The maintenance of law and order is a function of the

1. Analyze the question The question asks which arm of government is mainly responsible for maintaining law and order in a country.

2. Explain the concept In a democracy, power is shared among three arms of government (separation of powers):

• Legislature: makes laws (e.g., the National Assembly in Nigeria).
• Executive: implements and enforces laws, and runs the day-to-day administration of the country. It controls the police, the civil service, and other security agencies.
• Judiciary: interprets laws and settles disputes through the courts.

Maintaining law and order means enforcing laws, keeping peace, and protecting lives and property. This is a work of enforcement, so it belongs to the executive.

3. Step-by-step solution

• A. Legislature: It only makes laws. It does not enforce them. ❌
• B. Military: The military is an institution under the executive. It defends the country against external aggression. It is not an arm of government. ❌
• C. Judiciary: It interprets laws and punishes offenders after they are tried. It does not carry out the daily work of keeping order. ❌
• D. Executive: It enforces laws through the Police, the Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies, headed by the President or Governor. ✅

4. Answer The correct option is D. executive.

5. Exam tip Use this memory aid: Legislature = Law-making, Executive = Enforcement, Judiciary = Judgment. When you see "enforce," "implement," "administer," or "maintain law and order," think Executive.