Explain the functions of the legislature in a modern state.

Answer Details

The legislature is the organ of government responsible primarily for making laws. In a modern state it performs the following functions:

1. Law making: This is its principal function. The legislature deliberates on, amends and enacts new laws, and repeals or amends existing ones, to guide the conduct of citizens and the affairs of the state.
2. Control of public finance: It approves the annual budget, authorises taxation and government expenditure, and no money may be raised or spent by the executive without its approval, giving it control over the purse.
3. Oversight and control of the executive: It checks and supervises the executive by questioning ministers, debating government policies, and in a parliamentary system by passing a vote of no confidence.
4. Investigative function: Through its committees, the legislature conducts investigations and public hearings into matters of public interest and into the activities of government departments and agencies.
5. Amendment of the constitution: The legislature has the power to amend or alter the constitution following the laid down procedure.
6. Confirmation and approval of appointments: It confirms or ratifies key appointments made by the executive, such as ministers, judges, ambassadors and heads of agencies.
7. Ratification of treaties: It ratifies international treaties, agreements and declarations of war entered into by the executive.
8. Representative function: Members represent their constituencies, articulate the wishes, grievances and interests of the people, and serve as a link between the electorate and the government.
9. Judicial functions: In some cases it exercises quasi-judicial powers, such as impeaching the President or other high officials and punishing for contempt.
10. Electoral function: In some systems it may participate in electing certain officials, for instance choosing a President where no candidate wins an outright majority.