Governor & State Executive MCQ: Chief Minister Appointment Convention, Article 167 & Assent Powers

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

1. Q1.Which of the following is NOT a qualification for a person to be appointed as Governor?

   • A.He should be a citizen of India
   • B.He should have completed 35 years of age
   • C.He should be born in India✓ Correct Answer
   • D.He should not hold any office of profit

   Explanation: The Constitution requires him to be a citizen of India, but it does not specify that he must be born in India (naturalized citizens are eligible).

2. Q2.The decision of the Governor regarding the disqualification of members of the State Legislature (except on grounds of defection) is taken after consulting:

   • A.The Chief Minister
   • B.The Election Commission of India✓ Correct Answer
   • C.The High Court
   • D.The Speaker

   Explanation: The Governor decides on disqualification matters (Article 192) after obtaining the opinion of the Election Commission of India and acting according to such opinion.

3. Q3.What is the status of the Chief Minister in the State Planning Board?

   • A.Member
   • B.Chairman✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Vice-Chairman
   • D.Patron

   Explanation: The Chief Minister serves as the Chairman of the State Planning Board.

4. Q4.The term of office of the Governor is normally:

   • A.4 years
   • B.5 years✓ Correct Answer
   • C.6 years
   • D.Until the age of 65

   Explanation: The Governor holds office for a term of 5 years from the date on which he enters upon his office (Article 156), subject to the pleasure of the President.

5. Q5.In the case of a difference of opinion between the Chief Minister and other Ministers, the Chief Minister can:

   • A.Ask the minister to resign
   • B.Advise the Governor to dismiss the minister
   • C.Resign and collapse the entire council
   • D.All of the above✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The Chief Minister can ask a minister to resign, advise the Governor to dismiss him, or resign himself to dissolve the council.

6. Q6.Which Article defines the duties of the Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to the Governor?

   • A.Article 166
   • B.Article 167✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Article 168
   • D.Article 169

   Explanation: Article 167 lays down the duties of the Chief Minister regarding furnishing information to the Governor.

7. Q7.If a question arises whether a matter falls within the Governor's discretion or not, whose decision is final?

   • A.The Supreme Court
   • B.The High Court
   • C.The President
   • D.The Governor✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Article 163(2) states that the decision of the Governor in his discretion shall be final, and the validity of anything done by him shall not be called in question.

8. Q8.The Governor addresses the State Legislature at the commencement of:

   • A.The first session after each general election only
   • B.The first session of each year only
   • C.Both A and B✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Every session

   Explanation: The Governor addresses the Legislative Assembly (or both Houses) at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each year.

9. Q9.Who acts as the crisis manager in chief at the political level during emergencies in the state?

   • A.The Governor
   • B.The Chief Minister✓ Correct Answer
   • C.The Home Minister
   • D.The Disaster Management Commissioner

   Explanation: The Chief Minister acts as the crisis manager-in-chief at the political level during emergencies.

10. Q10.Which of the following is correct regarding the 'State Cabinet'?

    • A.It is a smaller body than the Council of Ministers✓ Correct Answer
    • B.It includes all categories of ministers
    • C.It meets rarely
    • D.It has no collective responsibility

    Explanation: The Cabinet is a smaller body consisting of only cabinet ministers (usually 15-20), whereas the Council of Ministers includes all categories (Cabinet, MoS, Deputy Ministers).

11. Q11.The Advocate General has the right of audience in:

    • A.Only the High Court
    • B.Only the Supreme Court
    • C.Any court of law within the territory of India
    • D.Any court of law within the state✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The Advocate General is entitled to appear before any court of law within the state.

12. Q12.Can the Governor dismiss the Chief Minister at his pleasure?

    • A.Yes, anytime
    • B.No, as long as the CM enjoys majority support in the Assembly✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Yes, if the President orders
    • D.Yes, if the CM loses the election

    Explanation: The Governor cannot dismiss the Chief Minister as long as he enjoys the majority support in the Legislative Assembly. 'Pleasure' is not arbitrary.

13. Q13.Who determines the salaries and allowances of the Chief Minister?

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

    Explanation: The salaries and allowances of the Chief Minister are determined by the State Legislature from time to time.

14. Q14.A minister who is a member of one House of the State Legislature has the right to speak and vote in:

    • A.Both Houses
    • B.Only the House of which he is a member
    • C.Speak in both, vote only in his own House✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Speak in his own House, vote in both

    Explanation: A minister can speak and take part in proceedings in both Houses, but he can vote only in the House of which he is a member.

15. Q15.Which convention regarding the appointment of the Governor is strictly followed in India?

    • A.He must be from the same state
    • B.He must be consulted by the Chief Minister before appointment
    • C.He should not belong to the state where he is appointed✓ Correct Answer
    • D.He must be a politician

    Explanation: The convention that the Governor should not belong to the state where he is appointed (to ensure he is free from local politics) is generally followed.

16. Q16.The Governor's power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment is dealing with matters to which the executive power of the state extends. This is under which Article?

    • A.Article 72
    • B.Article 161✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Article 162
    • D.Article 163

    Explanation: Article 161 grants the Governor the power to grant pardons, etc., against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends.

17. Q17.Can the Governor suspend the meeting of the State Legislature?

    • A.Yes
    • B.No✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Yes, only in emergency
    • D.Yes, on CM's advice

    Explanation: The Governor can summon, prorogue (end a session), and dissolve the assembly, but 'adjournment' (suspending a meeting) is done by the presiding officer (Speaker/Chairman).

18. Q18.Who acts as the link between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers?

    • A.The Chief Secretary
    • B.The Chief Minister✓ Correct Answer
    • C.The Speaker
    • D.The Cabinet Secretary

    Explanation: The Chief Minister is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.

19. Q19.Which of the following bills cannot be returned by the Governor for reconsideration of the State Legislature?

    • A.Ordinary Bill
    • B.Money Bill✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Finance Bill
    • D.Private Member's Bill

    Explanation: The Governor cannot return a Money Bill for reconsideration. He must either give his assent or withhold it (though usually, he gives assent).

20. Q20.Does the Governor have the power to appoint Judges of the High Court?

    • A.Yes
    • B.No✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Yes, on advice of CM
    • D.Yes, on advice of Chief Justice

    Explanation: No, Judges of the High Court are appointed by the President. The Governor is only consulted by the President during the appointment.