The article State Legislature: Assemblies & Legislative Councils GK MCQs offers a set of multiple-choice questions focused on the structure and functions of State Legislatures in India. Covering both Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils, these questions are designed to enhance your understanding of their roles, composition, and legislative procedures.
Perfect for exam preparation, this guide will help you master key concepts related to the state legislative process.
1. What can be the maximum number of members in a legislative assembly of a state in India?
- 400
- 500
- 450
- 550
Show Answer
Answer: 500
In general, the legislative assembly cannot have more than 500 members and should not have fewer than 60 members. However, there are exceptions for Sikkim (32 members), Goa (40 members), and Mizoram (40 members).
2. What is the upper limit of election expense in a parliamentary constituency?
- 10 lakhs
- 25 lakhs
- 70 lakhs
- 1 cr
Show Answer
Answer: 70 lakhs
As per the current norms, the maximum limit of election expenses per candidate is as follows:
1. 70 Lakh for all States except Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Sikkim.
2. 54 Lakh for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Sikkim.
3. 70 Lakh for NCT of Delhi.
4. 54 Lakh for other Union Territories.
5. 28 Lakh for bigger states and NCT of Delhi.
6. 20 Lakh for smaller states and Union Territories.
3. Which among the following is not true about the State Legislative Council in India?
- The Council is a Permanent House & one-third of the members retire in two years.
- Members of local bodies elect one-third of the total number of members of the legislative council.
- If a state legislative council is to be created or abolished, a resolution to that effect is to be first passed by the State legislature by a two-third majority.
- None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: The Council is a Permanent House & one-third of the members retire in two years.
In a bicameral legislature, one-third of the members retire every two years, not two-thirds. This system ensures that the legislative council has continuity and stability.
4. Which among the following states does not have a bicameral legislature?
- Maharastra
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
The mention of six Indian states with bicameral legislatures, including Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, is correct. These states have both legislative assemblies and legislative councils.
5. The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council was abolished in 1985. In which year was it revived back?
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
Show Answer
Answer: 2007
Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council had existed between 1958 to 1985, and from 2007 till date. The Andhra Pradesh government had passed a resolution for dissolving the council and was waiting for parliamentary approval.
6. In which year was the legislative council of Tamil Nadu abolished?
- 1983
- 1985
- 1986
- 1987
Show Answer
Answer: 1985
The legislative council of Tamil Nadu was abolished in 1986.
7. The power to create or abolish a legislative council in states is vested with which among the following?
- Council of State Ministers
- Governor of the state
- Legislative assembly of the state
- President of India
Show Answer
Answer: Legislative assembly of the state
The legislative assembly of the state makes recommendations, and Parliament makes necessary laws for this.
8. The functions of which of the following body in India are limited to an advisory nature only?
- Legislative Council
- Rajya Sabha
- Lok Sabha
- Legislative Assembly
Show Answer
Answer: Rajya Sabha
Please note that, leaving the case of money bills, Rajya Sabha has equal powers in legislative matters in relation to Lok Sabha. This is not the case with the Legislative Council.
9. Which among the following decides whether there should be a Legislative Council in the state or not?
- President
- Governor
- Legislative Assembly
- Chief Minister
Show Answer
Answer: Legislative Assembly
The legislative assembly may decide if the state should have or should not have the legislative council and may pass a resolution to that effect. However, the abolition and creation of the legislative council are done by Parliament by legislation.
10. Which among the following is a type of functional local bodies established as autonomous bodies via legislations by the state legislatures?
- Town Area Committee
- Cantonment Board
- Urban Development Authority
- Notified Areas Committee
Show Answer
Answer: Urban Development Authority
The Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Notified Area Committees, Town Area Committees, Cantonment Boards, Townships, and Port Trusts are called Area Based Urban bodies. Apart from that, there are some functional local bodies that are established as autonomous bodies via legislation by the state legislatures. These include the Town Improvement Trusts, Urban Development Authorities, Water Supply and Sewerage Boards, City Transport Boards, Housing Boards, Pollution Control Boards, Electricity Supply Boards, etc. They work autonomously and are not subordinate to the area-based bodies.
Q11: Which articles of the Constitution deal with the organisation, composition, duration, officers, procedures, privileges, powers, and so on of the state legislature?
1. Articles 148 to 168
2. Articles 168 to 212
3. Articles 213 to 221
4. Articles 221 to 241
Show Answer
Explanation: The Articles 168 to 212 in Part VI of the Constitution of India deal with the organisation, composition, duration, officers, procedures, privileges, powers, and so on of the state legislature.
Q12: Which act of Parliament abolished the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council?
1. J & K Reorganisation Act, 2017
2. J & K Reorganisation Act, 2018
3. J & K Reorganisation Act, 2019
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was abolished by the Parliament of India by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. At present, only Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have legislative councils.
Q13: How many states have a unicameral system?
1. 20
2. 22
3. 24
4. 26
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: Presently twenty-two states have a unicameral system. In these states, the state legislature consists of the governor and the legislative assembly. In the case of a bicameral system, the state legislature consists of the governor, the legislative council, and the legislative assembly.
Q14: When can Parliament abolish a legislative council or create it?
1. If the Chief Minister requests the central legislature
2. If Parliament passes a resolution to that effect
3. If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution to that effect
4. If the legislative assembly of the concerned state passes a resolution to that effect
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The Constitution contains provisions for the abolition or creation of legislative councils in states. The Parliament of India can abolish a legislative council (where it already exists) or create it (where it does not exist) if the legislative assembly of the concerned state passes a resolution to that effect.
Q15: How much majority in the state assembly is required for the creation or abolition of the legislative council of the state?
1. Simple Majority
2. Special Majority
3. Special Majority with ratification from half of the states
4. Absolute Majority
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The resolution for the creation or abolition of the legislative council of the state must be passed by the state assembly by a special majority, that is, a majority of the total membership of the assembly and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of the assembly present and voting.
Q16: In which year was the legislative council of Andhra Pradesh created for the first time?
1. 1950
2. 1951
3. 1955
4. 1957
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh’s legislative council was created in 1957 and got the same abolished in 1985. Andhra Pradesh again revived its legislative council in 2007, after the enactment of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Act, 2005.
Q17: What is the minimum strength of the state legislative assembly?
1. 40
2. 50
3. 60
4. 70
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The maximum strength of the state legislative assembly is fixed at 500, and the minimum strength is fixed at 60. Therefore, the strength of the state legislative assembly varies from 60 to 500 depending on the population size of the state.
Q18: How many members can the governor nominate in the state legislative assembly from the Anglo-Indian community?
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. None
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: The governor of a state can nominate only one member from the Anglo-Indian community in the state legislative assembly if the community is not adequately represented in the assembly.
Q19: What is the minimum strength of the state legislative council?
1. 30
2. 40
3. 45
4. 50
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The maximum strength of the state legislative council is fixed at one-third of the total strength of the state legislative assembly, and the minimum strength is fixed at 40. Therefore, the size of the council depends on the size of the assembly of the concerned state.
Q20: The Constitution has fixed the maximum and the minimum limits of state legislative councils, but who decides the actual strength of a Council?
1. President
2. Parliament
3. State Legislative Assembly
4. Governor
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The Constitution of India has fixed the maximum and the minimum limits of the state legislative councils, but the actual strength of a Council is fixed by Parliament of India.
Q21: How many members are nominated by the governor in the state legislative council?
1. 1/6
2. 1/3
3. 1/5
4. 1/4
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: 1/6 of the total number of members of a legislative council of states are indirectly elected and are nominated by the governor. The members are elected in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
Q22: Who is authorised to dissolve the state legislative assembly even before the completion of its term?
1. President
2. Prime Minister
3. Parliament
4. Governor
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The normal term of the state legislative assembly is five years from the date of its first meeting after the general elections. However, the governor of the state is authorized to dissolve the assembly at any time even before the completion of five years to pave the way for fresh elections.
Q23: ithin how much time should the state legislative assembly be re-elected after the revocation of the national emergency?
1. 2 months
2. 3 months
3. 6 months
4. 1 year
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The term of the state legislative assembly can be extended during the period of national emergency by a law of Parliament for one year at a time for any length of time. This extension cannot continue beyond a period of six months after the emergency has been revoked. Therefore, the assembly should be re-elected within six months after the revocation of the emergency.
Q24: The question of disqualification of a member of the state legislature is decided by?
1. President
2. State Legislature
3. Governor
4. Chief Minister
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: On the question of whether a member of the state legislature is subject to any of the disqualifications in RPA 1951, the governor’s decision is final. However, he should obtain the opinion of the Election Commission and act accordingly.
Q25: In which year did the Supreme Court rule that the decision of Chairman/Speaker of disqualification under the Tenth Schedule is subject to judicial review?
1. 1973
2. 1989
3. 1992
4. 1995
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: In the year 1992, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the decision of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha or the Speaker of Lok Sabha of disqualification under the Tenth Schedule is subject to judicial review.
Q26: Who administers the oath to every member of either House of the state legislature?
1. Chief Justice of India
2. Chief Justice of High Court
3. Chief Minister
4. Governor
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Every member of both the Houses of the state legislature, before taking his seat in the House, has to make and subscribe an oath or affirmation before the governor of the state or some person appointed by him for this purpose specifically.
Q27: A House of the state legislature can declare the seat of a member vacant if he absents himself from all its meetings for a period of how many days?
1. 20 days
2. 30 days
3. 45 days
4. 60 days
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: A House of the state legislature can declare the seat of a member vacant if he is absent from all its meetings for a period of sixty days without the permission of the house.
Q28: Which of the following is/are cases in which the speaker of the state legislative assembly vacates his office earlier?
1. If he ceases to be a member of the assembly
2. If he resigns by writing to the deputy speaker
3. If he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the assembly
4. All of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: In the following cases, the speaker of the state legislative assembly vacates his office earlier: if he ceases to be a member of the assembly; if he resigns by writing to the deputy speaker; and if he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the assembly.
Q29: How many days’ advance notice is to be given to the speaker of the state legislative assembly to move a resolution against him?
1. 7 days
2. 14 days
3. 15 days
4. 30 days
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The speaker of the state legislature can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the assembly. Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice to the speaker.
Q30: Who is the final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution of India in the state legislative assembly?
1. Speaker
2. President
3. Prime Minister
4. Chief Minister
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: The Speaker of the state legislative assembly is the final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution of India, the rules of procedure and conduct of business of the assembly, and also the legislative precedents, within the assembly.
Q31: Who can allow a ‘secret’ sitting of the House at the request of the leader of the state legislative assembly?
1. Chief Minister
2. Speaker
3. Governor
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The speaker of the state legislative assembly can allow a ‘secret’ sitting of the House at the request of the leader of the House. He can also adjourn the assembly or suspend the meeting in the absence of a quorum.
Q32: Who decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not in the state legislative assembly?
1. Governor
2. President
3. Speaker
4. Chairman
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The speaker of the state legislative assembly decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not, and his decision on this question is final. He also decides all the questions of disqualification of a member of the legislative assembly arising on the ground of defection (Tenth Schedule).
Q33: Who is the chairman of the Business Advisory Committee in the State Legislature?
1. Speaker
2. Chairman
3. Chief Minister
4. Governor
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: The Speaker of the legislative assembly is empowered to appoint the chairman of all the committees of the assembly and supervises their functioning. He himself is the chairman of the Business Advisory Committee, the Rules Committee, and the General Purpose Committee.
Q34: Who elects the deputy speaker in the legislative assembly?
1. Governor
2. Chief Minister
3. Speaker
4. Assembly itself
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Just like the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker in the assembly is also elected by the assembly itself from amongst its members. He is usually elected after the election of the Speaker has taken place.
Q35: Who decides the salaries and allowances of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the assembly?
1. Governor
2. Chief Minister
3. State Legislature
4. Parliament
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The salaries and allowances of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the state legislative assembly, and the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the state legislative council, are fixed by the state legislature.
Q36: The deputy chairman submits his resignation to?
1. Chief Minister
2. Chairman
3. Speaker
4. Governor
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The Deputy Chairman submits his resignation by writing to the Chairman. He can also be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the council. Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice to him.
Q37: Which of the following from time to time summons each House of the state legislature to meet?
1. President
2. Prime Minister
3. Chief Minister
4. Governor
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The governor of the state from time to time summons each House of the state legislature to meet. A session of the legislature of the state consists of many sittings.
Q38: What can be the maximum gap between the two sessions of the state legislature?
1. 1 month
2. 3 months
3. 6 months
4. 9 months
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The maximum gap between the two sessions of the legislature of the state cannot be more than six months; that is, the state legislature should meet at least twice a year.
Q39: What is the meaning of adjournment ‘sine die’?
1. Terminating a sitting of the state legislature for an indefinite period
2. Terminating a sitting of the state legislature for some hours
3. Terminating a sitting of the state legislature for some days
4. Terminating a sitting of the state legislature for some months
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: Adjournment sine die refers to terminating a sitting of the state legislature for an indefinite period. Whereas an adjournment suspends the work in a sitting of a house for a specified time which may be hours, days, or weeks.
Q40: Who has the power of the adjournment as well as adjournment sine die in the state legislature?
1. Prime Minister
2. Governor
3. Presiding officer
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The power of both the adjournment as well as adjournment sine die lies with the presiding officer of the House; that is, Speaker in the legislative assembly and chairman in the legislative council.
Q41: Who issues a notification for prorogation of the session in the state legislative assembly?
1. Chief Minister
2. Governor
3. Speaker
4. Chairman
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The governor of the state is empowered to issue a notification for the prorogation of the session. The governor is also empowered to prorogue the House, which is in session.
Q42: Which of the following leads to termination of the session of the house?
1. Adjournment
2. Adjournment sine die
3. Prorogation
4. Dissolution
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: Unlike an adjournment which only suspends the work in a sitting for a specified time which may be hours, days, or weeks, a prorogation terminates a session of the House.
Q43: Which of the following ends the very life of the existing House?
1. Summoning
2. Adjournment sine die
3. Prorogation
4. Dissolution
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Unlike a prorogation which only terminates a session, a dissolution ends the very life of the existing House. Therefore, a new House is constituted after the general elections are held.
Q44: Which of the following exercises a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes in the state legislature?
1. Prime Minister
2. Speaker
3. Governor
4. Advocate General
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The presiding officer, that is, Speaker in the case of the assembly and chairman in the case of the council, does not vote in the first instance but exercises a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.
Q45: Which of the following statements are correct with respect to the state legislature?
1. A minister cannot participate in the proceedings of a House of which he is not a member.
2. A minister, who is not a member of either House, can participate in the proceedings of both the Houses.
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 & 2
4. Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is wrong as a minister can participate in the proceedings of a House of which he is not a member; however, he is not entitled to vote. Also, a minister, who is not a member of either House, can participate in the proceedings of both the Houses of the state legislature.
Q46: When a bill is reserved by the governor for the consideration of the President, which of the following options are available to the President?
1. Give his assent to the bill
2. Withhold his assent to the bill
3. Return the bill for reconsideration of the House or Houses of the state legislature
4. All of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: When a bill is reserved by the governor of the state for the consideration of the President of India, the President may either give his assent to the bill or withhold his assent to the bill or return the bill for reconsideration of the House or Houses of the state legislature.
Q47: Where can the money bill be introduced?
1. Legislative Assembly
2. Legislative Council
3. Joint sitting of both houses
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
1. Only 1
2. Only 1 & 2
3. Only 1 & 3
4. 1, 2 & 3.
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: A Money Bill can only be introduced in the legislative assembly. It can be introduced in the state legislative assembly only on the recommendation of the governor.
Q48: Who has the final power to decide whether a particular bill is a money bill or not?
1. President
2. Prime Minister
3. Speaker
4. Chairman
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The final power to decide whether a particular bill is a money bill or not is vested only in the Speaker of the assembly. The Money Bill can be introduced only in the legislative assembly and not in the council.
Q49: Which of the following can only discuss the budget but cannot vote on the demands for grants?
1. Legislative Assembly
2. Legislative Council
3. Both of the above
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The state legislative council can only discuss the budget but cannot vote on the demands for grants. Voting on demand for grants is the exclusive privilege of the assembly.
Q50: Which of the following are the individual privileges of members of the state legislature?
1. They cannot be arrested during the session of the state legislature.
2. They have freedom of speech in the state legislature.
3. They are exempted from jury service.
4. They have the right to publish its reports, debates, and proceedings.
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
1. Only 1 & 2
2. Only 2 & 3
3. Only 1, 2 & 3
4. 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Following are the individual privileges of members of the state legislature: (1) They cannot be arrested during the session of the state legislature, (2) They have freedom of speech in the state legislature, (3) They are exempted from jury service. The right to publish its reports, debates, and proceedings is a collective privilege.
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