What is a critical function of the legislature in a democracy?

In a democracy, the legislature plays a vital role in ensuring that the government is held accountable to the public, and one of its most critical functions is to scrutinize executive actions. This involves reviewing and assessing the decisions and actions undertaken by the executive branch of government, which often includes the president or prime minister and their cabinet. Through this process, legislators have the ability to question government officials, investigate policies, and examine the use of public funds. This oversight helps maintain transparency and accountability, preventing the abuse of power and ensuring that the government acts in the best interests of its citizens.

While conducting elections is important for democratic participation, it is primarily a responsibility of electoral bodies rather than the legislature itself. Similarly, ministerial appointments, while significant, are usually the prerogative of the executive branch. Regulating media, though related to democracy, typically falls under the purview of independent regulatory bodies rather than being a direct function of the legislature. Therefore, the scrutiny of executive actions emerges as the key role for ensuring effective governance and upholding democratic values.