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.
Showing 11–20 of 78 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q11. Arrange the following events in the correct chronological order regarding the formation of the state government after assembly elections: I. Election of the leader of the majority party II. Notification of election results by the Election Commission III. Swearing-in ceremony of the Council of Ministers IV. Invitation by the Governor to form the government Select the correct order from the options below:
Explanation
Following assembly elections, the Election Commission first notifies the results. Subsequently, the majority party elects its leader. The Governor then invites this leader to form the government. Finally, the swearing-in ceremony of the Council of Ministers takes place. This chronological sequence ensures a constitutional transition of power and the establishment of a responsible and functioning executive in the state. This process follows established democratic and constitutional norms. Each step is designed to ensure that the government formed has the mandate of the people as reflected in the election results. The Governor’s role in this sequence is formal and symbolic, confirming the choice made by the electorate.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q12. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer:
Discretionary Functions/Roles
Article/Context
A. Reservation of a bill for President’s consideration
i. Article 167
B. Recommendation for imposition of President’s Rule
ii. Article 356
C. Seeking information from the Chief Minister
iii. Article 164
D. Appointment of Chief Minister
iv. Article 200 Options:
Explanation
Article 200 deals with the reservation of bills, while Article 356 concerns the recommendation for President’s Rule. Article 167 empowers the Governor to seek information from the Chief Minister. Article 164 provides for the appointment of the Chief Minister. These articles define the diverse discretionary and constitutional functions the Governor performs within the state executive and the legislative framework. Each article provides a legal basis for the Governor’s various interactions with the state government. From overseeing the legislative process to ensuring constitutional compliance, these provisions ensure the Governor can act as a bridge between the state and the center while maintaining the integrity of the state’s executive operations.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q13. Which of the following best defines the constitutional position of the Governor in the state executive?
Explanation
The Governor serves as the nominal or constitutional head of the state executive. While all executive actions are taken in their name, they generally act on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. However, the Constitution allows the Governor to exercise independent discretion in specific matters, differentiating their role from a purely symbolic figurehead. This dual role allows the Governor to act as a constitutional guardian. While the daily administration is handled by the elected government, the Governor ensures that actions align with constitutional mandates. The discretionary powers provide a necessary safety valve during political crises or when constitutional norms are at risk.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q14. Under Article 356 of the Constitution, what is the primary role of the Governor in a constitutional crisis?
Explanation
Under Article 356, the Governor plays a crucial role by reporting to the President if the state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions. This report serves as the basis for the President to assume the functions of the state government. It is a vital mechanism to address the breakdown of constitutional machinery and maintain federal oversight. This power is often invoked during times of extreme political instability or failure of law and order. The Governor’s report must be objective and reflect the true state of affairs. Once President’s Rule is imposed, the Governor acts as the chief executive of the state on behalf of the Union.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q15. Read the following statements carefully and select the correct response: Statement I: The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor. Statement II: The Governor is bound to appoint only the leader of the largest pre-poll alliance as the Chief Minister, regardless of majority support.
Explanation
The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, who follows constitutional conventions. Typically, the leader of the party with a majority is appointed. However, the Governor is not strictly bound to appoint the leader of the largest pre-poll alliance if another leader can demonstrate majority support. This flexibility allows for the formation of a stable and functional government. The primary objective is to form a government that can prove its majority on the floor of the assembly. While pre-poll alliances are important, post-poll dynamics often dictate who can successfully lead the house. The Governor’s judgment in these cases is essential for maintaining the continuity of the state administration.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q16. What is the usual tenure of the Chief Minister of a state?
Explanation
The Chief Minister does not have a fixed tenure and holds office during the pleasure of the Governor. This pleasure is not arbitrary; it continues as long as the Chief Minister enjoys the support of the majority in the state legislative assembly. If majority support is lost, the Governor can dismiss the Chief Minister if they refuse to resign. This principle ensures that the executive remains accountable to the legislature. As long as the Chief Minister commands the house’s confidence, the Governor’s pleasure is maintained. The loss of a majority, demonstrated through a floor test, is the only legitimate ground for the withdrawal of this pleasure and subsequent dismissal.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q17. In the context of a state government, such as in Rajasthan, which of the following functions does the Chief Minister perform?
Explanation
The Chief Minister holds several vital roles, including advising the Governor on ministerial appointments and presiding over the State Planning Board. As the leader of the House, they announce government policies on the floor and coordinate between various departments. These functions establish the Chief Minister as the real executive head and the primary driver of state administration. The Chief Minister is the central pillar of the state government. Their influence extends across all departments and into the legislative process. By leading the cabinet and acting as the main spokesperson for the government, they ensure a unified direction for the state’s social and economic development.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q18. If a minister in the state government disagrees with a cabinet decision and refuses to defend it, what is the constitutional consequence arising from the principle of collective responsibility?
Explanation
Collective responsibility dictates that all ministers must publicly support cabinet decisions. If a minister disagrees with a decision and cannot defend it, the constitutional consequence is that they must resign from the Council of Ministers. This principle ensures that the government presents a united front and maintains internal discipline, preventing contradictory statements from within the executive branch. This requirement for unity is essential for effective governance. A minister who cannot support a major policy decision loses the right to be part of the decision-making body. Resignation is the standard procedural outcome when a minister finds their personal views in irreconcilable conflict with the collective cabinet’s finalized stance.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q19. Read the following statements about individual responsibility of ministers: I. Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. II. The Governor can remove a minister only on the advice of the Chief Minister. III. A minister can be removed by the Governor at his own discretion without consulting the Chief Minister. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Individual responsibility implies that ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. However, the Governor exercises this power of removal only on the advice of the Chief Minister. This allows the Chief Minister to maintain harmony within the cabinet by removing any minister who loses their confidence or fails to perform, while preserving the formal constitutional structure. This ensures that the Chief Minister is truly the head of the ministry. While the Governor formalizes the dismissal, the political decision rests with the Chief Minister. This arrangement prevents the Governor from unilaterally interfering in the composition of the cabinet, thereby upholding the parliamentary principle of executive leadership.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q20. Which committee is generally considered the most powerful among the various cabinet committees in the state government?
Explanation
The Political Affairs Committee is widely regarded as the most powerful among all cabinet committees. It deals with all policy matters pertaining to domestic and foreign affairs. In a state government, this committee handles significant political issues and major policy decisions, often making it the core decision-making body that guides the overall direction of the state administration. This committee typically includes the most senior and influential ministers. It acts as a smaller, more focused group within the cabinet to tackle the most sensitive and important state issues. Its decisions often set the tone for the government’s political strategy and its interaction with the central government.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
11
(a) II, I, IV, III
12
(a) A-iv, B-ii, C-i, D-iii
13
(c) He is the nominal head acting on council advice, except in discretionary matters.
14
(d) To report to the President that the state government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
15
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
16
(b) He holds office during the pleasure of the Governor, subject to enjoying assembly confidence.
17
(d) All of the above
18
(c) The minister must resign from the Council of Ministers.
19
(a) Only I and II
20
(c) Political Affairs Committee
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.
