The constitutionA constitution is a set of fundamental rules that determine how a country or state is run. More and other arms of government exert some form of control or check on the executiveThe executive, also referred to as the executive branch or executive power, is the term commonly used to describe that part of government which enforces the law and has overall responsibility... More as it helps to reduce the dictatorial tendencies of the executive.
They include:
(i) The constitution specifies clearly the powers of the executive in the constitution. Any act or power contrary to this can be declared ultra vires.
(ii) Actions of the executive can be challenged in a court if they are unconstitutional, the court declares them unconstitutional through judicial review or ultra vires.
(iii) Judicial application of certain writs e.g. writ of mandamusA mandamus is an order passed down from a court requiring that an official perform some particular function as an absolute duty. More, habeas corpus injunction etc. can be used to compel the executive to do certain things.
(iv)The executive has the power to appoint officials to state offices but such appointments must be approved by the senate.
(v) Impeachment of the president in the presidential system and vote of no confidence on the cabinet in the parliamentary system are also forums of control.
(vi) The executive prepares and presents the budget but it must be approved by the legislatureThe legislative branch of government is responsible for making laws within a country. Legislatures are made up of people called legislators who, in democracies, are elected by the country’s population More.
(vii) The executive signs treaties and agreements with governments of other countries but such treaties and agreements must be ratified by the National Assembly.
(viii) The legislature makes law but it’s the executive that signs bills into law.
(ix) The legislature can control the executive through the power of questioning on the floor of the House.
(x) The executive has the power to declare a state of emergency or war but the senate has to approve.
(xi) International laws, sanctions, bans, embargos, and boycotts can control executive actions.
(xii) Conventions, customs and tradition can also control the executive.
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