State Government — Practice Questions
UPSC Prelims-pattern practice questions on the Governor, assent to State Bills, State ministers, the Advocate General and Legislative Councils.
Questions
These are original UPSC-pattern practice questions. Attempt each one before revealing the answer.
Under Article 200 of the Constitution of India, the Governor must reserve a Bill passed by the State legislature for the consideration of the President when the Bill:
Solution
The second proviso to Article 200 makes reservation obligatory when a Bill would so derogate from the powers of the High Court as to endanger its constitutional position. In the other cases, reservation is discretionary or not required.
Answer: B
How many of the following States have a Legislative Council?
- Bihar
- Maharashtra
- Telangana
- Rajasthan
Solution
Bihar, Maharashtra and Telangana have Legislative Councils — along with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Rajasthan does not. So three.
Answer: C
Consider the following statements about the Council of Ministers in a State:
- The total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, shall not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly.
- The number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, shall not be less than 12.
- The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Governor.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solution
Statements 1 and 2 are correct — Article 164(1A), 91st Amendment (2003). Statement 3 is incorrect — the Council is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly (Article 164(2)).
Answer: A
Which Article of the Constitution of India provides for the office of the Advocate General of a State?
Solution
Article 165. Article 76 is the Attorney General of India; Article 148 is the Comptroller and Auditor General; Article 163 concerns the Council of Ministers aiding and advising the Governor.
Answer: D
For how long can a State Legislative Council delay an ordinary Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly?
Solution
A Council can hold an ordinary Bill for up to three months; if the Assembly re-passes it, the Council can hold it for one more month, after which the Bill is deemed passed. There is no joint sitting in States. Fourteen days is the limit for Money Bills.
Answer: B
Mains
Do State Legislative Councils serve a useful purpose, or are they a constitutional luxury? Discuss.
Solution
Introduction: Article 169 lets States create or abolish Legislative Councils; six States have them today. Councils can only delay ordinary Bills and merely recommend on Money Bills.
Body:
- Arguments for:
- A revising chamber that checks hasty legislation.
- Representation for graduates, teachers and local bodies; space for experts through nomination.
- Continuity, since the Council is never dissolved.
- Arguments against:
- Weak powers — the Assembly prevails after a short delay.
- Used to accommodate those who lose elections; nominations can be politicised.
- Additional cost; repeated creation and abolition depending on the party in power.
- The graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies are considered outdated by some.
- Way forward: a uniform national policy on when States should have Councils; clearer criteria for nomination; stronger committee roles.
Conclusion: Councils can add deliberative value only if their composition is reformed and their role defined; otherwise their creation and abolition will remain driven by political convenience.