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Generate QuizPolity – GK Questions
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The Chief Minister holds office during the pleasure of the ______, which effectively means as long as they command majority in Legislative Assembly.
- President
- Governor
- Prime Minister
- Speaker
Answer: Governor
Article 164(1): Ministers hold office during pleasure of Governor. Since Governor acts on CM's advice (Article 163), this effectively means CM can dismiss ministers anytime. CM's own tenure depends on commanding Assembly majority; loss of majority typically leads to resignation or dismissal.
The same person can be appointed as Governor of two or more States simultaneously.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 153 (as amended by 7th Amendment, 1956): Same person can be appointed Governor of two or more States. This provision enables administrative flexibility, especially for small States or during transitional periods. Emoluments are shared between States as determined by President.
Before entering office, the Chief Minister and Ministers take oath administered by the ______.
- President
- Governor
- Chief Justice of High Court
- Speaker of Assembly
Answer: Governor
Article 164(3) and Third Schedule: CM and Ministers take oath before Governor. Oath includes: (a) bear true faith to Constitution, (b) uphold sovereignty and integrity of India, (c) faithfully discharge duties, (d) maintain confidentiality. Formalizes constitutional commitment at State level.
Governor can exercise 'Suspensive Veto' by returning a Bill (except Money Bill) for reconsideration, but if Legislature repasses it, Governor ______ give assent.
- may
- must
- cannot
- should
Answer: must
Article 200: Governor has three veto types: (a) Absolute veto - withhold assent, (b) Suspensive veto - return Bill for reconsideration (if repassed, Governor must assent), (c) Reserve for President. Unlike President, Governor has no pocket veto; must act within reasonable time on Bills.
The Chief Minister can advise the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly, and Governor is bound to accept this advice if CM commands majority.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 174: Governor summons/prorogues Assembly and can dissolve it. Convention dictates Governor accepts CM's advice on dissolution if CM commands majority. However, in ambiguous situations (e.g., loss of majority), Governor may exercise discretion to explore alternative government before dissolving.
Under which Article can Governor send a report to President recommending imposition of President's Rule in the State?
- Article 352
- Article 356
- Article 360
- Article 365
Answer: Article 356
Article 356: If Governor is satisfied that State government cannot function per Constitution, they may report to President. President may then proclaim President's Rule (State Emergency), assuming State executive functions. SR Bommai case (1994) laid down guidelines to prevent misuse of this provision.
The Chief Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the State ______, which advises Governor on appointments to State Public Service Commission.
- Cabinet
- Legislative Assembly
- Planning Board
- Police Commission
Answer: Cabinet
Article 316: Governor appoints SPSC Chairman/members after consulting State Cabinet (headed by CM). CM also chairs State Development Council, Disaster Management Authority, and other key bodies. CM's leadership centralizes policy coordination at State level, mirroring PM's role at Union.
Article 361 grants immunity to Governor from criminal proceedings during their term of office.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 361: Governor enjoys immunity: (a) no criminal proceedings during term, (b) no arrest/imprisonment, (c) civil proceedings allowed with 2-month notice. Ensures Governor can perform constitutional duties without harassment. Immunity ends after tenure; post-tenure accountability remains.
Which Article provides for the appointment of Advocate General of a State?
- Article 164
- Article 165
- Article 166
- Article 167
Answer: Article 165
Article 165: Governor appoints Advocate General (AG) who must be qualified to be High Court judge. AG is highest law officer of State, advises government, represents State in courts, has right to speak in State Legislature but no vote. Holds office during Governor's pleasure.
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 limits State Council of Ministers to ______ percent of Legislative Assembly strength, with minimum of 12 ministers.
- 10
- 15
- 20
- 25
Answer: 15
Article 164(1A), inserted by 91st Amendment (2003): State Council strength cannot exceed 15% of Assembly strength (minimum 12 for small States). Also bars defectors from being appointed ministers until re-elected. These curb horse-trading and excessive ministerial berths at State level.
The Council of Ministers of a State is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of that State.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 164(2): Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Legislative Assembly (not Council). This means: (a) Ministry falls if Assembly passes no-confidence motion, (b) Ministers defend policies jointly, (c) CM's resignation dissolves entire Council. Cornerstone of parliamentary democracy at State level.
Which Article specifies the duties of Chief Minister in communicating Council decisions to Governor?
- Article 164
- Article 165
- Article 166
- Article 167
Answer: Article 167
Article 167: CM shall communicate to Governor all Council decisions on State administration and legislative proposals; furnish information called by Governor; submit matters for Council consideration if Governor requires. Mirrors Article 78 for Union, ensuring coordination between nominal and real executive at State level.
The Chief Minister of a State is appointed by the Governor, but by convention, the leader of the majority party in the ______ is appointed.
- Legislative Council
- Legislative Assembly
- Parliament
- Cabinet
Answer: Legislative Assembly
Article 164(1): Governor appoints CM, but convention dictates appointing leader of majority party/coalition in Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). In hung assemblies, Governor exercises discretion to appoint person most likely to command majority. CM then advises Governor on appointment of other ministers.
The Governor's pardoning power under Article 161 extends to death sentences.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 161: Governor can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions for offences against State law. However, Governor cannot pardon: (a) court-martial punishments, (b) death sentences (only President under Article 72 can pardon death sentences). This division prevents conflicting clemency decisions.
In which situation does the Governor have genuine discretionary power (not bound by Cabinet advice)?
- Appointing Chief Minister in hung assembly
- Summoning Legislative Assembly
- Granting pardons for State offences
- Assenting to ordinary Bills
Answer: Appointing Chief Minister in hung assembly
Article 163: Governor generally acts on Cabinet advice, but has situational discretion: (a) appointing CM when no party has clear majority, (b) dismissing ministry losing majority, (c) recommending President's Rule under Article 356. Sarkaria Commission (1988) outlined guidelines for exercising these powers impartially.
Under Article 213, Governor can promulgate ordinances when State Legislature is not in session, but such ordinances must be approved within ______ weeks of reassembly.
- 4
- 6
- 8
- 10
Answer: 6
Article 213: Governor's ordinance power mirrors President's under Article 123. Ordinances have same force as State Acts but cease to operate 6 weeks after Legislature reassembles, or earlier if disapproved. Governor cannot issue ordinance without Cabinet advice except in rare discretionary situations.
The Governor can reserve a Bill passed by State Legislature for consideration of the President.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 200: Governor may reserve certain Bills for President's consideration: (a) Bills derogating HC powers, (b) Bills on Concurrent List conflicting with Union law, (c) Bills against DPSP or national interest. President may assent, withhold assent, or direct Governor to return Bill (if not Money Bill).
Which of the following appointments is NOT made by the Governor of a State?
- Chief Minister
- Advocate General
- Chairman of State Public Service Commission
- Judge of High Court
Answer: Judge of High Court
Article 217: High Court judges are appointed by President (not Governor) after consultation with CJI, Governor of State, and CJ of HC. Governor appoints CM (Article 164), Advocate General (Article 165), SPSC Chairman/members (Article 316), and other State officers. Understanding appointment authorities is crucial.
The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the ______, and normally serves a term of 5 years.
- Prime Minister
- President
- Chief Minister
- Parliament
Answer: President
Article 156: Governor holds office during pleasure of President (can be removed anytime without reasons), but normally serves 5-year term. Can resign by writing to President. Supreme Court in BP Singhal case (2010) held that pleasure doctrine is not arbitrary; removal must be for compelling reasons.
A person must be a resident of the State to be appointed as its Governor.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 157-158: Qualifications for Governor: (a) citizen of India, (b) completed 35 years of age. No requirement of State residency. In fact, convention dictates that Governor should be an 'outsider' to maintain impartiality and avoid local political entanglements.