9th Standard, Social, Political Science, CHAPTER – 7
THE STATE GOVERNMENT
EXERCISES
I. Fill in the blanks with suitable words.
1. The Union of India comprises 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
2. The Karnataka Legislative Council comprises 224 members.
3. The State Cabinet, comprising the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers is the real Executive.
4. The Governor is appointed by the President.
II. Answer the following questions with group discussion.
5. Explain the structure of the Legislative Assembly.
Answer: Vidhana Sabha is the lower house of state legislature. The strength of the Vidhana Sabha depends on the population of the State. The maximum number of seats of any Vidhana Sabha should not exceed 500 or be below 60. However, the number of seats in small States is less. Sikkim legislative assembly consist of 32 members. Karnataka legislative assembly at present consist of 224 elected members. 224 members are directly elected by the people. 36 seats for scheduled caste and 15 seats for schedule tribes reserved in Karnataka legislative assembly. After the enactment of 128th constitution Amendment bill as an act (Narishakti Vandhana Adiniyam) 33% of seats in legislative assemblies must be reserved to women.
6. Which fields are represented by the members of the Legislative Council?
Answer: The number of members of the Karnataka Legislative Council is 75. These members represent 5 fields. They are,
- Some are elected from among the Members of the Legislative Assembly
- Elected from Local Bodies
- Elected from Graduate’s Constituencies
- Elected from Teacher’s Constituencies.
- The Governor nominates some Members considering services rendered in the fields of art, science literature, education, social service and co-operative movement.
7. What are the qualifications, and the term of office of the Governor?
Answer: The qualifications of the Governor are as follows.
(1) Should be a citizen of India.
(2) Should have completed 35 years of Age.
(3) Should not hold any office of profit under the Government.
(4) Should not be a Member of either Parliament or State Legislature. If he is a Member of either, parliament or state legislature, he should resign from that post when he is appointed as the Governor.
The term of office of the Governor is 5 years.
8. Write a short note on the powers and functions of Chief Minister.
Answer: The Chief Minister is the Head of the State Government. Success or failure of the State Government depends on his personal charm. He is the repository of all the power of the State. He is the Head of the Council of Ministers, the Legislature, and the Leader of the majority party in the Legislature.
The Functions and Powers of the Chief Minister are as follows.
1. He recommends to the Governor for the formation of the Cabinet.
2. He recommends to the Governor to allocate Portfolios to the Ministers and to change the portfolios allotted to the Ministers.
3. He can recommend to the Governor to remove those Ministers who are not loyal to the Government.
4. As Head of Government, he plays a very important role in formulation of policies.
5. As Head of the Cabinet, he can summon or postpone its meetings.
6. He has the power to co-ordinate and supervise the working of all Departments.
7. He has the power to recommend the governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly before expiry of its term.
8. He acts as the link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
9. He acts as an adviser to the Governor and recommends to the Governor regarding appointment of various posts.
Additional Questions:
- What are the Legislative Powers and functions of State Legislature?
Answer: The Legislative Powers and functions of State Legislature are
- Financial powers and Functions
- Executive powers and functions
- Electoral powers and functions
- Powers to amend the Constitution
- Other powers and functions: The reports of state public service commission, state backward class’s commission, state women commission and reports of other commissions are discussed in legislative assembly.
- What are the qualifications of the M.L.C (Member of Legislative Council)?
Answer: The qualifications of the M.L.C are as follows.
1) Should be a citizen of India.
2) Should have completed 30 years of age.
3) Should not hold in office of profit.
4) Should not be sentenced to imprisonment by the court.
5) Should not have mental illness.
6) Should not be bankrupt.
7) Should possess all qualifications from time to time as required by the parliament.
3. What are the Powers and functions of the Legislative Council?
Answer: The Powers and functions of the Legislative Council are as follows.
a. Financial powers and functions: The Legislative council has lesser financial powers than legislative assembly. According to constitution the financial bill should be presented in legislative assembly first. A finance bill passed by legislative assembly is sent for approval of legislative council. Then the council has to return bill with its assent to the legislative assembly within 14 days.
b. Administrative powers and functions: The Legislative Council does not have much control over administration. It can obtain information by Members posing questions to Ministers. If the questions are not answered properly, it can only insist on the Minister’s resignation but cannot move a No Confidence motion.
4 . What are the Powers and functions of the Governor?
Answer: The Powers and functions of the Governor are,
- Executive powers and functions
- Legislative powers and functions
- Financial powers and functions
- Judicial powers and functions
- Discretionary powers
III. Activities:
1. Visit the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council and prepare a report on it.
2. Like the State Assembly, form the School parliament and observe the proceedings and make the Report.
IV. Projects:
1. Discuss the Assembly proceedings with the M.L.A. of your constituency.
2. Prepare an album of the photographs of Karnataka Chief Ministers till now.
