Executive vs. Parliament

Attribute	Executive	Parliament
Head	Head of government	Legislative body
Composition	Comprised of appointed officials	Comprised of elected representatives
Role	Responsible for implementing laws	Responsible for making laws
Term	May vary depending on country	Usually has fixed term
Accountability	Accountable to Parliament	Accountable to the people

Introduction

Executive and Parliament are two key components of a democratic government. While they both play crucial roles in the functioning of a country's governance, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore and compare the attributes of Executive and Parliament to gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Composition

The Executive branch of government is typically headed by the President or Prime Minister, who is the head of state or head of government, respectively. The Executive branch also includes various ministers and departments responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. On the other hand, Parliament is made up of elected representatives who are responsible for making laws and overseeing the government's actions. Parliament is divided into two houses - the lower house (House of Representatives) and the upper house (Senate or House of Lords).

Roles and Responsibilities

The Executive branch is responsible for executing and enforcing laws, managing the day-to-day operations of the government, and representing the country on the international stage. The President or Prime Minister is the chief executive officer and is responsible for making key decisions on behalf of the government. On the other hand, Parliament is responsible for making laws, scrutinizing the government's actions, and representing the interests of the people. Parliament has the power to pass legislation, approve budgets, and hold the government accountable through debates and inquiries.

Decision-Making Process

In the Executive branch, decisions are typically made by the President or Prime Minister in consultation with their cabinet ministers. The Executive branch has the authority to implement policies and make decisions without the need for approval from Parliament. However, major decisions such as declaring war or signing treaties may require parliamentary approval. In contrast, Parliament makes decisions through a democratic process involving debates, votes, and committee discussions. Laws are passed by a majority vote in both houses of Parliament before receiving royal assent from the head of state.

Accountability

The Executive branch is accountable to Parliament and the people for its actions and decisions. The President or Prime Minister can be questioned by Parliament and may be subject to votes of no confidence if they fail to govern effectively. Ministers are also accountable for their departments' performance and may be required to resign if they are found to have acted improperly. Parliament, on the other hand, is accountable to the people through regular elections. Elected representatives must answer to their constituents and can be voted out of office if they fail to represent their interests effectively.

Relationship

The relationship between the Executive and Parliament is crucial for the smooth functioning of a democratic government. While the Executive branch is responsible for implementing laws and policies, Parliament provides oversight and scrutiny to ensure that the government is acting in the best interests of the people. The two branches must work together to achieve common goals and address the needs of the country. Cooperation and communication between the Executive and Parliament are essential for maintaining a balance of power and upholding democratic principles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Executive and Parliament are essential components of a democratic government, each with its own set of attributes and responsibilities. While the Executive branch is responsible for implementing laws and making key decisions, Parliament plays a crucial role in making laws, scrutinizing the government, and representing the interests of the people. The relationship between the Executive and Parliament is vital for ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. By understanding and comparing the attributes of Executive and Parliament, we can appreciate the importance of both branches in upholding democracy and serving the needs of the people.