Governor
Who appoints the Governor of a state?
The President of India
Who appoints the Chief Minister of a state?
The Governor
What is the difference between unicameral and bicameral legislatures?
Unicameral has only one house – Vidhan Sabha; Bicameral has two houses – Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad
What are the two types of bills in the state legislature?
Ordinary bills and money bills
What are state legislatures with two houses called?
Bicameral legislatures.
What are two qualifications required to become a Governor?
Must be a citizen of India and at least 35 years old
What is the maximum number/percentage of members of the Council of Ministers in the Legislative Assembly?
Not more than 15% of the Legislative Assembly members
What is the minimum and maximum number of seats in a Vidhan Sabha?
Minimum 60, maximum 500
Where can an ordinary bill be introduced?
Either house – Vidhan Sabha or Vidhan Parishad)
What does our constitution describe India as?
Union of states.
Why is the Governor called the nominal head of the state?
Because real power lies with the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers
How is the Council of Ministers collectively responsible to the Assembly?
They must resign if a vote of no-confidence is passed
Who presides over the Vidhan Sabha and what is his/her special power?
The Speaker; has casting vote in case of a tie)
Who certifies a bill as a money bill?
The Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha
Why is India called a quasi-federal country?
Because states have autonomy in local matters but remain under central authority in national matters
Name two discretionary powers of the Governor.
Can recommend President’s Rule, can act independently in special situations
What are the three categories of ministers at the state level?
Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers
How are members of the Vidhan Parishad elected? Mention two sources.
One-third by Vidhan Sabha, one-third by local bodies, and the remaining by teachers, graduates, and the Governor's nominations
How long can the Vidhan Parishad delay a money bill?
For 14 days
How is an ordinary bill different from a money bill?
Ordinary bill can be introduced in either house; money bill only in Vidhan Sabha and certified by Speaker
Explain one legislative and one judicial power of the Governor.
Legislative – can summon or dissolve the Assembly; Judicial – can grant a pardon or reduce punishment under state laws
Explain how the Chief Minister maintains coordination between different departments of the state government.
By supervising work, presiding over meetings, and preparing the agenda of the Council of Ministers
Why is the Legislative Council called a permanent house?
Because it cannot be dissolved, one-third of members retire every 2 years.
Why is the state budget considered a money bill?
Because it deals with income, expenditure, and allocation of resources in the state
Why do states need their own legislatures?
Because states deal with local matters like police, agriculture, health, and education, which cannot be managed only by Parliament.