In case of a deadlock between the Assembly and the Council on an ordinary bill, is there a provision for a joint sitting?
- Yes, under Art 197
- Yes, under Art 108
- No, there is no joint sitting
- Only for constitutional amendments
Explanation: Unlike the Parliament, there is no provision for a joint sitting in the State Legislature. The will of the Assembly ultimately prevails.
The maximum gap allowed between two sessions of the State Legislature is:
- 6 months
- 4 months
- 1 year
- 3 months
Explanation: The Constitution mandates that six months shall not intervene between the last sitting of one session and the first sitting of the next.
A minister who is not a member of either house must become a member within:
- 6 months
- Never
- 3 months
- 1 year
Explanation: Under Article 164, a minister must become a member of the legislature within 6 months or lose the position.
A Money Bill can be introduced ONLY in:
- Either House
- Legislative Assembly
- Legislative Council
- Both Houses
Explanation: Like the Lok Sabha, a Money Bill in a state can only be introduced in the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).
The Legislative Council is presided over by:
- The Chairman
- The Vice-President
- The Speaker
- The Governor
Explanation: The Chairman is elected by the members of the Legislative Council from among themselves.
The Governor can reserve a bill for the consideration of the President under:
- Article 213
- Article 201
- Article 161
- Article 200
Explanation: Article 200 lists the options available to the Governor when a bill is presented to him, including reserving it for the President.
Who can abolish a state legislative council?
- The Parliament
- The State Assembly alone
- The President
- The Governor
Explanation: While the State Assembly initiates the request, only the Parliament of India can pass a law to abolish or create a Legislative Council.
How many members of the Legislative Council are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly?
Explanation: 1/3rd of the members are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly from among persons who are not members of the Assembly.
The total number of members in the Legislative Council of a State shall not exceed ____ of the total members in the Assembly.
- One-fifth
- One-fourth
- One-third
- One-half
Explanation: Article 171 specifies that the total number of members in the Legislative Council shall not exceed one-third of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly.
If the Chairman of the Legislative Council wants to resign, he submits his resignation to:
- The Chief Minister
- The Deputy Chairman
- The Speaker
- The Governor
Explanation: The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Council resign by addressing each other.
Who decides whether a bill in the State Legislature is a Money Bill or not?
- The Chief Minister
- The Speaker of the Assembly
- The Chairman of the Council
- The Governor
Explanation: The decision of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on whether a bill is a Money Bill is final.
Which house of the State Legislature is known as the 'Popular House'?
- Legislative Assembly
- Legislative Council
- The Secretariat
- Both
Explanation: The Vidhan Sabha is called the popular house because its members are directly elected by the people.
The Legislative Assembly of which state was the first to be dissolved under Article 356?
- Bihar
- Uttar Pradesh
- Kerala
- Punjab
Explanation: Punjab was the first state where President's Rule was imposed (1951).
Which Article provides for the creation or abolition of Legislative Councils in States?
- Article 171
- Article 169
- Article 168
- Article 170
Explanation: Article 169 empowers Parliament to abolish or create a Legislative Council if the Legislative Assembly of the state passes a resolution with a special majority.
Who decides on the disqualification of a member of the State Legislature on grounds of 'Defection'?
- The Presiding Officer of the House
- The Election Commission
- The High Court
- The Governor
Explanation: Under the 10th Schedule, the Speaker (Assembly) or Chairman (Council) decides on disqualification due to defection.
The 'Council of Ministers' of a state is collectively responsible to:
- The Legislative Assembly
- The Chief Minister
- The Legislative Council
- The Governor
Explanation: Under Article 164, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly).
During a National Emergency, the term of the Legislative Assembly can be extended by Parliament for how long at a time?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- Indefinitely
- 6 months
Explanation: Parliament can extend the term of the Assembly by one year at a time during an emergency, but not beyond 6 months after the emergency ends.
Which Article deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of State Legislatures and their members?
- Article 212
- Article 105
- Article 164
- Article 194
Explanation: Article 194 provides for freedom of speech in the legislature and immunity from court proceedings for anything said or done in the house.
How many members of the Legislative Council are elected by the local bodies (municipalities, district boards)?
Explanation: One-third of the MLCs are elected by members of local bodies such as municipalities and district boards.
An Ordinance issued by the Governor must be approved by the State Legislature within ____ of its reassembly.
- 1 month
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
- 6 months
Explanation: If the legislature does not approve the ordinance within 6 weeks of meeting again, the ordinance ceases to operate.
What is the maximum delay a Legislative Council can cause to an ORDINARY bill?
- 6 months
- 3 months
- 4 months
- 14 days
Explanation: 3 months in the first instance and 1 month in the second instance. Total 4 months.
Which of the following is NOT a qualification for being an MLA?
- Must be a graduate
- Must be at least 25 years old
- Must be a citizen of India
- Must not hold an office of profit
Explanation: Being a graduate is NOT a requirement to be a member of the State Legislature (except for the 1/12th MLCs who represent graduates).
The members of the Legislative Council elected by teachers represent what fraction?
- 1/3rd
- 1/10th
- 1/6th
- 1/12th
Explanation: 1/12th of the MLCs are elected by teachers of three years' standing in secondary schools or higher.
Which Constitutional Amendment extended the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in State Assemblies until 2030?
- 105th Amendment
- 104th Amendment
- 95th Amendment
- 101st Amendment
Explanation: The 104th Amendment Act (2020) extended the reservation for SCs/STs for another 10 years and removed the nomination of Anglo-Indians.
Which of the following states has a Bicameral Legislature?
- Gujarat
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Currently, only six states have bicameral legislatures: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Does a bill passed by both houses but pending the Governor's assent lapse on dissolution of the Assembly?
- Only if it is a Money Bill
- No
- Yes
- Only if Governor wants
Explanation: A bill that has been passed by the legislature but is awaiting the Governor's (or President's) assent does NOT lapse on dissolution.
What is the term of a member of the State Legislative Council?
- 5 years
- 6 years
- Permanent
- 4 years
Explanation: Like the Rajya Sabha, the Legislative Council is a permanent body. One-third of its members retire every second year, giving each member a 6-year term.
What is the maximum period for which the Legislative Council can delay an ordinary bill passed by the Assembly for the first time?
- 3 months
- 1 month
- 6 months
- 4 months
Explanation: When an ordinary bill is passed by the Assembly and sent to the Council, the Council can delay it for 3 months in the first instance.
The 'Lapse of Bills' rule: A bill pending in the Assembly lapses when:
- The CM changes
- The Assembly is dissolved
- The House is prorogued
- The Speaker resigns
Explanation: Prorogation does not affect pending bills. Dissolution causes bills pending in the Assembly to lapse.
Who can dissolve the Legislative Assembly?
- The President
- The Chief Justice
- The Speaker
- The Governor
Explanation: The Governor is authorized to dissolve the Legislative Assembly at any time, usually on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
The 'Panel of Chairmen' for the Assembly is nominated by:
- The Speaker
- The Chief Minister
- The House by vote
- The Governor
Explanation: The Speaker nominates a panel of chairmen to preside over the house in the absence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Who presides over the meetings of the Legislative Assembly?
- The Chief Minister
- The Chairman
- The Speaker
- The Governor
Explanation: The Speaker is elected by the members of the Assembly from among themselves to preside over the house.
What is the minimum number of members required for a State Legislative Council?
Explanation: The Constitution mandates that the total number of members in a Legislative Council shall in no case be less than 40.
Who can address the State Legislature at the commencement of the first session after a general election?
- Chief Minister
- The Speaker
- The President
- The Governor
Explanation: Under Article 176, the Governor makes a special address to the legislature at the first session of each year and after every general election.
What is the minimum age to be elected as a member of the Legislative Council (MLC)?
- 30 years
- 21 years
- 25 years
- 35 years
Explanation: To be an MLC, a person must be a citizen of India and at least 30 years of age.
What is the normal term of the Legislative Assembly?
- 4 years
- 6 years
- 5 years
- Fixed by Governor
Explanation: The term is 5 years from the date of its first meeting, unless dissolved earlier by the Governor.
If the Assembly passes the bill again after the Council's delay, the Council can delay it for a further period of:
- 1 month
- 14 days
- 3 months
- 2 months
Explanation: After the second passage by the Assembly, the Council can only delay it for 1 more month. Total delay capacity = 4 months (3+1).
A member of the State Legislature can be expelled for being absent from all meetings without permission for:
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 60 days
- 90 days
Explanation: If a member is absent for a period of 60 days without permission, the House may declare the seat vacant.
Which of the following is NOT a power of the Legislative Council?
- Introduction of Ordinary Bills
- Nomination of 1/6th members
- Voting on Demand for Grants
- Participating in Budget discussion
Explanation: The Legislative Council cannot vote on the demands for grants; that power belongs exclusively to the Legislative Assembly.
Which state has a special provision under Article 371G regarding its Legislative Assembly?
- Mizoram
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Sikkim
Explanation: Article 371G provides that the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram shall consist of not less than 40 members.
For how long can the Legislative Council delay a Money Bill?
- 4 months
- 30 days
- 14 days
- 3 months
Explanation: The Legislative Council has no power to reject or amend a Money Bill. It can only delay it for a maximum of 14 days.
Who has the power to summon and prorogue the sessions of the State Legislature?
- The Speaker
- The Chief Minister
- The President
- The Governor
Explanation: The Governor from time to time summons the house and prorogues (ends the session) of the house under Article 174.
Which Article provides for the 'Annual Financial Statement' (State Budget)?
- Article 112
- Article 213
- Article 200
- Article 202
Explanation: Article 202 requires the Governor to lay before the House the Annual Financial Statement of the state.
Under Article 190, a person cannot be a member of both Houses of a State Legislature. This is called:
- Vacation of Seats
- Office of Profit
- Double Membership
- Disqualification
Explanation: Provisions are made for the vacation of seats if a person is elected to both houses or both Parliament and State Legislature.
Who decides on the disqualification of a member of the State Legislature on grounds OTHER than defection?
- The President
- The Speaker
- The High Court
- The Governor
Explanation: For other disqualifications (Art 191), the Governor decides in consultation with the Election Commission.
Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with the State Legislature?
- Part IX
- Part VII
- Part V
- Part VI
Explanation: Part VI of the Constitution (Articles 168 to 212) deals with the organization, composition, duration, and powers of the State Legislature.
How many members of the Legislative Council are nominated by the Governor?
Explanation: The Governor nominates 1/6th of the members from people having special knowledge in literature, science, art, cooperative movement, and social service.
Can the Governor return a Money Bill for reconsideration?
- Only with President's permission
- Yes
- No
- Only if it's over 1 crore
Explanation: The Governor cannot return a Money Bill for reconsideration. He must either give assent or withhold it.
Who can authorize the use of Hindi or the official language of the state in the High Court?
- The President
- The Chief Minister
- The Chief Justice of HC
- The Governor
Explanation: The Governor, with the previous consent of the President, may authorize the use of Hindi or any other language for official purposes of the state in the High Court.
The salaries of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are fixed by:
- The President
- The State Legislature
- The Chief Minister
- The Governor
Explanation: Salaries and allowances are determined by the State Legislature by law and are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State.
What is the 'Quorum' required to hold a meeting of the State Legislature?
- 1/10th of total members
- 1/10th or 10 members, whichever is greater
- 15 members
- 1/5th of total members
Explanation: Under Article 189, the quorum is one-tenth of the total number of members or ten, whichever is greater, until the legislature provides otherwise.
Is there a limit on how many times a person can be elected to the State Legislature?
- Two terms
- Three terms
- Depends on age
- No limit
Explanation: The Constitution does not place any limit on the number of times a person can be elected as an MLA or MLC.
What is the maximum strength of a State Legislative Assembly as fixed by the Constitution?
- 500 members
- No limit
- 250 members
- 400 members
Explanation: Article 170 states that the Legislative Assembly shall consist of not more than 500 and not less than 60 members (with exceptions for smaller states).
The 'Vote on Account' allows the State Government to withdraw money for a part of the year pending the passing of the budget under:
- Article 206
- Article 210
- Article 204
- Article 116
Explanation: Article 206 allows for 'Votes on account', 'Votes of credit', and 'Exceptional grants'.
Which Article gives the Governor the power to promulgate Ordinances during the recess of the Legislature?
- Article 213
- Article 167
- Article 123
- Article 214
Explanation: Article 213 allows the Governor to issue ordinances when the legislature is not in session, which have the same force as an Act.
Which Article protects the proceedings of the State Legislature from being questioned in a Court?
- Article 208
- Article 212
- Article 211
- Article 194
Explanation: Article 212 states that the validity of any proceedings in the Legislature of a State shall not be called in question on the ground of any alleged irregularity of procedure.
Who among the following can participate in the proceedings of the State Legislature without being a member?
- High Court Judges
- The Advocate General
- The Chief Secretary
- The Governor
Explanation: The Advocate General has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of the state legislature, but does NOT have the right to vote.
Which state has the highest number of seats in its Legislative Assembly?
- West Bengal
- Maharashtra
- Bihar
- Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has 403 seats, the highest in India, due to its large population.
What is the minimum age to be elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)?
- 35 years
- 21 years
- 25 years
- 30 years
Explanation: To be an MLA, a person must be a citizen of India and at least 25 years of age.
The Legislative Council members elected by the graduates of the state represent what fraction of the total strength?
Explanation: 1/12th of the members are elected by graduates of three years' standing residing in the state.