(i) The constitution imposes limitations on the wielding of the power and functions of the executive. Executive can not act ultravire.
(ii) Actions of the executive could be challenged in the courts and such acts could be declared illegal, null and void or unconstitutional.
(iii) Judicial application of certain writs e.g. habeas corpus, mandamus, injunction, etc. could be used to compel the executive to do certain things.
(iv) Some appointments and decisions of the executive have to be approved by the legislature in presidential system of government.
(v) In the presidential system of government, the president can be impeached, while in the parliamentary system, a vote of no confidence ban be passed on the executive.
(vi) A change of government by peaceful or violent means could be used if the government becomes unpopular or unreasonable.
(vii) In the parliamentary system of government, the emergence of 'shadow cabinet' or the 'opposition bench' subjects the executive to constant watch, scrutiny and criticism.
(viii) The executive is also controlled through party caucuses and representation in the legislature, for example in the House of Commons in Britain.
(ix) Periodic free and fair elections make it possible for the executive to be controlled by the electorate (referendum/plebiscite).
(x) The press or the media by playing the role of the watch dog, as the fourth 1 estate of the realm, controls the executive by beaming a searchlight on its activities.
(xi) The public through lectures, seminars, symposia, public opinion can control the activities of the executive, by creating public aware-ness.
(xii) International treaties/charter/protocol/articles of understanding is capable of influencing the actions of the executive e.g. UNO, Commonwealth, OAU, Amnesty International, ILO, IMF, etc.
(xiii) Conventions/norms, war, crises, state of emergency, disasters, etc. can also influence or control the executive.
(xiv) International sanctions, ban, embargo, boycott, etc. can control the executive and force it into taking a specific standard or stand on issues.