ABSTRACT
The question of the distribution, or allocation, of powers within a body politic, and particularly the relationship in this respect between the executive – the body of decision-makers who take overall responsibility for the direction and coordination of government policy – and the legislature – the representative body that provides for legitimacy, enacts legislation and oversees and scrutinises the actions and activity of the executive – in a state, is one that has preoccupied drafters of constitutions, academics and political practitioners for hundreds of years. Indeed, the relationship between the legislative and executive authorities in a state – the relationship that is at the very heart of government – has been described as the most important point at issue in determining the governing structures of any nation.
