The Chief Minister (CM) and the State Council of Ministers are pivotal to the functioning of the state government in India. Understanding their roles, powers, and the relationship with the Governor is crucial for UPSC CSE aspirants and those preparing for other competitive exams. The Chief Minister, as the head of the state government, plays a significant role in the executive decisions of the state, while the State Council of Ministers assists in the administration and policy implementation.
In this post, we provide a set of carefully crafted Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering the roles, powers, and functions of the Chief Minister and the State Council of Ministers. Each MCQ is followed by the correct answer and a detailed explanation, designed to ensure a deep understanding of this important topic and to help you ace your exams.
Chief Minister and State Council of Ministers MCQs and Answers
1. Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with the State Legislatures?
(a) Part IV
(b) Part V
(c) Part VI
(d) Part VII
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Part VI of the Constitution, titled “The States,” contains provisions related to the State Executive, the State Legislature, and the State Judiciary. Chapter III of this part specifically deals with the State Legislature.
2. Article 168 of the Indian Constitution provides for the constitution of Legislatures in States. It states that for every State, there shall be a Legislature which shall consist of:
(a) Only a Legislative Assembly.
(b) Only a Legislative Council.
(c) The Governor and a Legislative Assembly, and in some States, also a Legislative Council.
(d) The Governor and a Legislative Council, and in some States, also a Legislative Assembly.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 168 specifies that the State Legislature consists of the Governor and one House (Legislative Assembly) or two Houses (Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council). States do not have a mandatory Legislative Council.
3. A State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) consists of members chosen by:
(a) Nomination by the Governor.
(b) Direct election from territorial constituencies in the State.
(c) Election by local bodies.
(d) Election by graduates and teachers.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 170(1) states that the Legislative Assembly of each State shall consist of members directly elected from territorial constituencies in the State.
4. The maximum strength of a State Legislative Assembly is fixed at:
(a) 300
(b) 400
(c) 500
(d) There is no fixed maximum strength.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 170(1) provides that the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly of a State shall not be more than five hundred and not less than sixty. However, some smaller states have been granted exceptions to the minimum limit.
5. The minimum strength of a State Legislative Assembly is fixed at:
(a) 50
(b) 60
(c) 75
(d) There is no fixed minimum strength for all states.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: As mentioned in the previous question, Article 170(1) sets the minimum strength at sixty members, with exceptions for certain smaller states like Sikkim, Goa, and Mizoram.
6. The delimitation of territorial constituencies for elections to the State Legislative Assembly is done by:
(a) The Election Commission of India.
(b) The State Election Commission.
(c) A Delimitation Commission appointed by the State government.
(d) The State Legislature itself.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 170(2) specifies that the delimitation of constituencies shall be readjusted after each census by such authority and in such manner as Parliament may by law determine. This authority is the Delimitation Commission of India.
7. A State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) consists of members elected or nominated from various categories, including:
- Electors of territorial constituencies.
- Members elected by local authorities.
- Members elected by graduates.
- Members elected by teachers.
- Members nominated by the Governor.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1, 2, and 5
(b) Only 2, 3, 4, and 5
(c) Only 1, 3, 4, and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4, and 5 (Category 1 pertains to the Legislative Assembly)
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 171(3) details the composition of the Legislative Council, with members elected by local authorities, graduates, teachers, and nominated by the Governor for their special knowledge or practical experience. Direct election from territorial constituencies is for the Legislative Assembly.
8. The total number of members in the Legislative Council of a State shall not exceed:
(a) One-third of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly of that State.
(b) One-half of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly of that State.
(c) Two-thirds of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly of that State.
(d) The same as the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 171(1) states that the total number of members in the Legislative Council of a State having such a Council shall not exceed one-third of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly of that State. However, it should also not be less than forty members.
9. The minimum strength of a State Legislative Council is fixed at:
(a) 30
(b) 40
(c) 50
(d) There is no fixed minimum strength.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 171(2) specifies that the total number of members in the Legislative Council of a State shall in no case be less than forty.
10. The power to create or abolish a Legislative Council in a State rests with the:
(a) Governor of the State.
(b) President of India.
(c) Parliament of India.
(d) State Legislative Assembly itself.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 169(1) provides that Parliament may by law provide for the abolition of the Legislative Council of a State having such a Council or for the creation of such a Council in a State not having such a Council, if the Legislative Assembly of the State passes a resolution to that effect by a special majority.
11. The term of the State Legislative Assembly is generally:
(a) 4 years.
(b) 5 years from the date appointed for its first meeting.
(c) 6 years.
(d) Until dissolved by the Governor.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 172(1) states that every Legislative Assembly of every State, unless sooner dissolved, shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer.
12. The term of a member of the State Legislative Council is:
(a) 4 years.
(b) 5 years.
(c) 6 years, with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
(d) For the duration of the State Legislative Assembly.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 172(2) specifies that the Legislative Council of a State shall not be subject to dissolution, but as nearly as may be one-third of its members shall retire as soon as may be on the expiration of every second year. Members are elected or nominated for a term of six years.
13. Who presides over the State Legislative Assembly?
(a) The Governor.
(b) The Chief Minister.
(c) The Speaker.
(d) The Chairman of the Legislative Council (if it exists).
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 178 provides for the election of a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly by its members to preside over its sittings.
14. Who presides over the State Legislative Council?
(a) The Governor.
(b) The Chief Minister.
(c) The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
(d) The Chairman.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 182 provides for the election of a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council by its members to preside over its sittings.
15. The quorum to constitute a meeting of either House of the State Legislature is:
(a) One-third of the total number of members of the House.
(b) One-fourth of the total number of members of the House.
(c) One-tenth of the total number of members of the House or ten members, whichever is greater.
(d) A simple majority of the members present.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 189(3) states that until the Legislature of the State by law otherwise provides, the quorum to constitute a meeting of a House of the Legislature of a State shall be ten members or one-tenth of the total number of members of the House, whichever is greater.
16. A Bill (other than a Money Bill or a Constitutional Amendment Bill – which States cannot amend) can originate in:
(a) Only the Legislative Assembly.
(b) Only the Legislative Council (in bicameral states).
(c) Either House of the State Legislature.
(d) A joint sitting of both Houses (if bicameral).
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Similar to the Parliament, in a bicameral State Legislature, a non-money Bill can originate in either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council, unless specifically restricted.
17. A Money Bill in a State can originate only in the:
(a) Legislative Council (if it exists).
(b) Legislative Assembly.
(c) Joint sitting of both Houses (if bicameral).
(d) Either House with the Governor’s recommendation.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 198(1) clearly states that a Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Legislative Council of a State having such a Council; it shall originate only in the Legislative Assembly. This mirrors the provision for Money Bills in the Parliament.
18. The Legislative Council of a State has limited powers compared to the Legislative Assembly, particularly with respect to:
(a) Constitutional Amendment Bills (States cannot amend).
(b) Ordinary Bills.
(c) Money Bills.
(d) Bills related to the Governor’s powers.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 198 specifically restricts the powers of the Legislative Council with respect to Money Bills. It can delay a Money Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly for a maximum period of fourteen days and can suggest amendments, but the Assembly is not bound to accept them.
19. In case of disagreement between the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council on a non-money Bill, the final decision rests with the:
(a) Governor.
(b) President.
(c) Legislative Assembly.
(d) A joint sitting of both Houses (if provided by State Law, which is generally not the case).
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Unlike the deadlock resolution mechanism at the Union level (Joint Sitting), there is no constitutional provision for a joint sitting of both Houses of a State Legislature to resolve disagreements. Ultimately, the will of the popularly elected Legislative Assembly prevails. Article 197 outlines the process for dealing with disagreements on non-money bills, giving the Assembly the final say.
20. The State Legislature exercises control over the executive (Council of Ministers) through:
- Questions and interpellations.
- Committees of the Legislature.
- Vote of no-confidence in the Legislative Assembly.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Similar to the Parliament’s control over the Union Executive, the State Legislature holds the State Council of Ministers accountable through mechanisms like questions, committee scrutiny, and the ultimate power of a vote of no-confidence in the Legislative Assembly.
21. The power of the State Legislature to legislate on matters in the State List is:
(a) Exclusive.
(b) Concurrent with the Union Parliament.
(c) Subject to the President’s assent in all cases.
(d) Limited by the Governor’s discretion.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 246(3) grants the State Legislatures exclusive power to make laws for their respective States with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List II (State List) in the Seventh Schedule.
22. The power of the State Legislature to legislate on matters in the Concurrent List is:
(a) Exclusive.
(b) Concurrent with the Union Parliament, with the Union law prevailing in case of conflict.
(c) Subject to the consent of the President.
(d) Limited by the Governor’s assent in all cases.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 246(2) provides that both Parliament and the Legislature of any State have power to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List III (Concurrent List). However, in case of a repugnancy, the law made by Parliament prevails over the law made by the State Legislature to the extent of the repugnancy.
23. The Governor can reserve a Bill passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President under:
(a) Article 200
(b) Article 201
(c) Article 202
(d) Article 213
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 200 empowers the Governor to either give assent to a Bill passed by the State Legislature, withhold assent, or reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President.
24. When a Bill is reserved by the Governor for the consideration of the President, the President can:
- Give assent to the Bill.
- Withhold assent from the Bill.
- Direct the Governor to return the Bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 201 outlines the President’s powers with respect to a Bill reserved by the Governor. The President can give assent, withhold assent, or direct the Governor to return the Bill (along with a message) to the State Legislature for reconsideration.
25. The Annual Financial Statement (Budget) of the State is laid before the State Legislature under:
(a) Article 200
(b) Article 202
(c) Article 205
(d) Article 213
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 202 is analogous to Article 112 at the Union level and requires the Governor to cause to be laid before the House or Houses of the Legislature of the State the estimated receipts and expenditure of the State for each financial year.
26. Demands for Grants in the State Budget are presented to and voted upon by the:
(a) State Legislative Council (if it exists).
(b) State Legislative Assembly.
(c) Joint sitting of both Houses (if bicameral).
(d) Governor.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to the Lok Sabha’s power over Union Demands for Grants, Article 203(2) states that the Legislative Assembly of a State shall have power to assent, or to refuse to assent, to any Demand for a Grant, or to assent to any Demand subject to a reduction of the amount specified therein.
27. The procedure for the enactment of Money Bills in the State Legislature is primarily governed by:
(a) Article 196
(b) Article 198
(c) Article 200
(d) Article 213
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 198 lays down the special procedure with respect to Money Bills in the State Legislature, particularly concerning their origination in the Legislative Assembly and the limited powers of the Legislative Council.
28. The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly has the power to:
(a) Vote on all matters before the House.
(b) Vote only in case of a tie.
(c) Issue ordinances when the legislature is not in session.
(d) Dissolve the State Legislative Assembly.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 189(1) is analogous to Article 100(1) at the Union level, stating that the Speaker or person acting as such shall not vote in the first instance but shall have and exercise a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.
29. The Chairman of the State Legislative Council has the power to:
(a) Vote on all matters before the House.
(b) Vote only in case of a tie.
(c) Certify whether a Bill is a Money Bill.
(d) Summon a joint sitting of both Houses.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman of the State Legislative Council also has a casting vote in case of a tie, as they are not a directly elected member of the Assembly. The power to certify a Money Bill rests with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Joint sittings are generally not provided for at the State level.
30. The Governor’s power to promulgate ordinances when the State Legislature is not in session is provided under:
(a) Article 196
(b) Article 200
(c) Article 213
(d) Article 245
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 213 empowers the Governor to promulgate ordinances during the recess of the Legislature of the State, if they are satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for them to take immediate action.
31. The ordinances promulgated by the Governor are subject to the approval of the State Legislature and cease to operate after:
(a) 30 days from the date of its reassembly.
(b) 6 weeks from the date of its reassembly.
(c) 90 days from the date of promulgation.
(d) When the Governor withdraws the ordinance.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 213(2)(a) states that an ordinance promulgated by the Governor shall be laid before the State Legislature and shall cease to operate at the expiration of six weeks from the reassembly of the Legislature or, if before the expiration of that period a resolution disapproving it is passed by the Legislative Assembly and agreed to by the Legislative Council, if any, then upon the passing of the resolution or, as the case may be, on the resolution being agreed to by the Council.
32. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India audits the accounts of the State governments and submits reports to the:
(a) President of India.
(b) Governor of the State.
(c) Chief Minister of the State.
(d) State Legislature.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 151(2) states that the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India relating to the accounts of a State shall be submitted to the Governor of the State, who shall cause them to be laid before the Legislature of the State.
33. The Public Accounts Committee of the State Legislature examines the:
(a) Overall financial policy of the State government.
(b) Audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India relating to the State’s accounts.
(c) Estimates of expenditure of the State government.
(d) Functioning of public sector undertakings in the State.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Public Accounts Committee at the State level, similar to its counterpart at the Union level, scrutinizes the audit reports submitted by the CAG on the financial accounts of the State government.
34. The Estimates Committee of the State Legislature is concerned with:
(a) The economy in government expenditure.
(b) The functioning of public sector undertakings.
(c) Matters of parliamentary privileges.
(d) The passage of Money Bills.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Estimates Committee of the State Legislature examines the budget estimates of the State government and suggests ways to bring about efficiency and economy in public expenditure.
35. The Committee on Public Undertakings of the State Legislature examines the reports and accounts of:
(a) Departments directly run by the State government.
(b) State-level public sector undertakings.
(c) Autonomous bodies funded by the State government.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: This committee specifically focuses on the functioning and financial performance of the public sector undertakings that are controlled and managed by the State government.
36. The power of the State Legislature to define and punish for contempt of its own Houses is derived from:
(a) Specific laws enacted by the State Legislature under Article 194(3).
(b) The inherent powers of a legislative body.
(c) Directions issued by the Governor.
(d) The powers delegated by the Union Parliament.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 194(3) grants powers, privileges, and immunities to the Houses of the Legislature of a State and their members and committees. These include the power to define and punish for contempt of the House, which is usually defined by laws made by the State Legislature.
37. A “Point of Order” can be raised in the State Legislative Assembly by a member:
(a) To ask a question to a Minister.
(b) When there is a deviation from the rules of procedure of the House.
(c) To express their opinion on a Bill.
(d) During voting on a Bill.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to parliamentary procedure at the Union level, a Point of Order in the State Legislative Assembly is raised by a member to draw the Speaker’s attention to a perceived breach of the rules of procedure of the House.
38. The “Zero Hour” in the State Legislative Assembly refers to:
(a) The first hour of sitting, reserved for questions.
(b) The last hour of sitting, reserved for private members’ business.
(c) The time immediately following the Question Hour when members can raise matters without prior notice.
(d) The time when no legislative business is conducted.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Following the convention in the Parliament, State Legislative Assemblies also have a “Zero Hour” after the Question Hour where members can raise urgent issues of public importance without having given prior notice.
39. A “Calling Attention Motion” in the State Legislative Assembly is for:
(a) Seeking adjournment of the House.
(b) Calling the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance and seeking a statement thereon.
(c) Moving a vote of censure against the government.
(d) Initiating a debate on a Bill.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: This procedure is analogous to the Calling Attention Motion in the Lok Sabha, allowing members to draw the attention of the concerned Minister to an urgent matter and request a statement.
40. A “Vote of No-Confidence” against the State Council of Ministers can be moved only in the:
(a) State Legislative Council (if it exists).
(b) State Legislative Assembly.
(c) Joint sitting of both Houses (if bicameral).
(d) Governor’s office.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: As the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly (Article 164(2)), a motion expressing a lack of confidence can only be moved and voted upon in the Assembly.
41. The power of the State Legislature to make laws for the implementation of international treaties and agreements:
(a) Is exclusive to the State on subjects in the State List.
(b) Is vested in the Union Parliament under Article 253.
(c) Requires the prior consent of the President.
(d) Can be exercised concurrently with the Union Parliament.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 253 specifically empowers the Parliament to make any law for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any treaty, agreement or convention with any other country or any decision made at any international conference, association or other body. This power rests with the Union Parliament, even on matters in the State List if necessary for implementation.
42. The official language(s) of a State Legislature are determined by:
(a) The President of India.
(b) The Union Parliament.
(c) The State Legislature itself by law, or the State may adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the State or Hindi as its official language(s).
(d) The Governor of the State.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 210 deals with the language to be used in the Legislature of a State. It provides that the Legislature of a State may by law determine the language or languages to be used in the House or Houses of the Legislature of the State. Until such provision is made, the official language or languages of the State or Hindi shall be used.
43. Restrictions on discussions in the State Legislature are imposed by:
(a) The President of India.
(b) The Governor acting in their discretion.
(c) Article 211, which restricts discussion on the conduct of any Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court in the discharge of their duties, and the rules of procedure of the House.
(d) The Union Law Ministry.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 211 imposes a specific restriction on discussing the conduct of judges, and the rules of procedure framed by the State Legislature itself also regulate the scope and manner of discussions in the House.
44. The salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly are determined by:
(a) The Governor.
(b) The Chief Minister.
(c) The State Legislature by law.
(d) A resolution of the Assembly.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 179(3) (read with Article 164(5)) indicates that the salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are determined by the State Legislature by law.
45. The salaries and allowances of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the State Legislative Council are determined by:
(a) The Governor.
(b) The Chief Minister.
(c) The State Legislature by law.
(d) A resolution of the Council.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 183(3) (read with Article 164(5)) indicates that the salaries and allowances of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are determined by the State Legislature by law.
46. The “Legislative Assembly Secretariat” functions under the control of the:
(a) Chief Minister.
(b) Governor.
(c) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
(d) Chief Secretary of the State.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Legislative Assembly has its own independent secretariat that functions under the administrative control of the Speaker to support the functioning of the House and its members.
47. The “Legislative Council Secretariat” (if it exists) functions under the control of the:
(a) Chief Minister.
(b) Governor.
(c) Chairman of the Legislative Council.
(d) Chief Secretary of the State.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Similar to the Assembly, the Legislative Council has its own independent secretariat that operates under the administrative control of the Chairman to support the Council’s functioning.
48. The power of the State Legislature to amend the Constitution of India:
(a) Is co-extensive with that of the Union Parliament.
(b) Is limited to specific articles related to the State.
(c) Does not exist; only the Union Parliament can initiate constitutional amendments.
(d) Requires ratification by a majority of State Legislatures for all amendments.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 368 vests the power to initiate amendments to the Constitution solely in the Parliament of India. State Legislatures can only propose amendments but the formal process and enactment are the prerogative of the Parliament, with ratification by State Legislatures required for certain types of amendments.
49. The privileges of the State Legislature, its members, and committees are defined by:
(a) The Constitution of India directly.
(b) Laws made by the State Legislature under Article 194(3).
(c) Rules framed by the Governor.
(d) Directions issued by the Speaker/Chairman.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 194(3) empowers the State Legislature to define the powers, privileges, and immunities of the House, its members, and its committees by law. Until such laws are made, they are those of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom at the commencement of the Constitution.
50. The role of the State Legislature in ensuring accountability of the State government is primarily exercised through:
(a) Direct election of the Chief Minister.
(b) Judicial review of government actions by the State High Court.
(c) Debates, questions, resolutions, and committees within the Legislature, and the power to pass a vote of no-confidence.
(d) The Governor’s power to dismiss the Council of Ministers at their discretion.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The State Legislature holds the executive (State government) accountable through various parliamentary devices like debates, questions, resolutions, and the scrutiny of committees. The ultimate tool is the power of the Legislative Assembly to pass a vote of no-confidence, leading to the government’s removal if it loses majority support.
Grasping the nuances of the Chief Minister and State Council of Ministers is essential for success in the Polity section of the UPSC CSE and other exams. With a clear understanding of their powers, responsibilities, and interactions with the Governor, you will be well-prepared to answer questions with confidence.
We hope these MCQs and their detailed explanations have provided valuable insights. Regular revision and consistent practice will reinforce your learning and improve your exam performance.