A More Powerful Minority by the Name of Executive Branch
Whenever the topic of minorities arises, two types typically come to mind: one that is often oppressed, with its rights consistently trampled upon, and another that typically holds the reins of power, governing the majority of society while oppressing the lower minority by denying them their legal rights. In reality, governance is caught between the waves of power exerted by the ruling minority and the storms faced by the oppressed minority, while the majority of society continues to lead a calm and ordinary life on the shores of peace and comfort. Although subtle discomforts and discontent sometimes seep into the lives of the majority from the ruling minority, prompting them to express their frustrations towards the government, the majority remains the quieter and more content segment of society.
In the previous two notes and this one, the discussion revolves around the same ruling minority; for example, the parliament and so on. This writing, however, focuses more on a more powerful minority known as the executive branch.
The Executive Branch
The parliament alone does not play a significant role in political struggles and national decision-making. There is a higher and more powerful force that exists to execute the decrees and laws of the state, uphold the dominance of the minority, and seize major power—this force is known as the executive branch.
The executive branch is one of the powers that enforces the rule of the minority. The main power in this branch lies in the hands of a small group of individuals. If the government is presidential, the president holds this power; if parliamentary, the prime minister does.
This small group wields immense power, which will be elaborated on further.
In some countries, efforts have been made to weaken and diminish the strength of this branch. The origin of this issue stems from historical lessons about kings or dictators who gradually took control of all powers. However, history has proven how misguided this thinking can be and how severe its consequences can become, especially since internal affairs—and more importantly, foreign relations—require a strong and capable executive branch that focuses on significant issues rather than oppressing the people and ignoring their rightful claims.
The strengthening and expansion of the executive branch’s power have been termed the defeat of the parliamentary era. The increase in the work and independence of the executive branch is known as a parliamentary crisis. The executive branch increases its power and influence, while the parliament tries to retain its authority, resulting in competition and struggle between the two branches over domestic and foreign policies. Often, the executive branch emerges victorious in decision-making.
The executive branch not only has the power to enforce decisions within its own domain but also holds tangible influence in areas specifically designated to the legislative branch. For example, it can exert control over budget increases or decreases and the manner of lawmaking, ensuring that its desires are fulfilled.
The executive branch has the authority to enact laws known as administrative bills. The number of these decisions is significantly greater than the laws passed by parliament. Parliament annually passes an average of 80 laws, while the executive branch issues 30 times that amount in orders and decisions.
Parliament may accept, modify, or reject these regulations, but the executive branch plays a crucial role in this process. The president can also draw Congress’s attention to specific issues, prompting the passage of related laws. Moreover, Congress can play a significant role in the lawmaking process by vetoing laws. The importance of the executive branch’s decisions lies in the fact that when its decisions possess legislative attributes, they grant the executive branch greater power by allowing it to pass desired laws without consulting the legislative branch. If the number of such laws and decisions is high, the center of gravity in legislation will shift from parliament to the executive branch.
In this way, the executive branch occupies a fundamental level of legislative power. It is important to note that, despite differing methods in countries claiming to be democracies, the outcome remains the same.
Once a president or prime minister is elected, the first step taken is usually to dismiss or demote most of the top managers in the country to replace them with individuals favored by the new government team. This appointment process itself is a sign of a minority-driven government.
