Governor & State Executive MCQ: Discretionary Powers, Article 213 Ordinances & Chancellor Role

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Who allocates and reshuffles the portfolios among the state ministers?

   • A.The Governor
   • B.The Chief Minister✓ Correct Answer
   • C.The Speaker
   • D.The President

   Explanation: The Governor appoints ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister, but the allocation of portfolios is effectively done by the Chief Minister.

2. Q2.Can a non-member of the State Legislature be appointed as a Minister?

   • A.No, never
   • B.Yes, for a maximum period of 3 months
   • C.Yes, for a maximum period of 6 months✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Yes, if approved by the President

   Explanation: A person who is not a member of the State Legislature can be appointed as a minister, but he must become a member within 6 months, otherwise, he ceases to be a minister.

3. Q3.The discretionary powers of the Governor are mentioned in which Article?

   • A.Article 163✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Article 164
   • C.Article 165
   • D.Article 166

   Explanation: Article 163 provides that the Governor exercises his functions with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where he is required to act in his discretion.

4. Q4.Who determines the strength of the Council of Ministers in a state?

   • A.The Constitution
   • B.The Governor
   • C.The Chief Minister✓ Correct Answer
   • D.The Parliament

   Explanation: While there is a ceiling of 15%, the actual size is determined by the Chief Minister according to the needs of the administration.

5. Q5.Which of the following rights does the Advocate General possess within the State Legislature?

   • A.Right to vote
   • B.Right to speak and take part in proceedings✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Right to elect the Speaker
   • D.Right to introduce bills

   Explanation: The Advocate General has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of the State Legislature but does not have the right to vote (Article 177).

6. Q6.To whom does the Governor of a State address his resignation letter?

   • A.The Chief Minister
   • B.The Prime Minister
   • C.The Vice-President
   • D.The President✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The Governor is appointed by the President and also addresses his resignation letter to the President.

7. Q7.Who determines the remuneration of the Advocate General of the State?

   • A.The State Legislature
   • B.The Parliament
   • C.The Governor✓ Correct Answer
   • D.The Chief Minister

   Explanation: The remuneration of the Advocate General is not fixed by the Constitution but is determined by the Governor.

8. Q8.What is the minimum number of ministers (including the Chief Minister) required in a State Council of Ministers?

   • A.10
   • B.12✓ Correct Answer
   • C.15
   • D.20

   Explanation: According to the 91st Amendment Act (2003), the number of ministers, including the CM, in a state shall not be less than 12.

9. Q9.In which of the following states is it mandatory to have a Minister in charge of Tribal Welfare?

   • A.Uttar Pradesh
   • B.Punjab
   • C.Odisha✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Tamil Nadu

   Explanation: Article 164 states that in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, there shall be a Minister in charge of tribal welfare.

10. Q10.Are the ministers legally responsible for their acts in India, as they are in Britain?

    • A.Yes, fully responsible
    • B.No, there is no provision for legal responsibility✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Yes, but only for financial matters
    • D.Yes, if the Governor demands it

    Explanation: In India, unlike Britain, there is no provision in the Constitution for the system of legal responsibility of a minister. The courts are barred from inquiring into the advice given by ministers.

11. Q11.Who appoints the Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission?

    • A.The President
    • B.The Governor✓ Correct Answer
    • C.The Chief Minister
    • D.The Chairman of UPSC

    Explanation: They are appointed by the Governor, but they can be removed only by the President.

12. Q12.An ordinance promulgated by the Governor ceases to operate at the expiration of what period from the reassembly of the State Legislature?

    • A.3 months
    • B.6 months
    • C.6 weeks✓ Correct Answer
    • D.3 weeks

    Explanation: An ordinance must be approved by the state legislature within 6 weeks from its reassembly, otherwise it ceases to operate.

13. Q13.The Governor reserves a bill for the consideration of the President under which Article?

    • A.Article 200✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Article 201
    • C.Article 202
    • D.Article 213

    Explanation: Article 200 deals with the assent to bills by the Governor, including the power to reserve a bill for the President's consideration.

14. Q14.Who acts as the Chancellor of universities in the state?

    • A.The Chief Minister
    • B.The Education Minister
    • C.The Governor✓ Correct Answer
    • D.The Chief Justice of High Court

    Explanation: The Governor acts as the Chancellor of universities in the state and appoints the Vice-Chancellors.

15. Q15.Can the Governor pardon a sentence awarded by a Court Martial?

    • A.Yes
    • B.No✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Only if permitted by the President
    • D.Only in non-military cases

    Explanation: No, the Governor possesses no such power. The power to pardon sentences by Court Martial is vested only in the President.

16. Q16.Who presides over the meetings of the State Council of Ministers?

    • A.The Governor
    • B.The Speaker
    • C.The Chief Minister✓ Correct Answer
    • D.The Senior-most Minister

    Explanation: The Chief Minister presides over the meetings of the Council of Ministers and influences its decisions.

17. Q17.Which of the following is NOT a discretionary power of the Governor?

    • A.Reservation of a bill for the President
    • B.Recommendation for the imposition of President’s Rule
    • C.Appointment of the Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority
    • D.Making rules for the transaction of business of the state government✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Making rules for the transaction of business (Article 166) is done on the advice of the Council of Ministers, not at the Governor's sole discretion.

18. Q18.Does the Governor have any diplomatic or military powers like the President?

    • A.Yes
    • B.similar to the President
    • C.Yes, but limited✓ Correct Answer
    • D.No
    • E.Yes, only during emergencies

    Explanation: The Governor has no diplomatic or military powers. These are vested only in the President.

19. Q19.Who administers the oath of secrecy to the ministers?

    • A.The Chief Justice of High Court
    • B.The Governor✓ Correct Answer
    • C.The Chief Minister
    • D.The Speaker

    Explanation: The Governor administers the oaths of office and secrecy to the ministers.

20. Q20.The doctrine of 'Individual Responsibility' implies that ministers hold office during the pleasure of whom?

    • A.The Chief Minister
    • B.The President
    • C.The Governor✓ Correct Answer
    • D.The Legislative Assembly

    Explanation: Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor, meaning the Governor can remove a minister if advised by the Chief Minister.