State Legislature — Set 2
Indian Polity · राज्य विधानमंडल · Questions 11–20 of 60
The ultimate power to pass an ordinary bill lies with which House in the State Legislature?
Correct Answer: C. Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly has the ultimate power to pass an ordinary bill. If the Council disagrees, the Assembly can pass the bill again, and it will be deemed passed after a certain period. There is no provision for a joint sitting in the State Legislature.
What is the quorum required to hold a meeting of the State Legislature?
Correct Answer: A. 1/10th of total membership or 10, whichever is greater
The quorum is ten members or one-tenth of the total number of members of the House, whichever is greater. The Presiding Officer must suspend the meeting if the quorum is not present. This rule ensures a minimum attendance for conducting business.
Members of the State Legislative Assembly participate in the election of which of the following?
Correct Answer: A. President of India
Elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies are part of the Electoral College for the President of India. They also elect representatives to the Rajya Sabha. They do not vote in the election of the Vice-President.
Who appoints the Pro-tem Speaker of the Legislative Assembly?
Correct Answer: B. Governor
The Governor appoints the Pro-tem Speaker, usually the senior-most member of the newly elected Assembly. His main duty is to administer the oath to new members. He also presides over the election of the new Speaker.
Which Article grants the Governor the power to promulgate Ordinances?
Correct Answer: C. Article 213
Article 213 grants the Governor the power to promulgate Ordinances when the Legislature is not in session. These ordinances have the same force as an act of the legislature. They must be approved by the legislature within six weeks of its reassembly.
How long can a minister continue in office without being a member of the State Legislature?
Correct Answer: B. 6 months
A person can remain a minister for six consecutive months without being a member of the State Legislature. Within this period, they must get elected to either House. Failure to do so results in the cessation of their ministership.
The salaries and allowances of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly are charged on?
Correct Answer: D. Consolidated Fund of the State
The salaries are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State. This means they are not subject to the annual vote of the legislature. This provision ensures the independence of the Speaker's office.
The Legislative Council can delay a Money Bill for a maximum period of?
Correct Answer: C. 14 days
The Legislative Council has very limited powers regarding Money Bills and can delay them for only 14 days. If it does not return the bill within 14 days, it is deemed passed. The Council cannot reject or amend a Money Bill.
Which of the following authorities determines the salaries and allowances of MLAs?
Correct Answer: A. State Legislature
The State Legislature determines the salaries and allowances of its members by law. There is no constitutional bar or uniform standard across states. Consequently, salaries vary significantly from one state to another.
The term of the Legislative Assembly can be extended during a Proclamation of Emergency for a period not exceeding?
Correct Answer: D. One year at a time
Parliament may extend the term of the Assembly by law for one year at a time during a National Emergency. However, this extension cannot continue beyond six months after the emergency has ceased. This ensures democratic governance returns promptly.