Discuss the functions of a modern legislature.

Answer Details

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

1. Law-making: Its primary function is to enact new laws and to amend or repeal existing ones for the good governance of the state.
2. Control of public finance: It examines and approves the annual budget, authorises taxation and public expenditure, and no money may be spent by the executive without its approval.
3. Control over the executive: It checks and oversees the executive through questions, motions, debates, votes of no confidence and, in the presidential system, confirmation of appointments, thereby ensuring accountability.
4. Amendment of the constitution: It initiates and passes amendments to the constitution in accordance with the laid-down procedure.
5. Investigative or oversight function: Through its committees it conducts investigations into matters of public interest and supervises the activities of ministries and agencies.
6. Judicial functions: It may exercise quasi-judicial powers such as the impeachment and removal of the president or governor, and it can punish for contempt of the house.
7. Representative function: Members represent their constituents, articulate their grievances and interests, and keep them informed of government policy.
8. Electoral and confirmation functions: In some systems it ratifies treaties, confirms senior appointments, and may participate in electing or approving certain officers of state.
9. Educative and deliberative function: Through open debates it enlightens the public on national issues and serves as a forum for ventilating public opinion.