The Legislative Procedure at the State Level is an essential aspect of India’s federal structure, governing how laws are made and implemented at the state level. Whether it’s the process of introducing a bill, passing legislation, or the role of the Governor in approving bills, understanding the legislative procedures is crucial for UPSC CSE aspirants and those preparing for other competitive exams. This topic covers various elements of legislative proceedings, such as motions, debates, voting, and the passing of bills within the State Legislative Assembly or Council.
This post focuses on a carefully selected set of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on Legislative Procedure at the State Level. Each question is followed by a correct answer and a detailed explanation, aimed at deepening your understanding and helping you effectively tackle questions on this topic in exams.
Legislative Procedure at State Level MCQs and Answers
1. The procedure for the enactment of laws in a State Legislature is primarily governed by:
(a) The Constitution of India.
(b) Acts of the Union Parliament related to legislative procedures.
(c) The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the respective House(s) of the State Legislature.
(d) Directions issued by the Governor.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Each House of the State Legislature (Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, if bicameral) frames its own Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business under Article 208 of the Constitution, which govern the detailed processes of legislative and other business conducted in that House.
2. The introduction of a Bill in either House of the State Legislature is known as the:
(a) First Reading.
(b) Second Reading.
(c) Third Reading.
(d) Assent Stage.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The First Reading of a Bill in a State Legislature involves its introduction in the House by a member, usually after obtaining the leave of the House. At this stage, there is typically no substantive debate on the merits of the Bill.
3. After the First Reading, a non-money Bill in a unicameral State Legislature or in the House of origin in a bicameral legislature proceeds to the:
(a) Committee Stage.
(b) General Discussion Stage (part of the Second Reading).
(c) Clause-by-clause consideration.
(d) Voting Stage.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Following the introduction, the Bill is usually taken up for general discussion on its principles and provisions during the first part of the Second Reading.
4. The stage of “clause-by-clause consideration and amendment” of a Bill in a State Legislature occurs during the:
(a) First Reading.
(b) Second Reading (after the general discussion and committee stage, if any).
(c) Third Reading.
(d) Governor’s Assent stage.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Second Reading of a Bill in a State Legislature has multiple stages. After the general discussion, the Bill may be referred to a Select Committee of the House or a Joint Committee of both Houses (in bicameral legislatures). Following the committee’s report, the House undertakes a clause-by-clause consideration where amendments can be proposed and voted upon.
5. The Third Reading of a Bill in a State Legislature is primarily concerned with:
(a) Detailed scrutiny of each clause.
(b) General debate on the principles of the Bill.
(c) Discussion and voting on the Bill as a whole, in the form as amended.
(d) Referral of the Bill to the Governor for assent.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: During the Third Reading, the debate is usually confined to arguments either in support of the Bill as a whole or for its rejection, in its final amended form. No further amendments of substance are typically allowed at this stage.
6. A Money Bill, after being passed by the Legislative Assembly of a bicameral State, is transmitted to the Legislative Council, which can suggest amendments within:
(a) 7 days.
(b) 14 days.
(c) 30 days.
(d) 60 days.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 198(2) states that where a Legislative Council exists, a Money Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly and transmitted to the Legislative Council for its recommendations shall be returned to the Legislative Assembly within a period of fourteen days from the date of its receipt of the Bill.
7. If the Legislative Assembly of a bicameral State does not accept the amendments suggested by the Legislative Council on a Money Bill:
(a) A joint sitting of both Houses is convened to resolve the disagreement.
(b) The Bill is sent to the Governor for assent with the amendments suggested by the Council.
(c) The Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by the Legislative Assembly originally.
(d) The President’s opinion is sought on the matter.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 198(3) provides that if the Legislative Assembly does not accept any of the recommendations made by the Legislative Council, the Money Bill shall be deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by the Legislative Assembly and transmitted to the Legislative Council.
8. In a bicameral State Legislature, a non-money Bill passed by one House and transmitted to the other can be:
- Passed without amendments.
- Passed with amendments, which are agreed to by the originating House.
- Rejected by the other House.
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: When a non-money Bill is passed by one House and sent to the other in a bicameral State Legislature, the second House has the power to agree to it without amendments, pass it with amendments (which must then be agreed upon by the originating House), or reject the Bill.
9. In case of disagreement between the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council of a State on a non-money Bill, the Legislative Assembly can ultimately override the Council’s stance after a certain period. This period is:
(a) Three months after the Bill is rejected by the Council.
(b) Six months after the Bill is rejected or amendments are not agreed upon by the Assembly.
(c) One year after the Bill is first passed by the Assembly.
(d) There is no provision for the Assembly to override the Council; the Bill lapses.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 197 outlines the procedure in case of disagreement between the two Houses. If a Bill passed by the Assembly is rejected by the Council or passed with amendments to which the Assembly does not agree, the Assembly can pass the Bill again in the next session. If the Council then rejects it again or proposes amendments not agreed to by the Assembly, the Bill as passed by the Assembly the second time is deemed to have been passed by both Houses. The Council can delay the Bill for a maximum of four months in total (three months the first time and one month the second time).
10. After a Bill has been passed by the State Legislature (or both Houses in a bicameral legislature), it is presented to the Governor for:
(a) Presidential assent.
(b) Reconsideration by the Legislature.
(c) Assent.
(d) Referral to the State High Court for legal opinion.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 200 states that when a Bill has been passed by the House or Houses of the Legislature of a State, it shall be presented to the Governor who shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom or that he reserves the Bill for the consideration of the President.
11. The Governor of a State can:
- Give assent to a Bill.
- Withhold assent from a Bill.
- Reserve a Bill for the consideration of the President.
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: As per Article 200, the Governor has all three options regarding a Bill passed by the State Legislature.
12. When the Governor reserves a Bill for the consideration of the President, the Bill becomes an Act only after receiving the:
(a) Assent of the Governor.
(b) Assent of the President.
(c) Approval of the State Legislature again.
(d) Opinion of the Supreme Court.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 201 deals with Bills reserved for the President’s consideration. Such a Bill becomes law only after the President has given their assent.
13. The President can direct the Governor to return a Bill (other than a Money Bill) reserved for their consideration to the State Legislature for reconsideration. If the Bill is passed again by the State Legislature, the President:
(a) Is bound to give assent to the Bill.
(b) May still withhold assent from the Bill.
(c) Must refer the Bill to the Supreme Court for its opinion.
(d) Must seek the advice of the Union Cabinet again.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 201 states that even if a Bill is returned by the President for reconsideration and is passed again by the State Legislature (with or without amendment), the President is not bound to give assent and may still withhold it.
14. A Private Member’s Bill in a State Legislature is a Bill introduced by a:
(a) Minister in the State Government.
(b) Member of the State Legislature who is not a Minister.
(c) Member nominated by the Governor.
(d) Member representing a special interest group.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to the Parliament, a Private Member’s Bill in a State Legislature is introduced by any member of the House who is not part of the Council of Ministers.
15. The procedure for passing a Finance Bill in a State Legislature is similar to that of a:
(a) Constitution Amendment Bill.
(b) Ordinary Bill.
(c) Money Bill, with special provisions regarding the role of the Legislative Council (if any).
(d) Bill reserved for the President’s consideration.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A Finance Bill in a State, which contains provisions related to state finances including taxation, generally follows the procedure of a Money Bill, especially with respect to its origination in the Legislative Assembly and the limited powers of the Legislative Council to suggest amendments.
16. The State Legislature’s power to make rules for its procedure and the conduct of its business is derived from:
(a) The Governor’s discretionary powers.
(b) An Act of the Union Parliament.
(c) Article 208 of the Constitution.
(d) Directions from the President.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 208(1) empowers each House of the Legislature of a State to make rules for regulating its own procedure and the conduct of its business, subject to the provisions of the Constitution.
17. The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly has the power to adjourn the House:
(a) Sine die (indefinitely).
(b) For a specific period.
(c) Both (a) and (b).
(d) Only on the advice of the Chief Minister.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Speaker, as the presiding officer, has the authority to adjourn the House either for a specific time or sine die, depending on the business before the House and the rules of procedure.
18. The Chairman of the State Legislative Council has similar powers of adjourning the Council as the Speaker has for the Assembly, derived from the Rules of Procedure of the Council framed under:
(a) Article 176.
(b) Article 189.
(c) Article 208.
(d) Article 212.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Just like the Assembly, the Legislative Council frames its own rules under Article 208, which grant the Chairman the power to adjourn the Council.
19. A motion of “no-confidence” against the State Council of Ministers can be introduced following the rules of procedure of the:
(a) State Legislative Council (if it exists).
(b) State Legislative Assembly.
(c) Joint sitting of both Houses.
(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, according to its rules of procedure.
20. The “Question Hour” in the State Legislature is the time when:
(a) Bills are introduced.
(b) Members ask questions to Ministers and hold the government accountable.
(c) Resolutions and motions are discussed.
(d) Voting on Bills takes place.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to the parliamentary practice at the Union level, the first hour of a sitting in the State Legislature is usually devoted to the Question Hour, where members can ask questions to the government ministers.
21. A “Starred Question” in the State Legislature requires:
(a) A written answer to be laid on the Table of the House.
(b) An oral answer on the floor of the House, allowing for supplementary questions.
(c) An answer to be provided after the Question Hour.
(d) A detailed statistical report.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Starred questions in the State Legislature, marked with an asterisk, are answered orally by the Minister concerned, and members can ask supplementary questions arising from the answer.
22. An “Unstarred Question” in the State Legislature requires:
(a) An oral answer during the Question Hour.
(b) A written answer to be laid on the Table of the House.
(c) A debate after the Question Hour.
(d) No answer to be given.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Unstarred questions in the State Legislature do not have an asterisk and require the Minister to provide a written answer, which is placed on the Table of the House. No supplementary questions can be asked.
23. A “Short Notice Question” in the State Legislature is asked with a notice period shorter than that prescribed in the rules, and it is usually answered:
(a) In writing after the session.
(b) Orally during the Question Hour.
(c) Through a detailed report laid on the Table.
(d) Only if the Speaker/Chairman permits.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Short Notice Questions, concerning matters of urgent public importance, are asked with a shorter notice period and are typically answered orally during the Question Hour, if permitted by the Presiding Officer.
24. A “Resolution” in the context of State Legislative procedure is a:
(a) Statement made by a Minister.
(b) Formal expression of the opinion or will of the House on a matter.
(c) Question asked by a member.
(d) Rule of procedure.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A resolution is a formal motion expressing the view or decision of the House on a specific issue, and it is put to vote.
25. A “Motion” in the State Legislative procedure is a:
(a) Formal proposal made by a member for the consideration of the House.
(b) Summary of a Bill.
(c) Rule for the conduct of business.
(d) Answer given by a Minister.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: A motion is a formal proposal brought before the House by a member for discussion and decision. Various types of motions exist for different purposes.
26. A “Privilege Motion” in a State Legislature is moved when:
(a) A member wants to raise a point of order.
(b) There is an alleged breach of parliamentary privilege by a Minister or any other person.
(c) A member wants to move a vote of no-confidence.
(d) A Bill is being introduced.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Privilege Motion is raised by a member against someone who is believed to have violated the privileges of the House or its members.
27. A “Calling Attention Motion” in a State Legislature is intended to:
(a) Seek adjournment of the House.
(b) Draw the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance and seek a statement.
(c) Move a vote of censure against the government.
(d) Initiate a debate on a policy issue.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: As mentioned earlier, this motion serves to bring an urgent matter to the attention of the relevant Minister and to elicit a response from the government.
28. A “Point of Order” in a State Legislative Assembly can be raised on the ground of:
(a) Disagreement with a government policy.
(b) A deviation from the rules of procedure of the House.
(c) The content of a Minister’s answer.
(d) The introduction of a Bill.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Point of Order is raised to point out an irregularity in the proceedings or a violation of the rules governing the conduct of business in the House.
29. “Guillotine” in the context of State Legislative procedure refers to:
(a) A method of counting votes.
(b) A procedure where the Speaker/Chairman puts remaining clauses of a Bill or a group of Bills to vote together after the allocated time for discussion has expired.
(c) A way of suspending a member from the House.
(d) A type of financial motion.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The guillotine is used to expedite the passage of Bills by closing debate on remaining clauses or Bills and putting them to vote, often when time allocated for discussion has run out.
30. An “Adjournment Motion” in a State Legislative Assembly is moved to:
(a) Adjourn the House for a specific period.
(b) Draw the attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance, with the consent of the Speaker/Chairman.
(c) Express no-confidence in the government.
(d) Initiate a discussion on the State Budget.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: An Adjournment Motion is a device to interrupt the normal business of the House to discuss a specific matter of urgent public importance that has arisen suddenly and requires immediate attention.
31. A “Vote of Censure” in a State Legislature can be moved against:
(a) The Speaker/Chairman.
(b) An individual Minister, a group of Ministers, or the entire Council of Ministers.
(c) The Presiding Officer of a Legislative Committee.
(d) The Governor.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Censure Motion is a way of expressing disapproval of a particular policy or action of the State government, and it can be directed at individual ministers, a group, or the entire Council.
32. An “Appropriation Bill” at the State level is related to:
(a) Imposition of new state taxes.
(b) Authorizing the withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of the State to meet government expenditure.
(c) Regulation of financial institutions within the State.
(d) Borrowing by the State government.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to the Union level, a State Appropriation Bill is enacted to provide legal authority for the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund of the State for the services approved by the Legislative Assembly.
33. A “Finance Bill” at the State level deals with:
(a) Appropriation of money for state expenditure.
(b) The State government’s revenue proposals, including new taxes, changes in tax structure, etc.
(c) Borrowing and management of public debt of the State.
(d) Regulation of cooperative societies.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The State Finance Bill contains the financial proposals of the State government for the upcoming fiscal year, primarily related to taxation and revenue generation.
34. “Cut Motions” in the State Legislative Assembly are moved during the discussion on:
(a) A Bill.
(b) The Budget (Demands for Grants).
(c) A Resolution.
(d) A Motion of No-Confidence.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Cut Motions are moved by members during the discussion on the Demands for Grants in the State Budget to reduce the proposed expenditure.
35. The three types of Cut Motions at the State level are analogous to those at the Union level:
(a) Policy Cut, Economy Cut, Token Cut.
(b) Policy Reduction, Expenditure Control, Symbolic Disapproval.
(c) General Cut, Specific Cut, Symbolic Cut.
(d) Financial Cut, Revenue Cut, Nominal Cut.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The terminology and intent of Policy Cut, Economy Cut, and Token Cut motions are generally the same at both the Union and State levels of legislative procedure.
36. A “Closure Motion” in the State Legislature aims to:
(a) Adjourn the House.
(b) Terminate debate on a matter and bring it to a vote.
(c) Suspend a rule of procedure.
(d) Introduce a new Bill.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Closure Motion is moved to end the discussion on a particular issue before the House so that it can be put to a vote.
37. “Yielding the floor” by a member in a State Legislative debate means:
(a) The member has concluded their speech.
(b) The member is allowing another member to ask a brief question or make a brief comment.
(c) The member is leaving the House temporarily.
(d) The member is proposing a motion.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to parliamentary practice, yielding the floor allows for a brief interjection without the original speaker losing their speaking time.
38. “Whipping” in the context of State Legislative procedure refers to:
(a) A disciplinary action against a member.
(b) A directive by a political party to its members on how to vote.
(c) A method of counting votes.
(d) A type of legislative debate.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A whip is an instruction issued by a political party to its legislators on how they should vote on specific issues or be present during important proceedings.
39. “Pairing” of votes in a State Legislature is a practice where:
(a) Two members from opposing sides agree to abstain from voting.
(b) Votes are counted electronically.
(c) Proxy voting is allowed.
(d) Votes of nominated and elected members are counted separately.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Pairing is an informal arrangement between members of different parties to remain absent during voting on a particular issue.
40. “Lobbying” in the context of a State Legislature refers to:
(a) Members meeting in the lobby.
(b) Efforts to influence the decisions of MLAs/MLCs by outside groups or individuals.
(c) A specific type of legislative session.
(d) The process of counting votes.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Lobbying involves attempts by interested parties to persuade members of the State Legislature to support or oppose specific legislation or policies.
41. “Standing Orders” in a State Legislature are:
(a) Temporary rules for a specific session.
(b) Permanent rules regulating the procedure and conduct of business in each House.
(c) Orders issued by the Governor to the Legislature.
(d) Resolutions passed by the House.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Standing Orders are the permanent set of rules that govern the functioning and procedures of each House of the State Legislature.
42. “Ad-hoc Committees” of a State Legislature are:
(a) Permanent committees.
(b) Temporary committees appointed for a specific purpose and duration.
(c) Committees consisting only of nominated members.
(d) Committees overseeing financial matters.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Ad-hoc committees are temporary bodies created for a particular task, such as examining a specific Bill or conducting an inquiry, and they are dissolved once their task is complete.
43. “Standing Committees” of a State Legislature are:
(a) Temporary committees for a session.
(b) Permanent committees constituted annually or periodically.
(c) Committees only of elected members.
(d) Committees dealing with privileges.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Standing Committees are permanent committees with a fixed tenure that continuously scrutinize various aspects of the state government’s functioning.
44. The Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) at the State level examine:
(a) The overall financial policy of the State.
(b) The Demands for Grants of the related State government departments.
(c) The implementation of Union government schemes in the State.
(d) Matters of inter-state coordination.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: State DRSCs are responsible for scrutinizing the budgetary demands of the government departments under their purview and reporting to the Legislature.
45. A “Special Mention” in the State Legislative Council is a procedure for:
(a) Asking a short notice question.
(b) Raising matters of public importance not admissible under other rules.
(c) Moving a resolution on an urgent matter.
(d) Seeking clarification on a Minister’s statement.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to the Rajya Sabha, the State Legislative Council may have a procedure like “Special Mention” to allow members to raise important issues that don’t fit into other procedural categories.
46. “Short Duration Discussion” in a State Legislature allows for:
(a) Brief questions to Ministers.
(b) A short debate on a matter of urgent public importance.
(c) Moving an adjournment motion.
(d) Raising a point of order.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: This provides a mechanism for a focused, time-limited discussion on an issue of immediate concern.
47. “Zero Hour Submissions” in a State Legislature are matters raised:
(a) During the first hour of sitting.
(b) Immediately after Question Hour, without prior notice.
(c) At the end of the day’s business.
(d) During a joint sitting (if any).
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Following the national trend, “Zero Hour” in State Legislatures is the period after Question Hour where members can raise urgent issues.
48. “Expunction of Remarks” from the proceedings of a State Legislature can be ordered by the:
(a) Any member of the House.
(b) Chief Minister.
(c) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council.
(d) A committee of privileges.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Presiding Officer of the respective House has the authority to order the removal of unparliamentary or inappropriate remarks from the official records.
49. “Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill” at the State level is for:
(a) Seeking approval for the entire State Budget.
(b) Immediate collection of taxes for a limited period pending the passage of the Finance Bill.
(c) Amending existing tax laws.
(d) Introducing new cesses and surcharges.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: This type of Bill allows the State government to start collecting proposed taxes from the budget presentation date until the Finance Bill is enacted.
50. “Statutory Resolutions” in a State Legislature are moved pursuant to:
(a) The inherent powers of the House.
(b) The directions of the Speaker/Chairman.
(c) The provisions of the Constitution or an Act of the State Legislature.
(d) A motion adopted by the House.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Statutory Resolutions are mandated by specific provisions in the Constitution or State laws, requiring the House to approve or disapprove certain actions or rules framed by the executive.
A clear understanding of the Legislary Procedure at the State Level is crucial for acing the Polity section of the UPSC CSE and other competitive exams. By mastering the process of how state-level legislation works, you can confidently answer questions related to the functioning of the State Legislature and its procedures.
We hope the MCQs and their explanations have been insightful in enhancing your knowledge. Regular practice will help you solidify your understanding and prepare you for the exam.