Q51. Which article of the Constitution lays down the duty of the Chief Minister to communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration and proposals for legislation to the Governor?
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 51–60 of 78 questions
Q52. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Chief Minister’s role as the head of the Council of Ministers:
Explanation
The Chief Minister does not act on the advice of the Advocate General when calling cabinet meetings; instead, they exercise this power as the head of the government. The Chief Minister recommends ministerial appointments, reshuffles portfolios, and can demand a minister’s resignation. These powers consolidate the Chief Minister’s authority over the Council of Ministers and ensure the government’s smooth functioning. As the real executive head, the Chief Minister has full control over the cabinet’s composition and agenda. This authority is essential for maintaining discipline and ensuring that the government pursues its policy goals effectively. The Governor’s role in these matters is formal, following the specific recommendations made by the Chief Minister.
Q53. Read the following statements about the financial powers of the Governor:
I. He ensures that the Annual State Budget is laid before the state legislature.
II. Money bills can be introduced in the state legislature only with his prior recommendation.
III. He can make advances out of the Contingency Fund of the state to meet any unforeseen expenditure.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. He ensures that the Annual State Budget is laid before the state legislature.
II. Money bills can be introduced in the state legislature only with his prior recommendation.
III. He can make advances out of the Contingency Fund of the state to meet any unforeseen expenditure.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Governor has important financial powers, such as ensuring the state budget is presented to the legislature and recommending money bills before their introduction. They also control the state’s Contingency Fund, from which they can make advances for unforeseen expenses. These powers ensure that the state’s financial management is conducted under the formal authority of the constitutional head. These functions are designed to ensure fiscal discipline and executive accountability. By requiring the Governor’s recommendation for money bills, the Constitution ensures that the state’s finances are managed in a structured and transparent manner. The control over the Contingency Fund provides the government with the flexibility to handle emergencies promptly.
Q54. Read the following statements carefully and select the correct response:
Statement I: The Governor appoints the district judges in consultation with the state high court.
Statement II: The Governor is consulted by the President in the appointment of the judges of the State High Court.
Statement I: The Governor appoints the district judges in consultation with the state high court.
Statement II: The Governor is consulted by the President in the appointment of the judges of the State High Court.
Explanation
The Governor is responsible for appointing district judges in consultation with the State High Court. Furthermore, the President consults the Governor when appointing judges to that State’s High Court. These provisions reflect the shared responsibility between the state and central authorities in the judicial appointment process, ensuring that local administrative and legal contexts are considered by the appointing powers. This collaboration ensures that judicial appointments are made with a comprehensive understanding of the state’s legal needs. The Governor’s role in these appointments is a key part of their judicial powers. By involving both the state head and the high court, the Constitution maintains the independence and quality of the state judiciary.
Q55. The decision to dissolve the legislative assembly before the expiry of its term normally rests with the Governor. When doing so, whose advice is the Governor generally bound to follow?
Explanation
The Governor normally dissolves the legislative assembly on the advice of the Chief Minister, provided the Chief Minister still commands a majority in the House. If the Chief Minister has lost the majority, the Governor is not bound to follow their advice and may instead explore the possibility of forming an alternative government or recommend the imposition of President’s Rule. This ensures that an outgoing or defeated leader cannot force an unnecessary election. The Governor’s primary duty is to maintain a stable government. If a leader with a majority requests dissolution, it is generally granted as part of the democratic process, allowing the people to choose their representatives for the next term.
Q56. Which constitutional amendment act provided that the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers in a State shall not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly?
Explanation
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 introduced a limit on the size of the Council of Ministers to 15 percent of the total strength of the state assembly. This amendment also specified that a state must have at least twelve ministers. These rules were designed to prevent political defections driven by the promise of ministerial berths and to ensure lean governance. This legal cap has brought more discipline to the formation of state cabinets. It prevents the excessive expansion of the ministry for purely political purposes. By keeping the cabinet size manageable, the amendment promotes more efficient decision-making and better administrative control over various government departments and programs.
Q57. What is the status of the advice tendered by the Council of Ministers to the Governor?
Explanation
Under Article 163(3), the question whether any advice was given by the Council of Ministers to the Governor and what it was shall not be inquired into in any court.
Q58. 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 is not a mere figurehead but possesses real discretionary powers in certain circumstances.
Reason (R): Article 163 specifically mentions that the Governor can exercise certain functions in his discretion without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Assertion (A): The Governor is not a mere figurehead but possesses real discretionary powers in certain circumstances.
Reason (R): Article 163 specifically mentions that the Governor can exercise certain functions in his discretion without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
Unlike the President, who must act on advice in almost all matters, Article 163 allows the Governor to exercise certain functions at their discretion. This makes the Governor more than a figurehead.
Q59. Read the following statements regarding the role of the Chief Minister in policy making:
I. He outlines the government’s major policies on the floor of the legislature.
II. He serves as the chief crisis manager at the political level during emergencies.
III. He exercises general supervision and coordination over all departments.
IV. He cannot intervene in a department assigned to another cabinet minister under any circumstances.
Which of the above statements are correct?
I. He outlines the government’s major policies on the floor of the legislature.
II. He serves as the chief crisis manager at the political level during emergencies.
III. He exercises general supervision and coordination over all departments.
IV. He cannot intervene in a department assigned to another cabinet minister under any circumstances.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
The Chief Minister is the central figure in policy making, outlining major government policies and managing political crises. They supervise and coordinate all departments to ensure administrative efficiency. While ministers head specific departments, the Chief Minister’s overarching role as the head of the government allows them to intervene and ensure that all departments align with the government’s collective policy goals. This coordinating role is essential for a unified government approach. The Chief Minister ensures that all ministries work together toward the state’s overall development. By leading the cabinet and setting the legislative agenda, the Chief Minister remains the primary force behind the state’s executive actions and policy implementations.
Q60. Which of the following best defines the ‘shadow cabinet’?
Explanation
A shadow cabinet is a unique feature of the British parliamentary system where the opposition party forms a parallel cabinet. Each ‘shadow minister’ monitors a specific government minister and their department. This practice prepares the opposition for future governance and provides a structured mechanism for critiquing the ruling government’s policies and performance on the floor of the legislature. This system enhances the accountability of the ruling government. It ensures that there is always an alternative set of leaders ready to take over. By focusing on specific departments, shadow ministers can provide more detailed and effective criticism, which leads to better-informed debates and stronger democratic oversight within the parliamentary framework.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (d) Article 167 |
| 52 | (a) He acts on the advice of the Advocate General when calling for cabinet meetings. |
| 53 | (d) I, II and III |
| 54 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 55 | (d) The Chief Minister who commands a majority in the house |
| 56 | (c) 91st Amendment Act, 2003 |
| 57 | (b) It cannot be inquired into by any court. |
| 58 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 59 | (a) I, II and III |
| 60 | (d) An alternative cabinet formed by the opposition to shadow the ruling ministers. |
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.