Keywords To Remember
- Federation
A political system where power is divided between a central authority and individual states or provinces. - Legislature
A body of elected representatives that makes laws for a country or state. - Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
The lower house of the state legislature; its members are directly elected by the people. - Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
The upper house of the state legislature in some states; not all states have this. - Council of Ministers
A group of ministers headed by the Chief Minister, responsible for the administration of the state. - Chief Minister
The elected head of a state government who holds real executive powers. - Governor
The constitutional head of a state appointed by the President of India; acts mostly on the advice of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers. - Union List
A list of subjects on which only the Central Government can make laws (e.g., defense, foreign affairs). - State List
A list of subjects on which only the State Government can make laws (e.g., police, agriculture).
- Concurrent List
A list of subjects on which both Central and State Governments can make laws (e.g., education, forests). - Ordinance
A temporary law issued by the President or Governor when the legislature is not in session. - President’s Rule
A situation in which the central government takes control of a state’s administration due to failure of constitutional machinery. - Majority Party
The political party that has the most elected members in the Legislative Assembly. - Summon
To call for a session or meeting of the legislature. - Dissolve
To officially end or terminate the Legislative Assembly before its term. - Discretionary Powers
Powers that a Governor or President may exercise at their own judgment without consulting the Council of Ministers. - Elected Representatives
Individuals chosen by the public through elections to represent their interests in the legislature. - Term
The fixed period for which a person holds a position or office (e.g., 5 years for MLA). - MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly)
A person elected to the Legislative Assembly of a state. - Rajyapal
The Hindi term for Governor. - Lieutenant Governor
A representative of the President of India in some Union Territories and special areas like Delhi. - Administrator
An official appointed by the President to govern certain Union Territories. - Coalition
An alliance of two or more political parties to form a government. - Functionary
A person who performs official functions or duties, especially in government. - Budget
A detailed plan showing expected income and expenditure for a specific period. - Law and Order
A situation characterized by respect for laws and peaceful conduct in society. - Elections
A formal process through which people vote to choose representatives. - Constitution
The supreme law of the country that outlines the structure, powers, and duties of the government. - Executive
The branch of government responsible for implementing laws and administering public policies. - Parliament
The supreme legislative body in India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔) the correct option.
- The Governor of a state is appointed by the
(a) Chief Minister
(b) Prime Minister
(c) President of India
(d) Vice-President of India
Answer – (c) President of India
- Vidhan Parishad is a permanent house because
(a) its members are elected for six years.
(b) its two-third members retire after every two years.
(c) it cannot be dissolved.
(d) it is an Upper House.
Answer – (c) it cannot be dissolved.
- The maximum strength of a State Legislative Assembly can be
(a) 300
(b) 400
(c) 500
(d) 600
Answer – 500
- The Union Territories are directly administered by the
(a) Governor
(b) Chief Minister
(c) State Government
(d) Union Government
Answer – (d) Union Government
- Which one of the following is NOT a Union Territory?
(a) Chandigarh
(b) Goa
(c) Delhi
(d) Puducherry
Answer – Goa
B. Fill in the blanks.
- In case of constitutional breakdown in a state, the _________ rule is imposed.
Answer – President’s
- The Upper House in a state is called _________ .
Answer – Legislative Council
- The government at State Level is called _________ .
Answer – State Government
- There are _________ states and _________Union territories in India.
Answer – 28, 8
- The members of a Vidhan Sabha are elected by the _________ directly.
Answer – people
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- The State Government can make laws only on the Concurrent list.
Answer – False
- The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party as the Chief Minister.
Answer – True
- Delhi has an elected Legislative Assembly.
Answer – True
- The Vidhan Sabha is a permanent House.
Answer – False
- The term of each member of the Legislative Council is six years.
Answer – True
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- What is the minimum age to be the Governor of a state?
Answer – 35 years
- What is the minimum age to be the Chief Minister of a state?
Answer – 25 years
- Who presides over the meetings of Legislative Assembly?
Answer – The Speaker
- Who acts as a link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers?
Answer – The Chief Minister
- Who appoints the Chief Minister of a state?
Answer – The Governor
E. Answer the following questions
- Mention three functions of the State Legislature.
Answer – Makes laws on subjects in the State and Concurrent Lists.
Approves the budget presented by the government.
Controls the functioning of the Executive through questions and debates.
- Describe the powers of the Governor of a state.
Answer – Appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers.
Summons and dissolves the Legislative Assembly.
Gives assent to bills passed by the legislature.
Can recommend President’s Rule in the state.
Acts as the constitutional head of the state.
- When is the President’s rule imposed in a state?
Answer – When there is a constitutional breakdown or failure of the state government to function according to the Constitution.
- Enlist five functions of the Council of Ministers of a state.
Answer – Formulate and implement state policies.
Prepare the state budget.
Maintain law and order.
Ensure development in health, education, and infrastructure.
Advise the Governor on various matters.
- Why should the State Governments be given more powers?
Answer – States better understand local needs and problems.
It ensures efficient administration and quicker decision-making.
Promotes democratic decentralization and public participation.
Value Based Questions
Khushi is a Class-VII student. Her mother is a teacher. Both leave for the school together. Every day they see Munni [who is of Khushi’s age] and her mother who work in their society as a maid [domestic help]. Khushi is always confused and surprised to see Munni working at this age and not going to school.
(a) What is wrong if Munni is not going to school?
Answer – Every child has a right to free and compulsory education under the law. Not going to school deprives Munni of her basic rights and a better future.
(b) How does it become an offence if a 12 year old is helping her family by working?
Answer – Child labour is illegal and harmful to a child’s physical and mental health. It is an offence under Indian law for children below 14 to work.
(c) Should Munni’s parents be taken to task? Justify your answer.
Answer – Instead of punishment, they should be counselled and supported with government schemes, as they may be unaware or financially helpless.
(d) What should the government do for such children?
Answer – The government should spread awareness, provide free education, mid-day meals, scholarships, and financial help to poor families.
Map Skill
On a political outline map of India, locate and mark the states having bicameral legislatures.
Answer – Uttar Pradesh
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Telangana
Bihar
Andhra Pradesh
Something To Do
- Collect the following information about your state:
(a) The map of your state.
(b) Name of the Governor.
(c) Does it have a unicameral or bicameral legislative?
(d) Number of members of Legislative Assembly.
(e) Population of your state.
(f) Name the Chief Minister of your state.
Answer – Collect the following information about your state: (Example for Uttar Pradesh)
(a) Map – [Attach or draw]
(b) Governor – Shri Anandiben Patel
(c) Legislature – Bicameral
(d) Number of MLAs – 403
(e) Population – Approximately 23 crore
(f) Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
(Subject to change)
- Hold a group discussion in the class on the topic “There is no need to have a Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council).”
Answer – Points for discussion:
Arguments in favour: Saves public money, avoids delays in legislation.
Arguments against: Provides a platform for experienced leaders, ensures wider discussion.
Conclusion: A balance must be struck based on a state’s needs and governance challenges.
Additional Questions And Answer – 01
A. Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- The real executive authority in a state lies with the Chief Minister.
- The Governor is the constitutional head of the state.
- The Vidhan Sabha is also known as the Legislative Assembly.
- The Governor is appointed by the President of India.
- The tenure of the State Legislative Assembly is five years.
- The Chief Minister is the leader of the ruling party in the Legislative Assembly.
- A state government can make laws on subjects listed in the State List.
- The members of the Legislative Assembly are elected through direct elections.
- Article 356 of the Constitution allows the imposition of President’s rule in a state.
- The legislative powers of the state are vested in the State Legislature.
- Vidhan Parishad is also called the Legislative Council.
- Not all states in India have a bicameral legislature.
- A bill becomes a law after the Governor gives his assent.
- Law and order is a subject under the State List.
- Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir have their own Legislative Assemblies.
B. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Who is the head of the state government?
(a) President
(b) Governor
(c) Chief Minister ✅
(d) Speaker
- The term of the State Legislative Assembly is:
(a) 3 years
(b) 4 years
(c) 5 years ✅
(d) 6 years
- Who has the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly?
(a) Chief Minister
(b) President
(c) Governor ✅
(d) Prime Minister
- Which of these states has a bicameral legislature?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Kerala
(c) Uttar Pradesh ✅
(d) Haryana
- The State Legislature consists of:
(a) Governor and Vidhan Sabha only
(b) Governor and Vidhan Parishad only
(c) Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad only
(d) Governor, Vidhan Sabha, and Vidhan Parishad ✅
- The members of Vidhan Parishad are:
(a) Elected by people directly
(b) Nominated only
(c) Partly elected and partly nominated ✅
(d) Elected by Lok Sabha
- Who is responsible for day-to-day functioning of the state government?
(a) Governor
(b) President
(c) Chief Minister ✅
(d) Speaker
C. True or False (with Answers)
- The Chief Minister is elected by the people directly.
False - The Governor can appoint the Chief Minister.
True - All Indian states have both Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad.
False - The Legislative Council is the Upper House in a state.
True - The Governor must be a citizen of India.
True - The State Government cannot make laws on the Union List.
True - President’s rule can be imposed even if the state government is functioning properly.
False
D. Competency-Based Questions
- Ramesh has turned 18 and wishes to elect his representative. In which election can he vote at the state level?
Answer: He can vote in the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) elections to elect his MLA. - If a state is unable to form a stable government after elections, what can be done?
Answer: The President’s rule can be imposed in the state under Article 356. - A state passed a law on education, which is also on the Concurrent List. The Central Government passed a different law on the same subject. Which law will prevail?
Answer: The Central Government’s law will prevail in case of conflict on a Concurrent List subject. - Why do some states have a Legislative Council while others don’t?
Answer: Legislative Councils are optional; states can choose to have or abolish them through a resolution passed in the Legislative Assembly and approved by Parliament.
E. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions
- Why do you think India has a federal system with governments at both Centre and State levels?
Answer: India is a vast and diverse country. A federal system allows local governments (states) to address region-specific issues efficiently while maintaining unity through a strong central government. - What would happen if all powers were centralized in the Union Government?
Answer: It could lead to inefficiency, neglect of local issues, dissatisfaction among states, and threats to democratic and federal principles. - Can a Governor refuse to sign a bill passed by the Legislative Assembly? Why or why not?
Answer: The Governor can return a non-money bill for reconsideration or reserve it for the President, but if it is passed again by the Assembly, the Governor must give assent. This ensures democratic balance.
F. Short Answer Questions
- What is the role of the Speaker in the Vidhan Sabha?
Answer: The Speaker conducts meetings of the Assembly, maintains order, and ensures the rules of procedure are followed. - How is the Governor of a state appointed?
Answer: The Governor is appointed by the President of India for a term of five years. - What is the minimum age to contest Legislative Assembly elections?
Answer: 25 years. - Name two states which have bicameral legislatures.
Answer: Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. - What is the main function of the State Legislature?
Answer: To make laws on subjects listed in the State and Concurrent Lists.
G. Long Answer Questions
- Explain the composition and functions of the State Legislative Assembly.
Answer: The Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is composed of members directly elected by the people of the state. The number of members varies from state to state. Its functions include making laws, passing the state budget, controlling the executive, and discussing matters of public interest. - Describe the relationship between the Governor and the Chief Minister.
Answer: The Governor is the nominal executive, and the Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state government. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and acts on their advice. The Chief Minister communicates decisions of the Council of Ministers to the Governor and keeps him/her informed of the administration. - Why is it important to have a state government in a federal country like India?
Answer: In a federal setup, governance is shared between the Centre and the states. This helps in catering to local needs, ensuring better administration, encouraging political participation, and preserving cultural and regional diversity while maintaining national unity.
Additional Questions And Answer – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- Question: India is the ______ largest nation in the world.
Answer: India is the seventh largest nation in the world. - Question: India has been divided into ______ States and 7 Union Territories.
Answer: India has been divided into 29 States and 7 Union Territories. - Question: The Union Territories are administered by the ______ of India.
Answer: The Union Territories are administered by the President of India. - Question: The division of powers between the Centre and State is based on the Union List, State List, and ______ List.
Answer: The division of powers between the Centre and State is based on the Union List, State List, and Concurrent - Question: The Union List contains ______ subjects.
Answer: The Union List contains 97 - Question: The State List contains ______ subjects.
Answer: The State List contains 66 - Question: The Legislative Assembly is also called ______ Sabha.
Answer: The Legislative Assembly is also called Vidhan - Question: Only ______ states have a Legislative Council in India.
Answer: Only six states have a Legislative Council in India. - Question: The minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Assembly is ______ years.
Answer: The minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Assembly is 25 - Question: The term of a Legislative Assembly is ______ years.
Answer: The term of a Legislative Assembly is five - Question: The Legislative Council is a ______ House that cannot be dissolved.
Answer: The Legislative Council is a permanent House that cannot be dissolved. - Question: The minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Council is ______ years.
Answer: The minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Council is 30 - Question: The State Legislature makes laws on subjects in the ______ List and Concurrent List.
Answer: The State Legislature makes laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List. - Question: The ______ is appointed by the President of India for a term of five years.
Answer: The Governor is appointed by the President of India for a term of five years. - Question: The real executive power in a state lies with the ______ Minister.
Answer: The real executive power in a state lies with the Chief - Question: The Governor can issue an ______ when the State Legislature is not in session.
Answer: The Governor can issue an Ordinance when the State Legislature is not in session. - Question: The Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Delhi, and Puducherry have ______ Governors.
Answer: The Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Delhi, and Puducherry have Lieutenant - Question: Delhi is also known as the National Capital ______ of Delhi (NCT Delhi).
Answer: Delhi is also known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT Delhi). - Question: The Council of Ministers administers and maintains ______ and order in the state.
Answer: The Council of Ministers administers and maintains law and order in the state. - Question: A ______ is a proposed law that needs the Governor’s consent to become a law.
Answer: A bill is a proposed law that needs the Governor’s consent to become a law.
Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
- Question: How many States and Union Territories does India have?
a) 28 States and 8 Union Territories
b) 29 States and 7 Union Territories
c) 30 States and 6 Union Territories
d) 27 States and 9 Union Territories
Answer: b) 29 States and 7 Union Territories - Question: Who administers the Union Territories in India?
a) The Prime Minister
b) The President of India
c) The Chief Minister
d) The State Legislature
Answer: b) The President of India - Question: How many subjects are in the Union List?
a) 66
b) 47
c) 97
d) 100
Answer: c) 97 - Question: How many subjects are in the State List?
a) 97
b) 66
c) 47
d) 50
Answer: b) 66 - Question: Which of the following states has a Legislative Council?
a) Mizoram
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Rajasthan
d) Kerala
Answer: b) Uttar Pradesh - Question: What is the minimum number of members in a Legislative Assembly?
a) 40
b) 50
c) 60
d) 70
Answer: c) 60 - Question: What is the maximum number of members in a Legislative Assembly?
a) 400
b) 500
c) 600
d) 300
Answer: b) 500 - Question: What is the minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Assembly?
a) 21 years
b) 25 years
c) 30 years
d) 35 years
Answer: b) 25 years - Question: What is the term of the Legislative Assembly?
a) 4 years
b) 5 years
c) 6 years
d) 3 years
Answer: b) 5 years - Question: What happens if the Legislative Assembly does not function according to the Constitution?
a) It continues as usual
b) President’s Rule is imposed
c) The Governor takes over
d) New elections are held immediately
Answer: b) President’s Rule is imposed - Question: Who presides over the meetings of the Legislative Assembly?
a) The Chief Minister
b) The Governor
c) The Speaker
d) The Chairperson
Answer: c) The Speaker - Question: What is the minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Council?
a) 25 years
b) 30 years
c) 35 years
d) 40 years
Answer: b) 30 years - Question: Who appoints the Governor of a state?
a) The Chief Minister
b) The President of India
c) The State Legislature
d) The Prime Minister
Answer: b) The President of India - Question: Who holds the real executive power in a state?
a) The Governor
b) The Chief Minister
c) The Legislative Assembly
d) The Legislative Council
Answer: b) The Chief Minister - Question: What can the Governor issue when the State Legislature is not in session?
a) A bill
b) A budget
c) An ordinance
d) A policy
Answer: c) An ordinance - Question: Which Union Territory is also known as the National Capital Territory?
a) Puducherry
b) Chandigarh
c) Delhi
d) Lakshadweep
Answer: c) Delhi - Question: Who appoints the Chief Minister of a state?
a) The President
b) The Governor
c) The Legislative Assembly
d) The Prime Minister
Answer: b) The Governor - Question: What is one of the main functions of the Council of Ministers?
a) Elect the Governor
b) Maintain law and order in the state
c) Dissolve the Legislative Assembly
d) Conduct national elections
Answer: b) Maintain law and order in the state - Question: How many members does the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly have?
a) 40
b) 60
c) 404
d) 500
Answer: c) 404 - Question: What is a bill?
a) A statement of income and expenditure
b) A temporary law
c) A proposed law
d) A discretionary power
Answer: c) A proposed law
(True/False Questions and Answers)
- Question: India has 29 States and 7 Union Territories.
Answer: True - Question: The Union Territories are administered by the Chief Minister.
Answer: False (They are administered by the President of India.) - Question: The Central Government is more powerful than the State Governments.
Answer: True - Question: All states in India have a Legislative Council.
Answer: False (Only six states have a Legislative Council.) - Question: The minimum number of members in a Legislative Assembly is 60.
Answer: True - Question: The term of the Legislative Assembly is six years.
Answer: False (It is five years.) - Question: The Legislative Council can be dissolved.
Answer: False (It is a permanent House.) - Question: The minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Council is 25 years.
Answer: False (It is 30 years.) - Question: The State Legislature makes laws on subjects in the Union List.
Answer: False (It makes laws on the State List and Concurrent List.) - Question: The Governor is appointed by the President of India.
Answer: True - Question: The real executive power in a state lies with the Governor.
Answer: False (It lies with the Chief Minister.) - Question: The Governor can issue an ordinance when the State Legislature is not in session.
Answer: True - Question: All Union Territories have a Chief Minister and elected Assembly.
Answer: False (Only Delhi, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar have such provisions.) - Question: Delhi is also known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Answer: True - Question: The Council of Ministers formulates policies for the state.
Answer: True - Question: The Governor belongs to the state where he is appointed.
Answer: False (Normally, the Governor does not belong to the state.) - Question: The Legislative Assembly passes the annual budget of the state.
Answer: True - Question: Money bills can be introduced in the Legislative Council.
Answer: False (They can only be introduced in the Legislative Assembly.) - Question: The Governor has no discretionary powers.
Answer: False (The Governor has discretionary powers, like recommending President’s Rule.) - Question: Chandigarh has a Lieutenant Governor.
Answer: False (It has an Administrator.)
Competency-Based Questions and Answers
- Question: A student learns that only six states have a Legislative Council. Why might some states have two Houses while others have only one?
Answer: States with larger populations or complex administrative needs, like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have two Houses (Legislative Assembly and Council) to ensure better representation and thorough law-making. Smaller states like Mizoram, with simpler governance needs, manage with one House (Legislative Assembly), balancing efficiency and representation based on the state’s size and requirements. - Question: During a class discussion, you hear that the Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly. What does this indicate about the Governor’s role in state governance?
Answer: The Governor’s ability to dissolve the Legislative Assembly indicates a supervisory role, ensuring the state functions constitutionally. If the Assembly fails to do so, the Governor can recommend President’s Rule, acting as a constitutional safeguard to maintain stability and uphold the federal structure, though real executive power lies with the Chief Minister. - Question: A teacher mentions that Delhi has a special status among Union Territories. How does this affect its governance compared to other Union Territories?
Answer: Delhi’s special status as the National Capital Territory grants it an elected Assembly and a Chief Minister, allowing local governance similar to states, unlike other Union Territories administered directly by a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator. This ensures Delhi manages its large population and capital duties while maintaining central oversight through the Lieutenant Governor. - Question: You read that the State Legislature makes laws on the State List and Concurrent List. How does this division of powers support the federal system in India?
Answer: The division of powers allows states to legislate on local matters like agriculture (State List) while sharing responsibilities like education (Concurrent List) with the Centre. This supports federalism by ensuring states have autonomy in their domains while the Centre maintains overall unity, balancing local needs with national interests in India’s diverse federal structure. - Question: A classmate notes that the Governor appoints the Chief Minister. How does this reflect the relationship between the Governor and the state’s political leadership?
Answer: The Governor’s appointment of the Chief Minister reflects a formal role in state governance, ensuring the leader of the majority party or coalition is officially recognized. However, real power lies with the Chief Minister, showing the Governor’s role as a constitutional figurehead, maintaining a link between the Centre and state while adhering to democratic principles. - Question: During a project, you learn that the Legislative Council is a permanent House. Why might this structure be important for state governance?
Answer: The Legislative Council’s permanence ensures continuity in law-making, as one-third of its members retire every two years, maintaining experienced lawmakers. This structure provides stability, allows for thorough review of bills passed by the Assembly, and ensures diverse representation, contributing to balanced governance in states with bicameral legislatures like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. - Question: A news report highlights that the Governor issued an ordinance in a state. What does this suggest about the Governor’s powers during emergencies?
Answer: The Governor’s issuance of an ordinance when the State Legislature is not in session suggests emergency powers to address urgent issues, ensuring governance continuity. This reflects the Governor’s role as a caretaker of state administration, acting on behalf of the Centre to maintain law and order, though such ordinances must later be approved by the Legislature. - Question: You observe that the Central Government is more powerful than the State Governments. How does this impact the federal balance in India?
Answer: The Central Government’s greater power, with more subjects in the Union List and control over finances, ensures national unity and coordination in a diverse country. However, it can limit state autonomy, creating a federal balance where states have independent roles but the Centre dominates, reflecting India’s federation with a strong Centre to address national challenges effectively. - Question: A teacher explains that the Council of Ministers maintains law and order in the state. Why is this function critical for state governance?
Answer: Maintaining law and order is critical as it ensures safety, stability, and public trust in governance. The Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister, enforces state laws, addresses local issues, and protects citizens’ rights, creating a secure environment for development and upholding the state’s responsibility within India’s federal system to govern effectively. - Question: You learn that members of the Legislative Assembly participate in the election of the President of India. How does this reflect India’s federal structure?
Answer: The participation of Legislative Assembly members in the President’s election reflects India’s federal structure by ensuring state representation in choosing the head of state. It balances power between the Centre and states, as both elected MPs and state MLAs contribute, reinforcing the cooperative federalism where states have a voice in national governance while maintaining their autonomy.
High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why do you think the Central Government is given more power than the State Governments in India’s federal system?
Answer: The Central Government’s greater power ensures national unity and coordination in a diverse country like India, where regional disparities could lead to fragmentation. With control over critical subjects like defense and finance (Union List), the Centre can address national challenges, maintain consistency in policies, and manage resources effectively, balancing federalism with the need for a strong, unified nation. - Question: How might the provision of a Legislative Council in only six states reflect the diversity of administrative needs across India?
Answer: The Legislative Council in only six states reflects India’s diverse administrative needs by allowing larger, more populous states like Uttar Pradesh to have a second House for thorough law-making and representation, while smaller states like Mizoram manage with one House for efficiency. This flexibility accommodates varying population sizes, cultural complexities, and governance challenges, ensuring effective administration tailored to each state’s context. - Question: Why might the Governor’s discretionary power to recommend President’s Rule be significant for maintaining constitutional governance in a state?
Answer: The Governor’s discretionary power to recommend President’s Rule ensures constitutional governance by allowing intervention when a state’s administration fails to function per the Constitution, such as during political instability. This safeguards democratic principles, prevents misuse of power, and maintains stability, reflecting the Centre’s oversight role in India’s federal system to uphold constitutional integrity across states. - Question: How does the division of powers into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists strengthen India’s federal structure?
Answer: The division of powers ensures clarity in governance by assigning subjects like defense to the Union List, agriculture to the State List, and education to the Concurrent List. This strengthens federalism by granting states autonomy in local matters while allowing the Centre to maintain national unity, fostering cooperative governance and addressing both regional and national needs effectively in a diverse country. - Question: Why do you think Delhi’s special status as the National Capital Territory is important for its governance, compared to other Union Territories?
Answer: Delhi’s special status as the National Capital Territory is important because, as India’s capital, it requires a governance model balancing local needs with national duties. An elected Assembly and Chief Minister allow it to manage its large population and local issues, while the Lieutenant Governor ensures central oversight, ensuring efficient administration and coordination for its unique role as the capital. - Question: How might the permanent nature of the Legislative Council contribute to the stability of law-making in a state?
Answer: The Legislative Council’s permanence ensures continuity in law-making, as one-third of its members retire every two years, retaining experienced lawmakers. This stability allows for consistent review of bills, prevents hasty legislation, and provides a platform for diverse representation, ensuring well-thought-out laws that address long-term state needs, enhancing the quality and reliability of governance in bicameral states. - Question: Why is the Chief Minister considered the most important functionary in the state, despite the Governor’s formal powers?
Answer: The Chief Minister holds real executive power, leading the Council of Ministers, formulating policies, and executing laws, directly impacting state governance. While the Governor has formal powers like appointing the Chief Minister, these are exercised on the Chief Minister’s advice, making the Chief Minister the key decision-maker, reflecting the democratic principle of elected leadership in India’s federal system. - Question: How does the Governor’s role as a link between the Centre and the state enhance India’s federal structure?
Answer: The Governor, appointed by the President, ensures coordination between the Centre and state by overseeing state governance, recommending President’s Rule if needed, and facilitating communication. This role enhances India’s federal structure by maintaining central oversight while respecting state autonomy, ensuring national unity and constitutional adherence, and balancing power dynamics in a federation with a strong Centre. - Question: Why might the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the Legislative Assembly be significant for India’s democratic system?
Answer: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Tribes ensures their representation in the Legislative Assembly, addressing historical marginalization and promoting inclusivity. This strengthens India’s democratic system by giving voice to underrepresented groups, ensuring their concerns are addressed in law-making, and fostering social justice, aligning with the constitutional goal of equality in a diverse society. - Question: How does the Council of Ministers’ role in executing both state and Union laws reflect the cooperative nature of Indian federalism?
Answer: The Council of Ministers executes state laws (State List) and Union laws (Concurrent List), reflecting cooperative federalism by ensuring states implement national policies while addressing local needs. This collaboration fosters unity, as states and the Centre work together on shared subjects like education, balancing regional autonomy with national objectives, and strengthening India’s federal framework through mutual cooperation.
Short Questions and Answers
- Question: How many States does India have?
Answer: 29. - Question: How many Union Territories are there in India?
Answer: 7. - Question: Who administers the Union Territories?
Answer: The President of India. - Question: How many subjects are in the Union List?
Answer: 97. - Question: How many subjects are in the State List?
Answer: 66. - Question: What is the Legislative Assembly also called?
Answer: Vidhan Sabha. - Question: How many states have a Legislative Council?
Answer: Six. - Question: What is the minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Assembly?
Answer: 25 years. - Question: What is the term of the Legislative Assembly?
Answer: Five years. - Question: Who presides over the Legislative Assembly?
Answer: The Speaker. - Question: What is the minimum age to be a member of the Legislative Council?
Answer: 30 years. - Question: Who appoints the Governor?
Answer: The President of India. - Question: Who holds the real executive power in a state?
Answer: The Chief Minister. - Question: What can the Governor issue when the Legislature is not in session?
Answer: An ordinance. - Question: Which Union Territory is called the National Capital Territory?
Answer: Delhi. - Question: Who appoints the Chief Minister?
Answer: The Governor. - Question: What does the Council of Ministers maintain in the state?
Answer: Law and order. - Question: How many members does the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly have?
Answer: 404. - Question: What is a bill?
Answer: A proposed law. - Question: What is an ordinance?
Answer: A temporary law.
Long Questions and Answers (60-70 Words)
- Question: Explain the division of powers between the Central and State Governments in India.
Answer: The division of powers in India is based on three lists: the Union List (97 subjects) for the Central Government, the State List (66 subjects) for the State Governments, and the Concurrent List (47 subjects) for both. This ensures the Centre handles national issues like defense, while states manage local matters like agriculture, fostering a balanced federal system with a strong Centre. - Question: Describe the structure and term of the Legislative Assembly in Indian states.
Answer: The Legislative Assembly, or Vidhan Sabha, has members directly elected by the people, with a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 500 members, based on the state’s population. Its term is five years, but it can be dissolved earlier if it fails to function constitutionally, leading to President’s Rule. The Assembly has a Speaker and Deputy Speaker to conduct its proceedings. - Question: Discuss the role and powers of the Governor in a state.
Answer: The Governor, appointed by the President for five years, appoints the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, dissolves the Legislative Assembly, and consents to bills to make them laws. The Governor can issue ordinances, pardon punishments, and recommend President’s Rule using discretionary powers, acting as a link between the Centre and state while ensuring constitutional governance. - Question: How does the Legislative Council function as a permanent House in a state?
Answer: The Legislative Council, or Vidhan Parishad, is a permanent House that cannot be dissolved, with a minimum of 40 members, not exceeding one-third of the Assembly’s strength. Members serve six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years, replaced by new elections. It elects a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, ensuring continuity in law-making and review in bicameral states. - Question: Explain the special status of Delhi among the Union Territories in India.
Answer: Delhi, as the National Capital Territory, has a special status with an elected Assembly and a Chief Minister, allowing local governance to manage its large population and capital duties. Unlike other Union Territories, which are directly administered by a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator, Delhi balances local autonomy with central oversight through its Lieutenant Governor, ensuring effective administration. - Question: What are the main functions of the Council of Ministers in a state?
Answer: The Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister, maintains law and order, executes laws from the Legislative Assembly and Union Government, formulates state policies, advises the Governor, and makes laws on the State and Concurrent Lists. It ensures effective governance, addresses local needs, and upholds the state’s responsibilities within India’s federal framework, promoting development and stability. - Question: How does India’s federal system balance power between the Centre and the states?
Answer: India’s federal system balances power through the division of subjects into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, giving the Centre control over national issues like defense while states manage local matters like agriculture. The Centre’s dominance in resources and power ensures unity, while states’ autonomy in governance reflects federalism, creating a cooperative structure with a strong Centre. - Question: Why is the participation of Legislative Assembly members in the President’s election significant?
Answer: The participation of Legislative Assembly members in the President’s election ensures state representation in choosing India’s head of state, reflecting federalism. It balances power by involving both state MLAs and MPs, fostering cooperation between the Centre and states, and ensuring the President, a national figure, is elected with input from state-level elected representatives, strengthening India’s federal structure. - Question: Discuss the role of the Chief Minister as a link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
Answer: The Chief Minister acts as a link by advising the Governor on key decisions, such as appointing the Council of Ministers, while leading the Council to execute state policies. This ensures smooth coordination between the Governor’s constitutional role and the Council’s executive functions, maintaining effective governance and aligning state administration with democratic principles in India’s federal system. - Question: How do the Governor’s discretionary powers contribute to maintaining stability in a state?
Answer: The Governor’s discretionary powers, like recommending President’s Rule, ensure stability by allowing intervention during political crises or constitutional failures in a state. By acting independently of the Chief Minister’s advice in such situations, the Governor safeguards democratic principles, prevents governance breakdowns, and ensures the state aligns with the Constitution, maintaining order and stability within India’s federal framework.