Governor MCQs and Answers With Explanations

The Governor is a key figure in India’s federal system, acting as the representative of the President of India in each state. For UPSC CSE aspirants and candidates preparing for other competitive exams, understanding the role, powers, and functions of the Governor is vital. The Governor holds a unique constitutional position with varied responsibilities that include maintaining law and order, giving assent to bills, and overseeing the state’s executive functions.

This blog post presents a series of carefully selected Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on the Governor, focusing on their powers, functions, appointment, and relationship with the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers. Each question is followed by an accurate answer and a detailed explanation, aimed at helping you solidify your understanding of this crucial topic.

Governor MCQs and Answers

1. Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Governor and the Council of Ministers of a State?

(a) Article 153

(b) Article 163

(c) Article 167

(d) Article 170

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Article 163(1) states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of their functions, except in so far as they are by or under this Constitution required to exercise their functions or any of them in their discretion.  

2. The Chief Minister of a State is appointed by the:

(a) President of India.

(b) Governor of the State.

(c) Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.

(d) Chief Justice of the State High Court.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Article 164(1) provides that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.  

3. The Council of Ministers in a State is collectively responsible to the:

(a) Governor of the State.

(b) Chief Minister of the State.

(c) State Legislative Assembly.

(d) State Legislative Council (if it exists).

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Analogous to the Union level, the Council of Ministers in a State is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State (Article 164(2)). This is a fundamental principle of the parliamentary system at the State level.

4. Which of the following qualifications is NOT constitutionally mandated to become the Chief Minister of a State?

(a) Citizen of India.

(b) Member of either House of the State Legislature.

(c) Completed 25 years of age.

(d) Graduate from a recognized university.

Answer: (d)

Explanation: Similar to the Prime Minister, the Constitution does not specify any educational qualification for becoming the Chief Minister. However, they must be a member of either House of the State Legislature (though they can become CM first and then get elected within six months) and must be a citizen of India and have completed 25 years of age to be a member of the Legislative Assembly (or 30 for the Legislative Council).

5. The salaries and allowances of the Ministers in a State, including the Chief Minister, are determined by:

(a) The Governor of the State.

(b) The Chief Minister’s Office.

(c) The State Legislature by law.

(d) A Cabinet resolution.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Article 164(5) states that the salaries and allowances of Ministers shall be such as the Legislature of the State may from time to time by law determine, and until so determined, shall be as specified in the Second Schedule (as applicable to Ministers in States).  

6. The Council of Ministers in a State can include:

  1. Cabinet Ministers
  2. Ministers of State (Independent Charge)
  3. Ministers of State
  4. Deputy Ministers

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) Only 1, 2, and 3

(b) Only 2, 3, and 4

(c) Only 1, 3, and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The structure of the State Council of Ministers mirrors that of the Union Council of Ministers, typically comprising all four categories of ministers with varying levels of responsibility.

7. The principle of “collective responsibility” of the State Council of Ministers means that:

(a) All ministers must belong to the same political party.

(b) All ministers are jointly responsible for the decisions of the Cabinet, even if they disagreed with them.

(c) The Chief Minister is solely responsible for the failures of the government.

(d) Each minister is only responsible for the functioning of their own department.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Just like at the Union level, collective responsibility at the State level means that all members of the Council of Ministers stand together and are jointly accountable for the policies and actions of the government.

8. A Minister in a State who is not a member of either House of the State Legislature at the time of their appointment can continue in office for a maximum period of:

(a) Three months.

(b) Six months.

(c) One year.

(d) Until the next state assembly election.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Similar to Article 75(5) at the Union level, there is an analogous provision at the State level (implied through conventions and the overall parliamentary structure) that a Minister who is not a member of the State Legislature must become one within six months of their appointment to continue in office.

9. The size of the Council of Ministers in a State, including the Chief Minister, is limited to what percentage of the total number of members of the State Legislative Assembly?

(a) 10 percent

(b) 15 percent

(c) 20 percent

(d) There is no such limit.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Following the 91st Amendment Act of 2003, which also amended Article 164 by inserting clause (1A), the total number of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers of a State shall not exceed fifteen percent of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of that State.  

10. Which of the following functions is NOT typically performed by the Chief Minister?

(a) Chairing Cabinet meetings.

(b) Advising the Governor on the appointment of other Ministers.

(c) Representing the State in national forums.

(d) Presiding over the State Legislative Assembly.

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly presides over the Assembly. The Chief Minister’s functions include chairing Cabinet meetings, advising the Governor on ministerial appointments, and representing the State in inter-state or national forums.

11. The relationship between the Chief Minister and the Governor of a State is primarily governed by:

(a) The Governor’s discretion.

(b) The Chief Minister’s authority as head of government.

(c) Article 163 and conventions established over time.

(d) Directions from the President of India.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Article 163 outlines the role of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister in aiding and advising the Governor. The actual working relationship is also shaped by conventions of the parliamentary system.

12. The Chief Minister tenders their resignation to the:

(a) Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.

(b) Governor of the State.

(c) Chief Justice of the State High Court.

(d) President of India.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The Chief Minister holds office during the pleasure of the Governor (Article 164(1)), and they tender their resignation to the Governor.

13. If the State Legislative Assembly passes a vote of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers, the:

(a) Chief Minister is removed, but the other ministers may continue.

(b) Entire Council of Ministers has to resign.

(c) Governor can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly.

(d) State Legislative Council takes over the functions of the Assembly.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The principle of collective responsibility (Article 164(2)) means that if the State Legislative Assembly expresses a lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers, the entire Council, including the Chief Minister, must resign.

14. The State Secretariat functions under the overall control of the:

(a) Governor.

(b) Chief Minister.

(c) Chief Secretary.

(d) Advocate General.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The Chief Secretary is the head of the State Secretariat and the top civil servant in the State. They play a crucial role in coordinating the administrative functions of the State government.

15. The Chief Minister communicates to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation. This is a duty under:

(a) Article 163

(b) Article 167

(c) Article 174

(d) Article 188

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Article 167 lays down the duties of the Chief Minister, including communicating to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation, and furnishing such information relating to these as the Governor may call for.  

16. The concept of a “shadow cabinet” is also relevant at the State level and is associated with:

(a) The ruling party within the State Legislature.

(b) The main opposition party in the State Legislative Assembly.

(c) The Governor’s advisory council.

(d) A coalition government with internal disagreements.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Similar to the national level, the main opposition party in the State Legislative Assembly often forms a “shadow cabinet” of its senior leaders who shadow the portfolios of the ruling ministers to scrutinize their work and offer alternatives.

17. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) at the State level is:

(a) A constitutional body established under Article 164.

(b) A statutory body created by an Act of the State Legislature.

(c) An extra-constitutional body that provides secretarial assistance to the Chief Minister.

(d) Part of the State Secretariat headed by the Chief Secretary.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) is an extra-constitutional body, an administrative setup that provides secretarial support and assistance to the Chief Minister in their day-to-day functions.

18. A vote of no-confidence against the State government can be introduced only in the:

(a) State Legislative Council (if it exists).

(b) State Legislative Assembly.

(c) Joint session of both Houses of the State Legislature (if bicameral).

(d) Any House of the State Legislature.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Analogous to the Union level, a vote of no-confidence against the State Council of Ministers can only be moved and passed in the State Legislative Assembly, as the Council is collectively responsible to it.

19. Which of the following committees is usually headed by the Chief Minister at the State level?

(a) Public Accounts Committee of the State Legislature.

(b) Estimates Committee of the State Legislature.

(c) Committee on Public Undertakings of the State Legislature.

(d) Various policy and planning committees of the State government.

Answer: (d)

Explanation: While the Chief Minister may not head the financial committees of the legislature, they typically chair important policy-making and planning committees of the State government.

20. The Chief Minister’s role in relation to the Governor includes:

  1. Advising on the appointment of Advocate General.
  2. Communicating all decisions of the Council of Ministers.
  3. Furnishing information as called for by the Governor.

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: Article 167 outlines the duties of the Chief Minister, which include advising the Governor on key appointments like the Advocate General, communicating Cabinet decisions, and providing information as sought by the Governor.

21. The concept of “individual responsibility” of a Minister in a State means that:

(a) Each minister is responsible for the overall policies of the government.

(b) Each minister is primarily responsible for the functioning of their own department.

(c) The Chief Minister is responsible for the conduct of all ministers.

(d) A minister can be removed from office only by a vote of no-confidence against them individually in the State Legislature.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Similar to the Union level, individual responsibility at the State level implies that each minister is accountable for the performance and conduct of their own department and is answerable to the State Legislature for its affairs.

22. The Chief Minister can ask a Minister to resign or advise the Governor to dismiss a Minister. This reflects the Chief Minister’s:

(a) Absolute authority over all ministers.

(b) Role as the head of the government and leader of the Council of Ministers in the State.

(c) Power derived directly from the Governor.

(d) Authority as the leader of the ruling political party in the State Legislature.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: As the head of the State government and the leader of the Council of Ministers, the Chief Minister has the prerogative to determine the composition of their team and ensure its effective functioning, including seeking the resignation or dismissal of a minister.

23. Which of the following is NOT a constitutional function of the State Council of Ministers?

(a) To aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of their functions.

(b) To take all major policy decisions of the State government.

(c) To be collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly.

(d) To represent the State in inter-state disputes.

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The State Council of Ministers aids and advises the Governor (Article 163), takes major policy decisions, and is collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly (Article 164). Representing the State in inter-state disputes is a function that the government (led by the Chief Minister) performs, but it’s not a specific constitutional function of the entire Council as a collective.

24. The Chief Minister is often described as “first among equals” in the State Council of Ministers. This implies:

(a) The Chief Minister has no more power than any other minister.

(b) The Chief Minister is the head of the government and holds a position of authority, but all ministers are of equal rank.

(c) The Chief Minister is elected by the Council of Ministers.

(d) The Chief Minister can be removed by a vote of no-confidence passed by the Council of Ministers.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Similar to the Prime Minister at the Union level, the phrase “first among equals” suggests that while all Cabinet ministers in a State hold the same rank, the Chief Minister is the leader with the authority to guide and coordinate the government’s work.

25. The tenure of the Chief Minister is:

(a) Fixed for five years.

(b) Co-terminus with the State Legislative Assembly.

(c) During the pleasure of the Governor.

(d) Dependent on the confidence of the State Legislative Council (if it exists).

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Article 164(1) states that the Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. While the Chief Minister is usually the leader of the majority party in the State Legislative Assembly, their formal tenure is at the pleasure of the Governor, contingent upon maintaining the Assembly’s confidence.

26. Which of the following is a constitutional constraint on the Chief Minister’s powers?

(a) The requirement to consult the State High Court on major policy decisions.

(b) The collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the State Legislative Assembly.

(c) The power of the Governor to veto all state legislation.

(d) The need to obtain a vote of confidence from both Houses of the State Legislature (if bicameral).

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The collective responsibility of the State Council of Ministers to the State Legislative Assembly is a significant constitutional constraint on the Chief Minister’s powers, as the government must maintain the Assembly’s confidence to stay in power.

27. The Chief Minister plays a crucial role in the formation of the State Council of Ministers by:

(a) Directly electing all ministers.

(b) Advising the Governor on the selection and appointment of ministers.

(c) Determining the salaries and allowances of ministers.

(d) Deciding on the tenure of all ministers.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Article 164(1) states that the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister, giving the Chief Minister a central role in choosing their team.

28. The State Cabinet Secretariat functions under the:

(a) Governor.

(b) Chief Minister.

(c) Chief Secretary.

(d) Advocate General.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The State Cabinet Secretariat, which provides secretarial assistance to the State Cabinet and its committees, functions under the overall supervision of the Chief Secretary, who is the head of the state administration.

29. The Chief Minister’s leadership is crucial for:

  1. Maintaining unity in the State Council of Ministers.
  2. Coordinating the work of different state government departments.
  3. Presenting a cohesive state government policy.

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: The Chief Minister, as the head of the State government, plays a vital role in maintaining cohesion within the Council of Ministers, ensuring coordination among different departments, and presenting a unified policy framework for the State.

30. The Chief Minister’s relationship with the State Legislature involves:

(a) Presiding over both Houses (if bicameral).

(b) Introducing all legislation.

(c) Answering questions and participating in debates, particularly in the State Legislative Assembly.

(d) Certifying all money bills passed by the State Legislature.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: As a member of the State Legislative Assembly (usually), the Chief Minister participates in legislative proceedings, answers questions related to their portfolio and the government’s policies, and engages in debates. The Speaker presides over the Assembly, and the Chairman (if a Legislative Council exists) presides over it. The Speaker certifies Money Bills at the State level.

31. The State Council of Ministers is responsible for:

(a) Interpreting the Constitution of India.

(b) Enforcing judicial decisions of the State High Court.

(c) Formulating policies and implementing laws within the State’s jurisdiction.

(d) Advising the President on matters related to the State.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The primary responsibility of the State Council of Ministers is to formulate policies and implement the laws enacted by the State Legislature within the powers granted to the State under the Constitution.

32. The Advocate General for a State is appointed by the:

(a) Chief Minister of the State.

(b) Governor of the State on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

(c) Chief Justice of the State High Court.

(d) President of India after consulting the Governor.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Article 165(1) states that the Governor of each State shall appoint a person who is qualified to be appointed a Judge of a High Court to be Advocate General for the State. This appointment is made on the advice of the State Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.  

33. The Chief Minister’s role in State finances includes:

(a) Personally preparing the State Budget.

(b) Overseeing the financial management of the State through the Finance Minister.

(c) Directly controlling the State’s Contingency Fund.

(d) Approving all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of the State.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: While the Finance Minister is primarily responsible for managing the State’s finances and presenting the Budget, the Chief Minister, as the head of the government, provides overall direction and oversees the financial management of the State.

34. The State Planning Board is usually headed by the:

(a) Governor.

(b) Chief Minister.

(c) Finance Minister.

(d) Chief Secretary.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The State Planning Board, responsible for formulating the State’s development plans, is typically headed by the Chief Minister to provide leadership and ensure alignment with the government’s overall vision.

35. Inter-state relations involving a State are often coordinated at the political level by the:

(a) Governor.

(b) Chief Secretary.

(c) Chief Minister.

(d) Advocate General.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The Chief Minister, as the political head of the State government, usually plays a key role in coordinating and managing relations with other States, especially on matters of mutual interest or dispute.

36. The Chief Minister’s influence on the State bureaucracy is significant due to their:

(a) Direct control over all appointments and transfers.

(b) Role as the head of the executive and their authority to guide policy implementation.

(c) Power to dismiss civil servants at their discretion.

(d) Chairmanship of all departmental promotion committees.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: While the day-to-day management of the bureaucracy is handled by the Chief Secretary and departmental heads, the Chief Minister’s position as the head of the executive and their leadership in policy formulation and implementation gives them significant influence over the bureaucracy.

37. State Cabinet Committees are similar to Union Cabinet Committees in that they are:

(a) Constitutional bodies with defined powers.

(b) Statutory bodies created by state legislation.

(c) Extra-constitutional bodies formed to streamline government business.

(d) Judicial bodies advising the State government.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Like their Union counterparts, State Cabinet Committees are extra-constitutional, non-statutory bodies established by the Chief Minister to facilitate the transaction of government business by focusing on specific policy areas.

38. The composition and functions of State Cabinet Committees are determined by the:

(a) Governor.

(b) Chief Justice of the State High Court.

(c) Chief Minister.

(d) State Legislature.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The Chief Minister has the authority to decide on the number, composition, and functions of the various Cabinet Committees at the State level based on the needs of the government.

39. A Minister of State in a State can:

(a) Head an important department independently.

(b) Always have independent charge of a ministry.

(c) Assist a Cabinet Minister or hold independent charge of certain portfolios.

(d) Be a member of the State Cabinet with full voting rights.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: A Minister of State may either be attached to a Cabinet Minister to assist them in their duties or may be given independent charge of one or more portfolios, depending on the Chief Minister’s allocation of responsibilities.

40. Deputy Ministers in a State government:

(a) Hold Cabinet rank.

(b) Always have independent charge of a department.

(c) Assist the Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State in their duties.

(d) Are members of the State Legislative Council only.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Deputy Ministers are the lowest rank in the State Council of Ministers and primarily assist the Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State in their administrative, parliamentary, and political duties.

41. The Advocate General for a State holds office during the pleasure of the:

(a) Chief Minister.

(b) Governor.

(c) President.

(d) Chief Justice of the State High Court.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Article 165(3) specifies that the Advocate General shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.

42. The Chief Minister is the ex-officio head of:

(a) The State Public Service Commission.

(b) The State Judiciary.

(c) Various State-level boards and commissions.

(d) The State Legislature.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The Chief Minister often serves as the ex-officio head of various important State-level boards and commissions related to planning, development, and other policy areas.

43. The power of the Governor to reserve a Bill passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President is exercised on the advice of the Chief Minister:

(a) Always.

(b) Sometimes, at their discretion.

(c) Generally, but the Governor can also act independently in certain situations.

(d) Only when the Bill is related to national security.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: While the Governor generally acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, the Constitution grants the Governor certain discretionary powers, including reserving a Bill for the President’s consideration, particularly if it involves matters of national importance or conflicts with Union laws.

44. The Chief Minister’s role in maintaining coordination between different departments is facilitated by the:

(a) Governor’s office.

(b) State Legislature’s committees.

(c) Chief Secretary and the State Secretariat.

(d) Advocate General’s office.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The Chief Secretary, as the administrative head, and the State Secretariat play a crucial role in assisting the Chief Minister in coordinating the functions and activities of the various departments of the State government.

45. The State Council of Ministers is responsible to the State Legislative Assembly, which implies:

(a) Individual ministers are accountable to the Assembly for their actions.

(b) The entire Council must maintain the confidence of the Assembly to remain in power.

(c) The Assembly can directly appoint and dismiss ministers.

(d) The Assembly has the power to overrule Cabinet decisions.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Collective responsibility to the State Legislative Assembly means that the entire Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister, is accountable to the elected representatives of the people in the Assembly and must enjoy their majority support.

46. The Chief Minister’s position can be weakened by:

(a) A strong and unified opposition in the State Legislative Assembly.

(b) Internal dissent within the ruling party or coalition.

(c) Adverse public opinion within the State.

(d) All of the above.

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The Chief Minister’s authority and stability depend on various factors, including the strength of the opposition, unity within their own party or coalition, and public perception of the government’s performance.

47. The Chief Minister plays a key role in appointments to:

(a) Judges of the State High Court.

(b) Members of the State Public Service Commission.

(c) The Governor of the State.

(d) The President of India.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: While the Governor formally appoints the Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission, this is usually done on the advice of the State Council of Ministers, where the Chief Minister’s opinion carries significant weight. Judicial appointments are made through a different process involving the judiciary. The President appoints Governors, and the Chief Minister has no direct role in this.

48. The State Council of Ministers operates on the principle of:

(a) Strict hierarchy with absolute power vested in the Chief Minister.

(b) Collective decision-making and shared responsibility.

(c) Individual ministers making decisions for their respective departments without Cabinet approval.

(d) Advice from the State High Court guiding all policy decisions.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Similar to the Union Council of Ministers, the State Council operates on the principle of collective decision-making, where policies are generally discussed and agreed upon in the Cabinet, and all ministers share responsibility for these decisions.

49. The Chief Minister’s role in policy formulation is central because:

(a) They have the sole authority to draft all government policies.

(b) They provide leadership and coordination to ensure policy coherence across different departments.

(c) All policies must be personally approved by the Governor on the Chief Minister’s recommendation.

(d) State policies are largely dictated by the Union government.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The Chief Minister provides the overall political direction and leadership in policy formulation, ensuring that different departments work in a coordinated manner to achieve the government’s objectives.

50. The stability of the State Council of Ministers primarily depends on the:

(a) Support of the Governor.

(b) Confidence of the State Legislative Council (if it exists).

(c) Confidence of the State Legislative Assembly.

(d) Approval of the State High Court.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The State Council of Ministers remains in power as long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority of the members in the State Legislative Assembly, based on the principle of collective responsibility. A successful vote of no-confidence in the Assembly can lead to the fall of the government.

A thorough understanding of the Governor’s role in India’s political system is essential not only for the UPSC CSE but also for other exams that assess knowledge of the Indian Polity. With regular practice of these MCQs and by revisiting the explanations, you will enhance your preparation and be well-equipped to tackle related questions with confidence.

We hope this blog has helped clarify the constitutional position of the Governor and improved your readiness for the exam. Keep practicing, stay focused, and continue exploring other vital topics for your exam preparation!

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