Permanent Executive Explained

The term 'permanent executive' refers to the administrative body within a government that continues irrespective of political changes. This body is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of policies and the functioning of government departments.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the options to identify the correct description:

• Members of the elected Parliament: These individuals form the legislature and are involved in policy-making and law creation. They are part of the political, not permanent, executive.
• The permanent civil servants who manage daily administration: This group includes career officials who implement government policies and manage administrative tasks. They provide continuity and are non-political, fitting the definition of the permanent executive.
• Judges of the Supreme Court: The judiciary is a separate branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. They are independent of the executive branch.
• The heads of government and their ministers: This group constitutes the political executive. They are elected or appointed politicians who direct government policy and change with elections or political shifts.

Therefore, the permanent civil servants are the ones described as the 'permanent executive' due to their continuous role in managing the administrative machinery of the state.