What phrase describes the manner in which acts are executed?

The phrase that best describes the manner in which acts are executed is "ministerial acts." Ministerial acts refer to actions that are performed in a prescribed manner, following established procedures or regulations without personal discretion. These acts are typically routine tasks that employees or officials are required to carry out under the guidance of existing laws and policies.

For instance, when a building inspector checks whether a construction project complies with specific safety codes, they are performing a ministerial act. The process follows clear guidelines, and the inspector does not have the authority to make subjective decisions about the application of those codes.

In contrast, discretionary acts involve a degree of choice or judgment in how actions are performed, allowing for personal interpretation. Judicial acts pertain to functions undertaken by the judiciary, such as making legal rulings, which also include a level of discretion. Administrative acts are related to the execution of general administrative functions but can encompass both ministerial and discretionary activities. The specificity of ministerial acts makes them the correct choice for describing the execution of acts in a defined, non-discretionary manner.