Which Article provides for an Advocate General for each State?
- Article 165
- Article 161
- Article 177
- Article 76
Explanation: The Advocate General is the highest law officer of the state, corresponding to the Attorney General at the Union level.
The 'Writ Jurisdiction' of the High Court is provided under:
- Article 32
- Article 131
- Article 227
- Article 226
Explanation: High Courts can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for 'any other purpose'.
The 'Panchayati Raj' and 'Municipalities' are technically part of which tier of government?
- Union
- State
- Concurrent
- Local
Explanation: They are local self-government bodies but fall under the State List in the 7th Schedule.
The power of the Governor to grant pardons is mentioned in:
- Article 72
- Article 163
- Article 213
- Article 161
Explanation: Article 161 gives the Governor power to grant pardons, reprieves, etc., but unlike the President, the Governor cannot pardon a death sentence.
Who decides on the disqualification of a member of the State Legislature (except on grounds of defection)?
- The President
- The High Court
- The Speaker
- The Governor
Explanation: Under Article 192, the Governor decides after obtaining the opinion of the Election Commission.
The salary and allowances of the Governor are charged on:
- Consolidated Fund of India
- Consolidated Fund of the State
- Contingency Fund of India
- Public Accounts of India
Explanation: While the Governor is appointed by the Center, their expenses are borne by the state they serve.
If the office of the Governor falls vacant, who usually discharges the functions?
- The Chief Minister
- The Vice-President
- The Chief Justice of the High Court
- The Speaker of the Assembly
Explanation: The President may make such provision as he thinks fit for the discharge of the functions of the Governor (Article 160).
The High Court can issue writs for the violation of:
- None
- Fundamental Rights only
- Legal Rights only
- Both Fundamental and Legal Rights
Explanation: This makes the writ jurisdiction of the High Court broader than that of the Supreme Court (which is limited to FRs).
The State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) is a:
- Dissolved every 5 years
- Dissolved by the President
- Temporary body
- Permanent body
Explanation: Like the Rajya Sabha, the Legislative Council is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every two years.
The Governor holds office during the 'pleasure' of whom?
- The Parliament
- The Chief Minister
- The President
- The State Legislature
Explanation: Article 156 states that the Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.
How many High Courts are there in India at present?
Explanation: The 25th High Court is the Andhra Pradesh High Court, established in 2019 at Amaravati.
A member of the State Legislative Assembly submits his resignation to:
- The President
- The Chief Minister
- The Speaker
- The Governor
Explanation: Members of the Assembly resign by writing to the Speaker; members of the Council resign to the Chairman.
Which of the following is NOT a qualification to be a High Court Judge?
- Must be at least 45 years old
- Citizen of India
- Advocate of a High Court for 10 years
- Held a judicial office for 10 years
Explanation: The Constitution does not prescribe a minimum age for the appointment of a High Court judge.
Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the State Planning Board?
- Finance Minister
- Planning Secretary
- Chief Minister
- Governor
Explanation: The CM heads the state-level planning and executive bodies.
Who has the power to create or abolish a Legislative Council in a State?
- The President
- The Parliament
- The State Assembly
- The Governor
Explanation: Under Article 169, Parliament can create or abolish a Council if the State Assembly passes a resolution with a special majority.
The 'Ordinance-making power' of the Governor is provided under:
- Article 213
- Article 161
- Article 226
- Article 123
Explanation: The Governor can promulgate ordinances when the state legislature is not in session.
Which of these States has a Bicameral Legislature (two houses)?
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- West Bengal
Explanation: Currently, six states have bicameral legislatures: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Who presides over the meetings of the Legislative Assembly?
- The Chief Minister
- The Speaker
- The Governor
- The Deputy Governor
Explanation: The members of the Assembly elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among themselves.
The 'Contingency Fund of the State' is operated by:
- The Finance Minister
- The Accountant General
- The Chief Minister
- The Governor
Explanation: The fund is placed at the disposal of the Governor to meet unforeseen expenditures (Article 267).
The total number of ministers in a State (including CM) cannot exceed:
- 10% of Assembly strength
- 20% of Assembly strength
- No limit
- 15% of Assembly strength
Explanation: Introduced by the 91st Amendment Act, 2003 (Article 164-1A).
Which Article provides for 'Special address by the Governor' at the commencement of the first session each year?
- Article 174
- Article 178
- Article 175
- Article 176
Explanation: This is similar to the President's address to Parliament (Article 87).
The Governor of a State is responsible for his actions to:
- The State Legislative Assembly
- The Prime Minister
- The President
- The Chief Minister
Explanation: Since the Governor is an agent of the Center and holds office during the pleasure of the President, they are responsible to the President.
The power of 'Superintendence' over all courts within its jurisdiction is given to the High Court by:
- Article 226
- Article 227
- Article 225
- Article 228
Explanation: Article 227 gives High Courts the power of superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction.
Which High Court has the largest number of Benches?
- Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Bombay High Court
- Guwahati High Court
- Allahabad High Court
Explanation: Due to its jurisdiction over several North-Eastern states, it historically had the most benches (though some states now have their own).
The 'District Judge' comes under the control of:
- The State Government
- The Law Ministry
- The High Court
- The Governor
Explanation: Article 235 gives the High Court control over all subordinate courts, including the posting and promotion of judges.
What is the maximum strength of a State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)?
Explanation: According to Article 170, the Assembly shall consist of not more than 500 and not less than 60 members.
Every High Court shall be a 'Court of Record' under:
- Article 226
- Article 215
- Article 214
- Article 129
Explanation: As a Court of Record, it has the power to punish for contempt of itself.
Money Bills in a State can be introduced only in:
- Joint Sitting
- Legislative Assembly
- Legislative Council
- Either House
Explanation: Money bills originate only in the Vidhan Sabha with the recommendation of the Governor.
Who is the Executive Head of a State in India?
- Speaker of Assembly
- Chief Justice of High Court
- Chief Minister
- Governor
Explanation: Under Article 154, the executive power of the State is vested in the Governor.
A person can be appointed as Governor of more than one State due to which Amendment?
- 1st Amendment
- 7th Amendment
- 44th Amendment
- 42nd Amendment
Explanation: The 7th Amendment Act, 1956 made it possible for one person to be Governor of two or more states.
Who is the 'Advocate General' appointed by?
- The President
- The Chief Justice of HC
- The State Assembly
- The Governor
Explanation: The Governor appoints a person qualified to be a High Court judge as the Advocate General.
Which Article provides for the appointment of 'Additional and Acting Judges' in High Courts?
- Article 222
- Article 224
- Article 226
- Article 230
Explanation: The President can appoint additional judges for a period not exceeding two years to clear arrears of work.
The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly can be removed by:
- The President
- The Chief Minister
- A resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Assembly
- The Governor
Explanation: The Speaker is responsible to the House that elected them (Article 179).
The Governor of a State can reserve a Bill for the consideration of:
- The Supreme Court
- The Parliament
- The President
- The Prime Minister
Explanation: Under Article 200, the Governor may reserve a bill passed by the state legislature for the President's assent.
Which High Court has jurisdiction over more than one State (Common High Court)?
- Guwahati High Court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Bombay High Court
- All of the above
Explanation: Parliament can establish a common High Court for two or more states under Article 231.
The Council of Ministers in a State is collectively responsible to:
- The Legislative Council
- The Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
- The President
- The Governor
Explanation: Similar to the Center, the State Council of Ministers is responsible to the lower house (Article 164).
Who appoints the Governor of a State?
- The Chief Justice of India
- The Chief Minister
- The President of India
- The Prime Minister
Explanation: The Governor is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal (Article 155).
The quorum to constitute a meeting of the State Legislature is:
- 10 members or 1/10th, whichever is greater
- 1/10th of the members
- 20 members
- 1/5th of the members
Explanation: Under Article 189, the quorum is 10 members or one-tenth of the total number of members, whichever is more.
The Chief Minister of a State is appointed by:
- The People
- The President
- The Chief Justice of High Court
- The Governor
Explanation: Article 164 states that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor.
Which Article says 'There shall be a High Court for each State'?
- Article 210
- Article 214
- Article 220
- Article 216
Explanation: Article 214 is the foundational article for the establishment of High Courts in states.
Who has the power to transfer a Judge from one High Court to another?
- The Law Minister
- The President
- The Chief Justice of India
- The Governor
Explanation: Article 222 empowers the President to transfer judges after consultation with the CJI.
The maximum gap between two sessions of the State Legislature is:
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 3 months
Explanation: Article 174 mandates that six months shall not intervene between the last sitting in one session and the first sitting in the next.
Who appoints the District Judges in a State?
- The President
- The State Public Service Commission
- The Chief Justice of High Court
- The Governor
Explanation: Under Article 233, appointments of district judges are made by the Governor in consultation with the High Court.
The judges of the High Court take an oath before:
- The Chief Justice of India
- The President
- The Speaker
- The Governor
Explanation: Article 219 states that judges shall take an oath before the Governor or some person appointed by him.
What is the retirement age for a High Court Judge?
- 65 years
- 60 years
- 62 years
- 70 years
Explanation: High Court judges retire at 62, while Supreme Court judges retire at 65.
Which Article deals with the duty of the Chief Minister to furnish information to the Governor?
- Article 167
- Article 164
- Article 170
- Article 163
Explanation: Article 167 corresponds to Article 78 (PM's duty to inform the President).
What is the minimum age required to be appointed as a Governor?
- 25 years
- 45 years
- 30 years
- 35 years
Explanation: Article 157 stipulates that a person must be a citizen of India and have completed the age of 35 years.
Subordinate Courts (Lower Courts) are covered under which Articles?
- Articles 214-231
- Articles 241-243
- Articles 233-237
- Articles 152-167
Explanation: These articles in Part VI deal with the organization and jurisdiction of subordinate courts.
Who decides the number of judges in a High Court?
- The Chief Justice of India
- The Parliament
- The President
- The Governor
Explanation: Unlike the Supreme Court (where Parliament decides), the President determines the strength of each High Court based on its workload.
What is the term of a member of the State Legislative Council?
- 5 years
- Life term
- 6 years
- 4 years
Explanation: Members of the Vidhan Parishad are elected/nominated for a term of six years.
Who appoints the Judges of a High Court?
- The Chief Minister
- The President
- The Chief Justice of the High Court
- The Governor
Explanation: Judges of High Courts are appointed by the President after consultation with the CJI and the Governor (Article 217).
Which State was the first to have a common High Court?
- Punjab and Haryana
- Andhra and Telangana
- Maharashtra and Goa
- Assam and Nagaland
Explanation: The Punjab and Haryana High Court is a common High Court for the two states and the UT of Chandigarh.
What is the minimum strength of a Legislative Council (if it exists)?
Explanation: The Council must have at least 40 members and cannot exceed one-third of the total members of the Assembly (Article 171).
The power of the High Court to punish for its contempt is given by:
- Article 217
- Article 226
- Article 215
- Article 129
Explanation: High Courts are 'Courts of Record' and have inherent powers to punish for contempt.
Which Part of the Indian Constitution deals with the State Government?
- Part V
- Part VI
- Part VIII
- Part VII
Explanation: Part VI of the Constitution, known as 'The States', covers Articles 152 to 237.
Who among the following can participate in the proceedings of the State Legislature without being a member?
- Director General of Police
- Chief Secretary
- Advocate General
- None of the above
Explanation: Under Article 177, the Advocate General has the right to speak and take part in proceedings but cannot vote.
The Legislative Assembly can be dissolved before its 5-year term by:
- The President
- The Chief Minister
- The Speaker
- The Governor
Explanation: The Governor can dissolve the Assembly on the advice of the CM or if no party can form a government.
Which Article empowers the Governor to summon, prorogue or dissolve the State Legislature?
- Article 180
- Article 176
- Article 170
- Article 174
Explanation: Summoning and dissolving are key executive powers of the Governor regarding the legislature.
What is the term of a State Legislative Assembly?
- Permanent
- 5 years
- 4 years
- 6 years
Explanation: Unless dissolved earlier, the term is 5 years from the date of its first meeting (Article 172).
Who administers the oath of office to the Governor?
- The President
- The Chief Justice of India
- The Chief Justice of the concerned High Court
- The outgoing Governor
Explanation: In the absence of the Chief Justice of the High Court, the senior-most judge of that court administers the oath (Article 159).