Chief Executive
Chief Executive
This domain tests the powers, functions and types of the chief executive, and the distinction between constitutional and real executive authority.
Core rules and concepts
- The chief executive heads the executive branch and performs political, administrative, legislative, financial and crisis functions.
- In a parliamentary system the formal head (President or Governor) is constitutional; the real executive is the Prime Minister or Chief Minister with the council of ministers, which must retain legislative confidence.
- In a presidential system the President is both head of state and head of government, with a fixed term and separation from the legislature.
- Administrative functions include appointments, coordination, supervision, budget direction and representing the government; in India the Chief Secretary heads the civil service at state level, not the political executive.
- The chief executive's power is constrained by law, legislature, courts, federal division and public opinion.
Worked example
After a state election, the Governor invites the leader who can command a majority in the Assembly to become Chief Minister. The Governor's formal appointment power is exercised on constitutional advice and majority strength; the Chief Minister then allocates portfolios and directs administration. Calling the Governor the real executive would be wrong.
Traps
Do not confuse the formal head with the real executive. Do not list the Chief Secretary as a political chief executive. Do not say a presidential President is accountable to the legislature through confidence votes.