Q41. Under which specific constitutional article does the Governor have the power to grant pardons for offenses against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends?
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 41–50 of 78 questions
Q42. Read the following statements regarding the Advocate General:
I. He must be a person who is qualified to be appointed a judge of a High Court.
II. He receives a fixed salary as determined by the Constitution of India.
III. He holds office during the pleasure of the Governor.
IV. He is the highest law officer in the state.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. He must be a person who is qualified to be appointed a judge of a High Court.
II. He receives a fixed salary as determined by the Constitution of India.
III. He holds office during the pleasure of the Governor.
IV. He is the highest law officer in the state.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Advocate General must be qualified to be a High Court judge and serves at the pleasure of the Governor. As the state’s highest law officer, they receive remuneration determined by the Governor rather than a fixed constitutional salary. This position is vital for providing legal counsel to the state government and representing its interests in various legal and judicial forums. The Advocate General plays a critical role in ensuring the state’s actions are legally sound. By serving at the Governor’s pleasure, the office remains closely linked to the state’s executive branch. Their expertise is essential during the legislative process and when the state faces legal challenges in higher courts.
Q43. What happens to a bill that the Governor reserves for the consideration of the President, and the President returns it for reconsideration by the state legislature?
Explanation
When the President returns a state bill for reconsideration, the state legislature must deliberate on it within six months. If the legislature passes the bill again, it is presented to the President once more. However, unlike with central bills, the President is not constitutionally bound to give assent to a state bill even if it is passed a second time. This provision gives the President final authority over certain types of state legislation. The six-month period ensures that the legislature has enough time to address the President’s concerns. This mechanism maintains the balance between state legislative autonomy and the Union government’s power to oversee laws that may affect national interests.
Q44. Read the following statements about Cabinet Committees in a state government:
I. They are extra-constitutional in emergence.
II. They are established by the Governor on the advice of the State Legislature.
III. They help sort out issues and formulate proposals for the consideration of the cabinet.
IV. They are of two types--standing and ad hoc.
V. The Chief Minister heads all cabinet committees without exception.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. They are extra-constitutional in emergence.
II. They are established by the Governor on the advice of the State Legislature.
III. They help sort out issues and formulate proposals for the consideration of the cabinet.
IV. They are of two types--standing and ad hoc.
V. The Chief Minister heads all cabinet committees without exception.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Cabinet committees are extra-constitutional bodies established by the Chief Minister, not the legislature, to handle specific issues. While many are headed by the Chief Minister, other senior ministers can also chair them. They are divided into standing and ad hoc types. These committees streamline decision-making by allowing for detailed discussion on complex matters before they reach the full cabinet. These committees are essential for managing the diverse and complex tasks of a modern state government. By delegating work to smaller groups, the cabinet can focus on broader policy issues. They are flexible tools that the Chief Minister uses to ensure that all aspects of administration receive expert and focused attention.
Q45. In the context of political history, who was the first elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Tikaram Paliwal became the first elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 1952. While Hira Lal Shastri was the first Chief Minister, he was not elected through a general election but appointed during the transition. Paliwal’s tenure marked the beginning of democratic governance in the state following the first general elections, establishing a milestone in Rajasthan’s political history and administration. His appointment followed the successful conduct of the first democratic exercise in the newly formed state. This event solidified the transition from princely rule and interim arrangements to a representative form of government. Paliwal’s leadership during this foundational period helped establish the initial administrative and legislative structures of modern Rajasthan.
Q46. The real executive authority of the State Government vests in the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. This principle is a key feature of which form of government?
Explanation
The parliamentary form of government is characterized by the presence of a nominal executive head and a real executive. In the state, the Governor is the nominal head, while the Council of Ministers led by the Chief Minister holds real authority. This system ensures that the executive is drawn from and remains responsible to the legislature, maintaining democratic accountability. This structure is designed to prevent the concentration of power in a single individual. By making the real executive responsible to the elected assembly, the Constitution ensures that the government remains sensitive to public opinion. The Governor’s formal role provides a stable constitutional framework within which this democratic process operates.
Q47. If the state legislative assembly passes a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers, what is the constitutional outcome?
Explanation
When a no-confidence motion is passed against the Council of Ministers, the entire cabinet, including the Chief Minister, must resign. This is a direct application of the principle of collective responsibility. It reflects the assembly’s withdrawal of support, making it impossible for the executive to continue in power, thereby triggering a change in government or leading to fresh elections. This motion is the most powerful tool the legislature has to control the executive. It ensures that the government can only remain in office as long as it has the majority’s support. The resignation of the entire ministry confirms that the executive’s authority is derived entirely from the elected representatives’ confidence.
Q48. According to constitutional conventions, what should the Governor do if a Chief Minister loses the majority in the state assembly but refuses to resign?
Explanation
If a Chief Minister loses the majority in the assembly and refuses to resign, the Governor has the authority to dismiss them. Constitutional conventions require the government to have the support of the House. By dismissing a defeated Chief Minister who clings to power, the Governor upholds the democratic principle that the executive must be accountable to the elected legislative body. This power is a crucial safeguard for democracy. It prevents a leader from staying in office without a mandate. The Governor acts as the final arbiter in such situations, ensuring that the constitutional requirement of having a government that enjoys the house’s confidence is strictly and fairly maintained.
Q49. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer:
| Type of Minister | Role/Status |
|---|---|
| A. Cabinet Minister | i. Attached to a cabinet minister to assist them |
| B. Minister of State (Independent Charge) | ii. Heads important portfolios and attends all cabinet meetings |
| C. Minister of State | iii. Has independent charge of a department but is not a member of the cabinet |
| D. Deputy Minister | iv. Subordinate to ministers of state or cabinet ministers and primarily handles administrative work Options: |
Explanation
Cabinet ministers head major departments and attend all cabinet meetings. Ministers of state with independent charge manage departments but are not cabinet members. Other ministers of state are attached to cabinet ministers for assistance. Deputy ministers are subordinate officials who primarily handle administrative tasks. These categories form the hierarchy within the Council of Ministers, defining different levels of administrative responsibility. This tiered structure allows for a clear division of labor within the government. Cabinet ministers focus on major policy decisions, while others handle more specific or administrative tasks. This organization ensures that the vast range of state functions is managed efficiently and that there is a clear path of accountability.
Q50. Can a person who is not a member of the state legislature be appointed as a Chief Minister?
Explanation
A person who is not a member of the state legislature can be appointed as Chief Minister. However, they must obtain membership in either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council within six months of their appointment. Failure to do so results in their automatic removal from the office, ensuring that the head of government is ultimately an elected or nominated representative. This provision allows for the appointment of talented individuals who may not be in the legislature at the time. However, the six-month limit ensures that the democratic principle of legislative representation is upheld. It is a common practice that allows leaders to take charge while they seek a mandate from the people.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (b) Article 161 |
| 42 | (b) I, III and IV |
| 43 | (a) The state legislature must reconsider it within six months. |
| 44 | (b) Only II and V |
| 45 | (a) Tikaram Paliwal |
| 46 | (c) Parliamentary form |
| 47 | (c) The entire Council of Ministers must resign. |
| 48 | (b) The Governor can dismiss the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers. |
| 49 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 50 | (b) Yes, for six months, within which they must become a member of the state legislature. |
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.