State Legislature MCQ: Bicameral Structure, Assembly Strength & MLC Nomination

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

1. Q1.Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the constitution of Legislatures in States?

   • A.Article 167
   • B.Article 168✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Article 169
   • D.Article 170

   Explanation: Article 168 deals with the constitution of Legislatures in States. It states that for every State there shall be a Legislature.

2. Q2.Which Article empowers the Parliament to abolish or create a Legislative Council in a State?

   • A.Article 168
   • B.Article 169✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Article 170
   • D.Article 171

   Explanation: Article 169 empowers the Parliament to abolish the Legislative Council of a State or create it if the Legislative Assembly of the State passes a resolution to that effect.

3. Q3.What is the maximum strength of the Legislative Assembly of a State as per the Constitution?

   • A.400
   • B.450
   • C.500✓ Correct Answer
   • D.550

   Explanation: The Legislative Assembly consists of not more than 500 and not less than 60 members chosen by direct election.

4. Q4.What is the minimum strength of the Legislative Council of a State?

   • A.30
   • B.40✓ Correct Answer
   • C.50
   • D.60

   Explanation: The total number of members in the Legislative Council of a State shall not be less than 40 (though there are some exceptions for smaller states).

5. Q5.What proportion of the members of the Legislative Council are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly?

   • A.1/2
   • B.1/3✓ Correct Answer
   • C.1/6
   • D.1/12

   Explanation: 1/3rd of the members of the Legislative Council are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly of the State from amongst persons who are not members of the Assembly.

6. Q6.Who nominates members to the Legislative Council from fields like Literature, Science, Art, and Social Service?

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

   Explanation: The Governor nominates 1/6th of the members of the Legislative Council having special knowledge or practical experience in Literature, Science, Art, Cooperative Movement, and Social Service.

7. Q7.What is the normal tenure of the Legislative Assembly?

   • A.4 years
   • B.5 years✓ Correct Answer
   • C.6 years
   • D.Permanent Body

   Explanation: The normal tenure of the Legislative Assembly is 5 years from the date of its first meeting after the general elections.

8. Q8.Is the Legislative Council subject to dissolution?

   • A.Yes, every 5 years
   • B.Yes, every 6 years
   • C.No, it is a permanent body✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Yes, by the President

   Explanation: The Legislative Council is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every second year.

9. Q9.What is the minimum age to become a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)?

   • A.21 years
   • B.25 years✓ Correct Answer
   • C.30 years
   • D.35 years

   Explanation: A person must be not less than 25 years of age to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislative Assembly.

10. Q10.What is the minimum age to become a member of the Legislative Council (MLC)?

    • A.25 years
    • B.30 years✓ Correct Answer
    • C.35 years
    • D.40 years

    Explanation: A person must be not less than 30 years of age to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislative Council.

11. Q11.Who decides on the disqualification of members of the State Legislature on grounds of defection?

    • A.Governor
    • B.President
    • C.High Court
    • D.Presiding Officer of the House✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The question of disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) is decided by the Chairman (in Council) or Speaker (in Assembly).

12. Q12.Who decides questions as to disqualifications of members (other than defection)?

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

    Explanation: Questions regarding disqualification of members are decided by the Governor. However, he must obtain the opinion of the Election Commission and act accordingly.

13. Q13.What is the quorum to constitute a meeting of a House of the State Legislature?

    • A.1/5th of total members
    • B.1/10th of total members or 10, whichever is greater✓ Correct Answer
    • C.1/10th of total members or 10, whichever is less
    • D.1/3rd of total members

    Explanation: The quorum is ten members or one-tenth of the total number of members of the House, whichever is greater.

14. Q14.Who appoints the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly?

    • A.Governor
    • B.Chief Minister
    • C.Elected by the Assembly members✓ Correct Answer
    • D.President

    Explanation: The Speaker is elected by the Legislative Assembly from amongst its members.

15. Q15.To whom does the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly submit his resignation?

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

    Explanation: The Speaker submits his resignation to the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

16. Q16.A Money Bill can be introduced in the State Legislature only with the prior recommendation of whom?

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

    Explanation: A Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Legislative Assembly without the prior recommendation of the Governor.

17. Q17.What is the maximum period for which the Legislative Council can delay a Money Bill?

    • A.14 days✓ Correct Answer
    • B.1 month
    • C.3 months
    • D.6 months

    Explanation: The Legislative Council cannot reject or amend a Money Bill. It can only withhold it for a maximum period of 14 days.

18. Q18.In case of a disagreement between the two Houses of State Legislature on an ordinary bill, is there a provision for a joint sitting?

    • A.Yes, summoned by Governor
    • B.Yes, presided by Speaker
    • C.No✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Yes, if advised by CM

    Explanation: There is NO provision for a joint sitting of the two Houses in the State Legislature. The Assembly can override the Council.

19. Q19.What is the maximum time limit for the Legislative Council to pass an Ordinary Bill for the first time?

    • A.1 month
    • B.2 months
    • C.3 months✓ Correct Answer
    • D.4 months

    Explanation: For the first time, the Council can retain the bill for a period of 3 months without passing it.

20. Q20.If the Assembly passes the bill again after the Council rejects it, how long can the Council delay it the second time?

    • A.14 days
    • B.1 month✓ Correct Answer
    • C.3 months
    • D.6 months

    Explanation: In the second instance, the Council can delay the bill for a maximum of 1 month. Total delaying power is 4 months (3+1).