State Legislature — Set 1
Indian Polity · राज्य विधानमंडल · Questions 1–10 of 60
Which Article of the Constitution deals with the abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in States?
Correct Answer: B. Article 169
Article 169 empowers the Parliament to abolish or create a Legislative Council in a State. This is done if the Legislative Assembly of the State passes a resolution to that effect by a special majority. Such a law is not deemed as a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.
What is the maximum permissible strength of a State Legislative Assembly?
Correct Answer: A. 500 members
According to the Constitution, the Legislative Assembly of a State shall consist of not more than 500 members. It also sets a minimum limit of 60 members, though there are exceptions for smaller states. These members are chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies.
Who decides the question of disqualification of a member of the State Legislature on grounds of defection?
Correct Answer: A. Speaker or Chairman
The question of disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) is decided by the Speaker in the case of the Assembly. For the Legislative Council, this decision lies with the Chairman. Their decision is subject to judicial review.
The total number of members in the Legislative Council of a State shall not exceed what fraction of the total members in the Legislative Assembly?
Correct Answer: A. One-third
The maximum strength of the Legislative Council is fixed at one-third of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly. However, the absolute minimum strength is fixed at 40. This ensures the predominance of the directly elected House.
Who nominates members to the State Legislative Council?
Correct Answer: B. Governor
The Governor nominates about one-sixth of the members to the Legislative Council. These members are chosen for their special knowledge in fields like literature, science, art, cooperative movement, and social service. The courts cannot question the propriety of the Governor's selection.
What is the minimum age required to become a member of the State Legislative Assembly?
Correct Answer: A. 25 years
The minimum age to contest elections for the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is 25 years. For the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad), the minimum age is 30 years. This aligns with the age criteria for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively.
Which of the following states does NOT have a bicameral legislature?
Correct Answer: B. Kerala
Kerala has a unicameral legislature, meaning it only has a Legislative Assembly. Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra are among the six states that currently have bicameral legislatures. The other three are Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
The maximum gap between two sessions of the State Legislature cannot be more than?
Correct Answer: A. 6 months
The Constitution mandates that the State Legislature must meet at least twice a year. The interval between two consecutive sessions shall not exceed six months. It is the Governor's duty to summon the House within this timeframe.
Who has the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly?
Correct Answer: C. Governor
The Governor is empowered to dissolve the Legislative Assembly. This is usually done on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. Dissolution ends the life of the existing House, and fresh elections must be held.
In the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, who presides over the Legislative Assembly?
Correct Answer: A. A member from the Panel of Chairpersons
The Speaker nominates a Panel of Chairpersons from among the members. In the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, any member from this panel presides. If the panel members are also absent, the House determines who will preside.