State Government of India – Structure & Powers
Delhi Police Exams – GK Section
Introduction
India is a federal country, with powers divided between the Union Government and State Governments. Each State has its own Executive (Governor, CM, Ministers) and Legislature (Vidhan Sabha / Vidhan Parishad).
Articles 153–167: State Executive
Articles 168–212: State Legislature
The Governor
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointed By | President of India |
| Term | 5 years (can continue till successor joins) |
| Eligibility | Indian citizen, 35 years of age |
| Oath | By Chief Justice of the High Court |
| Removal | By President (holds office during pleasure of the President) |
Powers and Functions of the Governor
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Executive Powers | Appoints CM, Council of Ministers, Advocate General, State PSC members, administers UTs (if assigned) |
| Legislative Powers | Summons/prorogues Legislature, dissolves Assembly, addresses first session, nominates Anglo-Indian (if required) |
| Financial Powers | Money Bills only with his recommendation, ensures annual budget laid before Assembly |
| Judicial Powers | Can grant pardons, reprieves, remissions for State offences |
| Discretionary Powers | Recommends President’s Rule (Art. 356), reserves Bills for President (Art. 200) |
Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
| Position | Details |
|---|---|
| Head of | Council of Ministers |
| Term | 5 years (till Assembly term) |
| Removal | By Governor, if loses majority in Assembly |
Powers and Functions of the Chief Minister
- Advises Governor on all State matters
- Leads Council of Ministers, allocates portfolios
- Acts as link between Governor and Council
- Heads State Planning Committee
- Represents State at national meetings and Inter-State Council
Council of Ministers (COM)
| Structure | Responsibility | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| CM + Cabinet Ministers + Ministers of State | Collective responsibility to Legislative Assembly | Governor acts on aid and advice of COM |
State Legislature
| Type | States |
|---|---|
| Unicameral | Only Legislative Assembly (Delhi, MP, Gujarat...) |
| Bicameral | Legislative Assembly + Council (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra...) |
A. Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | 170–174 |
| Members | 60–500 (elected, +1 Anglo-Indian if nominated) |
| Tenure | 5 years |
| Presiding Officer | Speaker |
| Minimum Age | 25 years |
| Special Powers | Controls CM & Ministers, Money Bills originate only here |
B. Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | 168–171 |
| Nature | Permanent; 1/3rd retire every 2 years |
| Max Members | 1/3rd of Assembly strength (min 40) |
| Election | Indirect (by MLAs, teachers, graduates, local bodies) |
| Presiding Officer | Chairman |
| Minimum Age | 30 years |
| Creation/Abolition | Parliament under Art. 169 |
Difference Between Assembly and Council
| Feature | Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) | Council (Vidhan Parishad) |
|---|---|---|
| Members | 60–500 | Max 1/3rd of Assembly |
| Tenure | 5 years | Permanent |
| Age | 25 years | 30 years |
| Money Bills | Can originate | Cannot originate |
| Dissolution | Yes | No |
Relation Between Governor and Chief Minister
| Governor’s Role | CM’s Role |
|---|---|
| Nominal head of State | Real head of State Government |
| Acts on aid/advice of CM & Council | Advises & informs Governor |
| Can send reports to President | Leads govt & ensures majority |
| Can dissolve Assembly on CM’s advice | Coordinates between ministers |
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
Q1. The Governor of a State is appointed by —
A) President of India B) Prime Minister C) Chief Justice D) Chief Minister
Answer
A) President of India
Q2. The Chief Minister is appointed by —
A) Governor B) President C) Chief Justice D) People
Answer
A) Governor
Q3. The Governor holds office for —
A) 4 years B) 5 years C) 6 years D) During the pleasure of the President
Answer
D) During the pleasure of the President
Q4. The real executive authority in a State is —
A) Governor B) Chief Minister C) Chief Secretary D) President
Answer
B) Chief Minister
Q5. The State Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to —
A) Governor B) Legislative Council C) Legislative Assembly D) Chief Minister
Answer
C) Legislative Assembly
Q6. Money Bills can be introduced in —
A) Legislative Council B) Either House C) Legislative Assembly only D) None
Answer
C) Legislative Assembly only
Q7. The creation or abolition of Legislative Council in a State requires —
A) Approval of Governor B) Approval of President C) Approval of Parliament D) Approval of Supreme Court
Answer
C) Approval of Parliament
Q8. The minimum age for a member of Legislative Council is —
A) 21 years B) 25 years C) 30 years D) 35 years
Answer
C) 30 years
Q9. The Governor can reserve a Bill for the President’s consideration under —
A) Article 200 B) Article 356 C) Article 370 D) Article 163
Answer
A) Article 200
Q10. In the State, who acts as the real executive head?
A) Chief Minister B) Governor C) Speaker D) President
Answer
A) Chief Minister
Summary Table – State Government at a Glance
| Position/Body | Articles | Head | Tenure | Nature/Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | 153–162 | Appointed by President | 5 years | Nominal Head |
| Chief Minister | 163–167 | Leader of majority party | 5 years | Real Executive Head |
| Council of Ministers | 163 | CM + Ministers | 5 years | Collective responsibility |
| Vidhan Sabha | 170–174 | Speaker | 5 years | Legislative Assembly |
| Vidhan Parishad | 168–171 | Chairman | Permanent | Legislative Council |
Final Concept Recap
- Governor → Nominal Head (President’s representative)
- Chief Minister → Real Executive Head
- Council of Ministers → Collective responsibility to Assembly
- Vidhan Sabha → Main Legislative Body
- Vidhan Parishad → Permanent House (if present)
- Governor & CM → Constitutional partners, not rivals
Master State Government topics for Delhi Police Exam!
Join Courage Library for comprehensive study materials and expert guidance.
Be a Couragian!