State Legislature — Set 4
Indian Polity · राज्य विधानमंडल · Questions 31–40 of 60
Who presides over the State Legislative Assembly in the absence of the Speaker?
Correct Answer: C. Deputy Speaker
The Deputy Speaker presides over the Assembly when the Speaker's office is vacant or they are absent. The Deputy Speaker is elected by the Assembly from amongst its members. He has the same powers as the Speaker when presiding.
The method of election for the Legislative Council includes which system?
Correct Answer: B. Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote
Members of the Legislative Council are elected using the system of Proportional Representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV). This ensures representation for various groups like teachers and graduates. It is an indirect method of election.
Which Article deals with the privileges of the State Legislature and its members?
Correct Answer: C. Article 194
Article 194 deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of the State Legislatures and their members. Article 105 deals with the same for the Parliament. These privileges include freedom of speech in the House.
Who conducts the elections to the State Legislative Assemblies?
Correct Answer: A. Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India conducts elections to the State Legislative Assemblies and Councils. The State Election Commission is responsible only for local body elections (Panchayats and Municipalities). This is a common point of confusion.
Can the Governor dissolve the Legislative Council?
Correct Answer: C. No, it is a permanent body
The Legislative Council is a permanent house and is not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every two years. It can be abolished by Parliament, but not dissolved by the Governor.
What is the primary function of the 'Public Accounts Committee' of the State Legislature?
Correct Answer: D. To examine the CAG report
The Public Accounts Committee examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) relating to the state. It ensures that public money is spent for the authorized purpose. The chairman is usually from the opposition party.
If an ordinary bill originates in the Council and is sent to the Assembly, and the Assembly rejects it, what happens?
Correct Answer: D. The bill is dead
If a bill originates in the Legislative Council and is rejected by the Legislative Assembly, the bill ends and becomes dead. The Assembly has the upper hand. There is no provision for a joint sitting to resolve such a deadlock.
The salaries of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are fixed by?
Correct Answer: D. State Legislature
The State Legislature fixes the salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker by law. These salaries are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of the State. This ensures financial independence.
In which year was the Legislative Council of Tamil Nadu abolished?
Correct Answer: D. 1986
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Council was abolished in 1986. The famous actor-politician M.G. Ramachandran was the Chief Minister at the time. Several attempts to revive it have been made but not finalized.
Which Article provides for the constitution of Legislatures in States?
Correct Answer: D. Article 168
Article 168 provides for the constitution of Legislatures in States. It states that for every State, there shall be a Legislature which shall consist of the Governor and one or two Houses. It lists the states having two houses.