Explain why the powers of the Executive arm of government have increased in recent years.
Explanation
The powers of the executive arm of government responsible for execution of policies and laws of the state have increased in recent years due to the following factors:
(i) The President has been granted the power to appoint and name ministers, ambassadors, Judges, etc., thereby increasing the powers of the executive arm of government.
(ii) Exercising the prerogative of mercy by the President as enshrined in the constitution.
(iii) The President's power to veto acts of parliament had contributed to the increase in the powers of the president.
(iv) The president's power to perform some judicial functions e.g. prerogative of mercy; the power to pardon anyone who has offended the state is another factor that has contributed to the increase in the powers of the executive arm of government.
(v) The executive belongs to tribunals, also set up by it, making it to perform some quasi-judicial functions thereby increasing the powers of the executive.
(vi) The executive arm can also exercise powers in times of emergency, by appointing administrators who can equally take wide ranging decisions.
(vii) In delegated legislation, the transfer of power through the Acts of Parliament, to other bodies, has made it possible for these bodies to be involved in law-making activities.