State Legislature MCQ: Chairman of Council, Anglo-Indian Nomination & Ministry Size Cap

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

1. Q1.Who presides over the Legislative Council?

   • A.Speaker
   • B.Deputy Speaker
   • C.Chairman✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Governor

   Explanation: The Legislative Council is presided over by the Chairman, who is elected by the Council members from amongst themselves.

2. Q2.Which of the following states does NOT have a Bicameral Legislature (as of current status)?

   • A.Uttar Pradesh
   • B.Bihar
   • C.Karnataka
   • D.Kerala✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Kerala has a Unicameral Legislature. UP, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have Bicameral Legislatures.

3. Q3.The privileges of the State Legislature and its members are mentioned in which Article?

   • A.Article 105
   • B.Article 194✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Article 190
   • D.Article 172

   Explanation: Article 194 deals with the powers, privileges, etc., of the Houses of Legislatures and of the members and committees thereof.

4. Q4.Can the Courts inquire into the proceedings of the State Legislature?

   • A.Yes, fully
   • B.Yes, but only procedural irregularity
   • C.No✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Yes, with Governor's permission

   Explanation: Article 212 states that the validity of any proceedings in the Legislature of a State shall not be called in question on the ground of any alleged irregularity of procedure.

5. Q5.Who has the power to summon and prorogue the State Legislature?

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

   Explanation: The Governor summons the House or each House of the State Legislature to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit and also prorogues the House(s).

6. Q6.Which Article of the Constitution deals with the 'Ordinance-making power' of the Governor?

   • A.Article 213✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Article 123
   • C.Article 200
   • D.Article 201

   Explanation: Article 213 empowers the Governor to promulgate ordinances when the State Legislature is not in session.

7. Q7.How many members constitute the 'Panel of Chairpersons' in the Legislative Assembly?

   • A.Not more than 5
   • B.Not more than 10✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Exactly 7
   • D.Exactly 12

   Explanation: The Speaker nominates from amongst the members a panel of chairpersons, usually not more than 10.

8. Q8.Under which Amendment Act was the nomination of Anglo-Indians to the State Legislative Assembly discontinued?

   • A.101st Amendment Act
   • B.102nd Amendment Act
   • C.103rd Amendment Act
   • D.104th Amendment Act✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 discontinued the reservation of seats for Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

9. Q9.Who determines the salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly?

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

   Explanation: The salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are determined by the State Legislature by law.

10. Q10.What happens to a bill pending in the Legislative Assembly if the Assembly is dissolved?

    • A.It does not lapse
    • B.It lapses✓ Correct Answer
    • C.It is sent to the Governor
    • D.It is transferred to the Council

    Explanation: A bill pending in the Legislative Assembly (whether originating there or transmitted from the Council) lapses upon the dissolution of the Assembly.

11. Q11.What happens to a bill pending in the Legislative Council which has not been passed by the Legislative Assembly?

    • A.It lapses upon dissolution of Assembly
    • B.It does not lapse✓ Correct Answer
    • C.It requires a joint sitting
    • D.It is withdrawn

    Explanation: A bill pending in the Legislative Council but not passed by the Legislative Assembly does not lapse on the dissolution of the Assembly.

12. Q12.Who has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of the State Legislature but not to vote?

    • A.Chief Secretary
    • B.Advocate General of the State✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Attorney General of India
    • D.High Court Judge

    Explanation: The Advocate General of the State has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of the Houses but without the right to vote (Article 177).

13. Q13.Which of the following states has the smallest Legislative Assembly strength (32 members)?

    • A.Goa
    • B.Mizoram
    • C.Sikkim✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Puducherry

    Explanation: Sikkim has the smallest Legislative Assembly with only 32 members, which is an exception to the minimum 60 rule.

14. Q14.What fraction of the Legislative Council members are elected by graduates of three years standing residing in the state?

    • A.1/3
    • B.1/6
    • C.1/10
    • D.1/12✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: 1/12th of the members are elected by graduates of three years standing and residing within the state.

15. Q15.The Governor can reserve 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: Under Article 200, the Governor has the power to reserve a bill passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President.

16. Q16.A member of the State Legislature vacates his seat if he is absent without permission for how many days?

    • A.30 days
    • B.45 days
    • C.60 days✓ Correct Answer
    • D.90 days

    Explanation: The House can declare the seat of a member vacant if he/she absents himself/herself from all meetings for a period of 60 days without permission.

17. Q17.Who certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill or not in the State Legislature?

    • A.Governor
    • B.Finance Minister
    • C.Speaker of Legislative Assembly✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Chairman of Legislative Council

    Explanation: The decision of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is final regarding whether a bill is a Money Bill or not.

18. Q18.The total number of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers in a State shall not exceed what percentage of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly?

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

    Explanation: According to the 91st Amendment Act (2003), the total number of ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly.

19. Q19.What is the minimum number of Ministers (including CM) required in a State?

    • A.7
    • B.10
    • C.12✓ Correct Answer
    • D.15

    Explanation: The number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in a State shall not be less than 12.

20. Q20.Who administers the oath of office to the members of the State Legislature?

    • A.Speaker
    • B.Chief Minister
    • C.Governor or a person appointed by him✓ Correct Answer
    • D.High Court Chief Justice

    Explanation: Every member takes an oath before the Governor or some person appointed by him for this purpose.