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 21–30 of 78 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q21. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer:
Functionary
Appointing Authority
A. Chief Minister
i. Governor, on the advice of the Chief Minister
B. Advocate General
ii. Governor, based on his own judgment when no party has a majority
C. State Election Commissioner
iii. Governor, directly under constitutional provisions
D. Ministers in the State Cabinet
iv. Governor, to assist the state government in legal matters Options:
Explanation
The Governor appoints the Chief Minister based on assembly support, while ministers are appointed on the Chief Minister’s advice.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q22. What is the primary role of the Advocate General of a State?
Explanation
The Advocate General serves as the highest law officer in the state, providing legal advice to the state government. Their duties include representing the government in courts and performing legal tasks assigned by the Governor. This role is essential for ensuring that the state’s actions are legally sound and that its interests are effectively protected in judicial proceedings. The Advocate General must possess the qualifications required for a High Court judge. They act as the state’s chief legal counsel, ensuring that government policies and administrative actions comply with existing laws. Their presence in the legislature allows them to provide legal guidance during the process of law-making.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q23. Which constitutional provision establishes the office of the Advocate General for the State?
Explanation
Article 165 of the Indian Constitution establishes the office of the Advocate General for each state. This official is appointed by the Governor and must be qualified to be a High Court judge. The provision ensures that the state executive has access to expert legal counsel, facilitating the smooth performance of its constitutional and administrative functions under the law. This constitutional mandate ensures that every state government has a dedicated legal advisor. The Advocate General holds office during the pleasure of the Governor and receives remuneration as determined by them. This position is a critical component of the state’s executive framework, providing necessary legal oversight for all governmental actions.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q24. In which of the following states is there a constitutional requirement for a Minister in charge of tribal welfare who may additionally hold charge of the welfare of Scheduled Castes and backward classes?
Explanation
According to Article 164, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha must have a Minister in charge of tribal welfare. This minister may also handle the welfare of Scheduled Castes and backward classes. Originally, Bihar was included, but it was removed by the 94th Amendment Act of 2006, reflecting the demographic changes after the creation of Jharkhand state. This constitutional requirement ensures that the interests of tribal populations in these states receive dedicated attention at the highest level of government. These states have significant tribal populations, and having a specific minister helps in the targeted implementation of welfare schemes and the protection of their unique social and cultural rights.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q25. Read the following statements regarding the Governor’s role in the reservation of bills for the President’s assent: I. The Governor must reserve a bill that endangers the position of the State High Court. II. The Governor may reserve a bill that is opposed to the Directive Principles of State Policy. III. The Governor can reserve a bill that deals with the compulsory acquisition of property under Article 31A. IV. Once reserved, the Governor has no further role in the enactment of that specific bill unless directed by the President. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Governor must reserve any bill that endangers the position of the High Court for the President’s consideration. Additionally, they may reserve bills that conflict with the Constitution, Directive Principles, or national interests. Once a bill is reserved, the Governor’s role ends, and the President becomes responsible for giving or withholding assent to that specific piece of legislation. This power of reservation acts as a federal check on state legislative authority.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q26. How is the Chief Minister’s position defined in relation to the state administration?
Explanation
The Chief Minister acts as the vital link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers. Under Article 167, they must communicate all administrative decisions and legislative proposals to the Governor. This role ensures that the nominal head is kept informed of the real executive’s actions, facilitating effective communication and coordination within the state’s highest administrative levels. This duty is fundamental to the functioning of the state executive. It allows the Governor to exercise their right to be informed, to encourage, and to warn. By maintaining this channel, the Chief Minister ensures that the constitutional head can perform their role effectively without directly interfering in day-to-day administration.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q27. Read the following statements about the removal of the Governor: I. The Governor can be removed by the President at any time. II. The Constitution specifies that corruption or treason are the only grounds for the removal of the Governor. III. The Supreme Court has ruled that the power to remove the Governor cannot be exercised arbitrarily or unreasonably. IV. A Governor whose term has expired cannot hold office until his successor assumes charge. V. The State Legislature can initiate an impeachment motion against the Governor by a special majority. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Constitution does not specify grounds like corruption for removing a Governor; they serve at the President’s pleasure. Furthermore, a Governor continues in office until a successor joins, even after their term expires. The State Legislature has no power to impeach the Governor. These factors ensure that the Governor remains an appointee of the Union government throughout their tenure. This lack of constitutional grounds for removal ensures that the central government has final authority over the office. Unlike the President or High Court judges, the Governor does not enjoy protected tenure. This structural design emphasizes the Governor’s role as a representative of the central executive within the state governance system.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q28. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the nature of the relationship between the Governor and the Chief Minister as per Article 167?
Explanation
Article 167 defines the duties of the Chief Minister toward the Governor. These duties include communicating all decisions of the Council of Ministers regarding state administration and providing any information the Governor requests. This ensures transparency and allows the Governor to exercise their constitutional role as the state’s nominal head while staying informed about the government’s activities and legislative plans. This communication is essential for the Governor’s role as the constitutional guardian of the state. It allows the Governor to stay updated on all major executive decisions and legislative proposals. By fulfilling this duty, the Chief Minister maintains a healthy and constitutionally mandated relationship between the real and nominal executive heads.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q29. Which of the following powers is not enjoyed by the Governor of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Governor of a state has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and remissions for offenses against state laws. However, unlike the President, the Governor cannot pardon a death sentence. Even if a state law prescribes the death penalty, the power to grant a complete pardon for such a sentence rests exclusively with the President of India under the Constitution. This distinction highlights the ultimate mercy power held by the President. While the Governor can commute or remit a death sentence, they cannot provide a full pardon that erases the conviction entirely. This constitutional arrangement ensures that the highest level of mercy in the most severe cases is reserved for the national head.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Polity and Administration · State Executive: Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Q30. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer:
Term
Meaning in the context of Governor’s legislative powers
A. Summoning
i. Ending a session of the state legislature
B. Proroguing
ii. Bringing the life of the existing legislative assembly to an end
C. Dissolving
iii. Calling the legislature to meet
D. Addressing
iv. Formal speech at the commencement of the first session after general elections Options:
Explanation
Summoning refers to calling the legislature to meet, while proroguing signifies ending a session. Dissolution brings the life of the legislative assembly to a final end, necessitating new elections. Addressing involves a formal speech delivered by the Governor at the start of the first session after general elections. These terms describe the Governor’s essential powers regarding the legislature’s operation. Each of these powers is essential for the formal functioning of the democratic process at the state level. The Governor exercises these functions based on the advice of the Council of Ministers. Together, they ensure that the legislative body meets, works, and dissolves in an orderly and constitutionally prescribed manner.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
21
(a) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i
22
(d) To give legal advice to the state government and perform duties of a legal character.
23
(c) Article 165
24
(a) Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha
25
(d) I, II, III and IV
26
(b) He is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
27
(a) II, IV and V
28
(d) To communicate to the Governor all decisions of the council relating to state administration.
29
(b) Power to pardon a death sentence
30
(a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv
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.
