What are the principal functions of the executive?

The principal functions of the executive are as follows:

• The executive is the branch of government responsible for the implementation of laws and policies adopted by the legislature.
• The executive is often involved in the framing of policy.
• The official designations of the executive vary from country to country.
• Some countries have presidents, while others have chancellors.
• The executive branch is not just about presidents, prime ministers and ministers. It also extends to the administrative machinery (civil servants).
• While the heads of government and their ministers, saddled with the overall responsibility of government policy, are together known as the political executive, those responsible for the day-to-day administration are called the permanent executive.

Further Reading :

• Union Executive & State Executive
• Difference between Legislative and Executive