Maintenance of law and order in a state is the function of the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which body is responsible for maintaining law and order in a state. This is about the functions of the three arms of government.

Step 2: Explain the concept Government is divided into three arms (separation of powers):

• Legislature: makes laws (e.g., National Assembly, State House of Assembly).
• Executive: implements and enforces laws, and maintains law and order. It controls the police, the army, the civil defence corps, and other security agencies. The President or Governor heads it.
• Judiciary: interprets laws and settles disputes through the courts.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. Citizens of the state: Citizens are expected to obey the law and cooperate with security agents, but the responsibility for maintaining law and order does not belong to them.
• B. Executive arm of government: Correct. The executive enforces laws and directs the security agencies (police, etc.) that keep peace and order. For example, a Governor is the chief security officer of a state.
• C. Legislative arm of government: It only makes the laws. It does not enforce them.
• D. Judicial service: It tries offenders and interprets laws, but it does not carry out day-to-day enforcement or policing.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B, the executive arm of government.

Tip: Remember it as "Legislature makes, Executive enforces, Judiciary interprets." Any question with words like enforce, implement, administer, maintain law and order, or security points to the Executive.