Questions and Answers
Which states have a bicameral legislature as per the given information?
What is the maximum number of members allowed in a Legislative Assembly?
What term does a Legislative Assembly serve under normal conditions?
Which of the following is true about the quorum for the Legislative Assembly?
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Who has the power to nominate a member from the Anglo-Indian community in the Legislative Assembly?
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Under what circumstances can the life of the Legislative Assembly be extended?
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What is the role of the Governor in the legislative sessions?
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What is a qualification required to be a member of the assembly in India?
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Which of the following statements about membership in the Legislative Assembly is incorrect?
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Which power allows the legislature to manage the state's budget?
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How is the governor of a state in India appointed?
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What is NOT a power of the legislature?
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Which of the following is a role of the governor?
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Which power permits the legislature to change the constitution?
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What is a requirement for a candidate to be eligible for the role of governor?
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Which function does the legislature perform to control the executive?
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Study Notes
Government Structure of States
- Constitution outlines a uniform government pattern for states, mandating a legislature in each.
- Each state has a Governor and houses of legislature.
- States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jammu & Kashmir have a bicameral legislature (two houses).
- All other states operate with a unicameral legislature (one house).
- Bicameral legislature consists of a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council; unicameral is solely a Legislative Assembly.
Nomination and Reservation
- The Governor can nominate one member from the Anglo-Indian community.
- Seats are reserved in Legislative Assemblies for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure representation.
Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
- Members are directly elected based on universal adult franchise from territorial constituencies.
- The number of members is between 60 and 500, with Mizoram and Goa having special provisions for 40 members each.
- Membership is updated based on the latest census.
- Legislative Assembly term is 5 years but can be dissolved earlier by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.
- In emergencies, the term may be extended by up to one year.
Sessions and Quorum
- The Governor summons sessions of the state legislature, with at least two sessions required annually.
- Quorum is either 10 members or one-tenth of total members, whichever is greater.
Qualifications for Membership
- Must be a citizen of India, not less than 25 years old.
- Must be a registered voter in the state’s constituencies.
Powers and Functions of Legislature
- Legislative Powers: Create, modify, or reject laws; debate bills.
- Control over Executive: Ask questions, pass no-confidence motions, engage in debates.
- Financial Powers: Pass and discuss budgets, establish financial committee.
- Constituent Powers: Certain amendments need two-thirds majority in Union Parliament and ratification by half of the state legislatures.
- Elective Powers: The President of India is elected by an electoral college comprising elected members from Parliament and state Assemblies.
Role of the Governor
- The Governor serves as the executive head of the state, acting on the advice of the Chief Minister.
- Can be appointed as the Governor for multiple states if needed.
- Represents the central government in the state.
Appointment and Qualifications of the Governor
- The President appoints the Governor on the Prime Minister's advice, who must not be a resident of the state or involved in local politics.
- Qualifications include being a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, and not holding any office of profit.
Powers and Functions of the Governor
- Executive Powers: Appoint Chief Minister and other officials; request information.
- Legislative Powers: Summon and prorogue legislative sessions, address the assembly.
- Financial Powers: Ensure budgetary procedures are followed.
- Judicial Powers: Appoint judges and have pardoning authority.
- Discretionary Powers: Act independently in certain situations as per the constitution.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Indian Constitution's provisions for state legislatures. This quiz covers the unique characteristics of bicameral and unicameral legislatures in various states, including specifics about their structure and roles. Explore how the Governor and legislative houses function within the state government framework.
