Q1. Which Article of the Constitution of India provides that there shall be a Governor for each State?
State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers: RAS Prelims MCQs
78 RAS Prelims MCQs on the State Executive cover the Governor’s office and powers, the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers. The articles on the Governor, the pardoning power, the status of ministerial advice and facts about Rajasthan’s executive are asked as facts, statements and sequences.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q2. Read the following statements regarding the appointment of the Governor:
I. The Governor is elected indirectly by a specially constituted electoral college.
II. The Governor is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
III. The Constitution explicitly mandates that the Chief Minister of the concerned state must be consulted before the appointment of a Governor.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. The Governor is elected indirectly by a specially constituted electoral college.
II. The Governor is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
III. The Constitution explicitly mandates that the Chief Minister of the concerned state must be consulted before the appointment of a Governor.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Governor is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. This method ensures that the Governor remains an agent of the central government rather than a direct representative. There is no electoral college or constitutional mandate requiring consultation with the Chief Minister for this appointment, although it is a common political convention practiced occasionally. The Supreme Court has clarified that the office of the Governor is an independent constitutional office and not subordinate to the central government. Despite being appointed by the President, the Governor does not serve under the employment of the central government. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the federal structure.
Q3. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Article of the Constitution | Provision |
|---|---|
| A. Article 154 | i. Qualifications for appointment as Governor |
| B. Article 155 | ii. Term of office of Governor |
| C. Article 156 | iii. Appointment of Governor |
| D. Article 157 | iv. Executive power of State Options: |
Explanation
Article 154 covers the executive power of the State, while Article 155 deals with the appointment of the Governor. Article 156 outlines the term of office, and Article 157 specifies the qualifications for appointment. These constitutional provisions collectively define the structural and operational framework of the gubernatorial office within the Indian federal system and the state governance machinery. Understanding these articles is essential for grasping the legal basis of state administration. Each article clarifies a specific aspect of the Governor’s role, from their appointment by the President to their specific executive authorities. This legal framework ensures that the state executive functions within the prescribed constitutional boundaries.
Q4. Which of the following is not a prescribed constitutional qualification or condition for the office of the Governor?
Explanation
The Constitution specifies that a Governor must be a citizen of India and have completed thirty-five years of age. Additionally, the individual should not hold any other office of profit or be a member of either House of Parliament or a State Legislature. There is no constitutional requirement for residency in the state for five years before appointment. While certain conventions suggest appointing a person from outside the state, these are not legally binding qualifications. The formal requirements remain strictly limited to citizenship, age, and absence of other offices. These criteria aim to ensure that the appointee is a mature citizen capable of handling the high constitutional responsibilities of the state.
Q5. The following question consists of two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer:
Assertion (A): The Governor of a State holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Reason (R): The Constitution of India provides specific grounds and a procedure for the removal of the Governor by the State Legislature. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Assertion (A): The Governor of a State holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Reason (R): The Constitution of India provides specific grounds and a procedure for the removal of the Governor by the State Legislature. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President, meaning the central executive can remove them without a specific procedure. Unlike the President of India or Judges of High Courts, the Constitution provides no specific grounds or procedure for the Governor’s removal by the State Legislature, ensuring the Union government maintains effective oversight over state administration and leadership. This lack of security of tenure has been a subject of much debate in Indian politics. Since the Governor serves at the pleasure of the President, they can be removed at any time. This legal position reinforces the Governor’s role as a representative of the Union government within the individual states.
Q6. Select the correct sequential order of the procedural steps involved when a state legislature passes an ordinary bill and it is presented to the Governor:
Explanation
When an ordinary bill is presented, the Governor has several choices under the Constitution. These include giving assent, withholding assent, returning the bill for reconsideration, or reserving it for the President’s consideration. This sequence represents the formal procedural steps from the initial presentation to the final outcome, reflecting the Governor’s role as a vital component of the legislative process. These powers allow the Governor to ensure that state laws comply with constitutional principles. By either granting assent or withholding it, the Governor acts as a check on the state legislature. Reserving a bill for the President further ensures that state legislation does not conflict with national interests.
Q7. Read the following statements regarding the executive powers of the Governor:
I. All executive actions of the government of a state are formally taken in the name of the Governor.
II. He appoints the Advocate General of a state and determines his remuneration.
III. He appoints the State Election Commissioner and determines his conditions of service.
IV. He appoints the chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission, but they can be removed only by the President.
Which of the above statements are correct?
I. All executive actions of the government of a state are formally taken in the name of the Governor.
II. He appoints the Advocate General of a state and determines his remuneration.
III. He appoints the State Election Commissioner and determines his conditions of service.
IV. He appoints the chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission, but they can be removed only by the President.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
All executive actions of a state government are formally taken in the name of the Governor. This includes appointing the Advocate General, State Election Commissioner, and members of the State Public Service Commission. While the Governor makes these appointments, members of the State Public Service Commission can only be removed by the President of India, not the Governor of the state. This ensures that high-ranking state officials have a degree of protection from local political pressure. The Governor’s role as the appointing authority is a formal executive function performed on the advice of the Council of Ministers. This arrangement maintains the balance between state-level administration and central constitutional oversight.
Q8. The power of the Governor to summon, prorogue the state legislature and dissolve the state legislative assembly is classified under which category of his powers?
Explanation
The powers to summon and prorogue the state legislature, as well as the power to dissolve the state legislative assembly, are categorized as legislative powers. These functions are integral to the legislative process and the functioning of the assembly. The Governor exercises these powers based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, reflecting the principles of a parliamentary system. These powers ensure that the Governor can facilitate the meeting and functioning of the elected representatives. Summoning brings the house together, while proroguing ends a session. Dissolution is a critical power that leads to new elections, allowing the people to choose a new government when the assembly’s term expires.
Q9. Read the following statements regarding the ordinance-making power of the Governor under Article 213:
I. He can promulgate an ordinance only when the legislative assembly is not in session.
II. An ordinance can be issued only on subjects upon which the state legislature has the power to make laws.
III. He cannot promulgate an ordinance without the instructions from the President if a bill containing the same provisions would have required the previous sanction of the President.
IV. An ordinance issued by him must be approved by the state legislature within six weeks from its reassembly.
V. The Governor possesses the discretionary power to withdraw an ordinance at any time without the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. He can promulgate an ordinance only when the legislative assembly is not in session.
II. An ordinance can be issued only on subjects upon which the state legislature has the power to make laws.
III. He cannot promulgate an ordinance without the instructions from the President if a bill containing the same provisions would have required the previous sanction of the President.
IV. An ordinance issued by him must be approved by the state legislature within six weeks from its reassembly.
V. The Governor possesses the discretionary power to withdraw an ordinance at any time without the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Governor can withdraw an ordinance at any time, but this action requires the advice of the Council of Ministers, not independent discretion. Other conditions include the legislature being out of session and subjects being within state legislative competence. In certain cases, instructions from the President are necessary before the Governor can promulgate an ordinance under the provisions of Article 213. Ordinance making is an executive power used when the legislature is not in session. It allows the government to take immediate action on urgent matters. However, every ordinance must eventually be approved by the state legislature to remain in force, ensuring that the executive remains accountable to the elected legislative body.
Q10. Identify the odd one out among the following powers of the Governor, keeping in mind the necessity of the advice of the Council of Ministers:
Explanation
Appointing a Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority is a situational discretionary power. In contrast, summoning the legislature for a budget session and appointing officials like the Advocate General or the Chairman of the State Public Service Commission are actions taken on the mandatory advice of the Council of Ministers, distinguishing them from the Governor’s independent judgment. In regular administrative and legislative matters, the Governor acts as a constitutional figurehead. However, in times of political uncertainty, such as a hung assembly, the Governor must use their discretion to ensure a stable government is formed. This situational power is essential for the smooth functioning of the parliamentary system at the state level.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Article 153 |
| 2 | (b) Only II |
| 3 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 4 | (d) He must be a resident of the state for at least five years. |
| 5 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 6 | (b) Presentation to Governor, Consideration by Governor, Decision to assent, withhold, return, or reserve, Final outcome |
| 7 | (d) I, II, III and IV |
| 8 | (a) Legislative powers |
| 9 | (c) Only V |
| 10 | (a) Appointing the Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority |
Key facts from State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
- Article 153 provides that there shall be a Governor for each State.
- Article 161 gives the Governor the power to grant pardons for offences against State laws.
- Article 361 protects the Governor from answering to any court for the exercise of his powers.
- Tikaram Paliwal was the first elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
- A minister in charge of tribal welfare is constitutionally required in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
- The advice tendered by the Council of Ministers to the Governor cannot be inquired into by any court.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers?
This page has 78 practice MCQs on State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (Rajasthan Polity and Administration). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which Article gives the Governor the power to grant pardons?
Article 161. It lets the Governor grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment for offences against State laws. The President’s power in Article 72 is wider, and it includes court-martial and death sentences.
Who was the first elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
Tikaram Paliwal, who headed the first elected ministry of the State after the 1951-52 general election. Before him, the State was led by appointed or interim heads during the integration phase.
Can courts examine the advice given to the Governor?
No. Article 163(3) says that the question whether any advice was given by the Ministers to the Governor, and what it was, shall not be inquired into in any court.