly in exceptional or emergency circumstances.
Ensure stability of governance and protection of constitutional values.

The Prime Minister (PM) is the real head of the executive in India.
Appointment: By the President, usually the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.
Powers and Functions of PM:
- Leader of Council of Ministers: Chairs Cabinet meetings and coordinates ministries.
- Advises the President on appointments and policy matters.
- Represents India in domestic and international forums.
- Maintains communication between President, Cabinet, and Parliament.
Council of Ministers:
- Comprises Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.
- Collectively responsible to Lok Sabha.
- Helps in decision-making, policy formulation, and execution.
Ensures collective responsibility, meaning if the Cabinet loses confidence of Lok Sabha, it must resign.

Bureaucracy is the permanent, non-political part of the executive.
Composed of civil servants, IAS officers, IPS officers, and other administrative officials.
Functions include:
- Implementing policies and laws passed by the legislature.
- Advising political executives on policy matters.
- Maintaining records and statistics for governance.
- Ensuring administrative continuity, irrespective of changes in political leadership.
Bureaucracy is neutral, professional, and hierarchical, providing stability to governance.
Acts as the link between citizens and government, ensuring service delivery.

The executive is central to governance, ensuring law implementation, policy execution, and citizen services.
India’s parliamentary system ensures accountability through collective responsibility and legislative oversight.
The President, while largely ceremonial, has discretionary powers for stability during crises.
The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers form the political executive, directing policy and administration.
The permanent executive (bureaucracy) ensures continuity, neutrality, and efficiency.
A strong, balanced, and accountable executive is essential for a functioning democracy, protection of rights, and effective governance.