The Executive Department in Government

Nature of Executive Department

• The executive department is the branch of government responsible for managing political and ceremonial affairs.
• In Presidential governments, executive power is vested in the President, while in monarchies, the monarch and Prime Minister share executive functions.
• The executive is responsible for executing laws and implementing state policies, using their signatory powers.
• The executive is also the manager and leader of all governmental offices and divisions.

The Doctrine of Prerogative

• The doctrine of prerogative was popularized by John Locke, who defined it as the main authority of the leader, sometimes transcending the law.
• In the Philippines, the President has the power to appoint, grant reprieve, commutation, and pardon to criminals, and declare a state of emergency.

Qualifications of Chief Executive

• The qualifications of the chief executive vary by country and are set by the constitution.
• In Great Britain, the monarch is chosen based on family lineage, while the Prime Minister is chosen from among members of the legislature.
• In the Philippines, the President is elected through popular vote.
• To be eligible to become President of the Philippines, a person must be a natural-born citizen, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years old, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years.
• The Vice-President has the same qualifications as the President.

Powers and Functions of Executive Department

• The executive department has several powers and functions, including:
• Appointing power: the executive appoints cabinet members based on merit, qualification, or loyalty.
• Diplomatic power: the executive appoints official representatives to other countries.
• Military power: the President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and can declare martial law to suppress lawless elements, invasion, and rebellion.
• Veto power: the executive can veto bills approved by the legislature.