Explain why the powers of the Executive arm of government have increased in recent years.

Answer Details

Reasons for the increase in the powers of the Executive in recent years

1. Growth of state functions (welfare state): Modern governments now provide education, health, housing and social services. These enormous tasks are executed by the executive, thereby expanding its powers.
2. Complexity of modern problems: Issues such as the economy, technology and security are complex and technical, requiring the expertise, speed and specialised machinery of the executive rather than the slow legislature.
3. Delegated legislation: Because the legislature has no time to make detailed laws, it delegates law-making authority to the executive to fill in the details through rules and regulations, increasing executive power.
4. Emergencies and national security: Wars, disasters and emergencies demand quick and decisive action which only the executive can provide, and emergency powers enlarge its authority.
5. Control of the economy: Government planning, budgeting and regulation of economic life are carried out by the executive, greatly widening its influence.
6. Party discipline and control of the legislature: Where the executive controls a disciplined majority party in the legislature, it effectively dominates law-making.
7. Control of information and the bureaucracy: The executive commands the civil service, the armed forces and vast information, which strengthen its position over the other arms.
8. Rise of the mass media and personality of leaders: Modern communication focuses attention on the head of the executive, enhancing his prestige and power.