In modern times, Executives perform many different types of functions.
The following are the major functions of the executive:
Enforcement of Laws: The primary function of executive is to enforce laws as formulated by the legislature and to maintain law and order in the state.
Appointment-making Functions : All major appointments are made by the chief executive.
For example, the President of India appoints the Chief Justice and other Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Ambassadors, Advocate General of India, Chief of the Armed Forces, Governors of the States etc.
Treaty-making Functions : It is the responsibility of the executive to decide as to which treaties are to be signed and with which other countries. It is again the responsibility of the executive to secure legislative ratification of the treaties negotiated and signed by it.
Defense, War and Peace Functions : The Chief executive of the state is also the Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the State. A minister always heads the defense department. In this way, the executive symbolizes the supremacy of the civil over the military. In most of the states, the executive has the right to declare war upon any enemy of the state.
Foreign Policy-making and the Conduct of Foreign Relations : The executive first formulates the foreign policy of the nation and then implements it for securing the desired goals of national interest. The executive also appoints the ambassadors of the state to other states and conducts foreign relations. The department of the foreign affairs is headed by the foreign minister and he is responsible for the working of his department.
Policy-making : Modern welfare state has to formulate policies, prepare short-term and long-term plans and implement these policies and plans. These two functions can be legitimately described as the most important functions of the executive, through which the state carries out its objective of promoting the welfare all around and development of its people.
Function relating to Law-making : In a Parliamentary system, the executive plays a leading role in law-making by legislature.
Financial Functions : The executive has the responsibility to prepare the budget. It proposes to levy new taxes or changes in tax structure and administration. It collects and spends the money as sanctioned by the legislature.
Besides the above eight functions, there are several other functions like developmental functions, planning, securing socio-economic and cultural development of the people of the state which are also performed by a modern executive.
