State Government – Questions and Answers
Short Answer Questions
(a) Legislation
Legislation refers to the process of making laws. It includes preparing a draft of the law (bill), discussing
it in the legislature, passing it by voting, and finally enforcing it after approval by the Governor. These
laws regulate the behavior of people, protect their rights, and guide the functioning of the government.
(b) Legislature
The legislature is the law-making body of the state government. At the state level, it may consist of two
houses: Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) – the directly elected house; and Legislative Council
(Vidhan Parishad) – which exists only in some states. The main function of the legislature is to make
laws, approve budgets, and control the executive.
(c) Ruling Party
The ruling party is the political party (or coalition of parties) that secures majority seats in the Legislative
Assembly during elections. Its leader becomes the Chief Minister and forms the government. The ruling
party is responsible for administration, policy-making, and implementing laws in the state.
2. Legislative Council
The Legislative Council exists in 6 states of India: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Members are chosen from different groups – some are elected by
local bodies, some by teachers and graduates, and some are nominated by the Governor for their
contribution in literature, science, art, or social service. It is called a permanent body because it is never
dissolved completely; one-third of its members retire every two years and new members are elected,
ensuring continuity.
3. Presiding Officer of the Legislative Assembly
The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Legislative Assembly. His/Her role is very important:
maintaining order and discipline in the House, deciding who will speak and for how long, ensuring
smooth discussion and debate, putting bills and motions to vote, and acting as a neutral authority
upholding the dignity of the House.
4. Role of the Governor in the State Government
The Governor is the constitutional head of the state. He/she does not govern directly but acts on the
advice of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers. Roles include: appointing the Chief Minister and
ministers, summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Legislative Assembly, approving bills to convert
them into laws, ensuring the state government works according to the Constitution, and in some cases,
sending reports to the President.
5. What is a Bill? How it Becomes a Law
A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change in an existing law. Process: (1) Introduction in the
Assembly, (2) Debate & discussion, (3) Voting by members, (4) Governor’s Assent, (5) Once approved,
it becomes an official law of the state.
6. Press Conference
A press conference is a meeting where government leaders or ministers share important information
with journalists. It helps people get direct and reliable information about government policies and
decisions. Journalists can ask questions, ensuring accountability and transparency. It spreads
awareness among citizens about government functioning.
Long Answer Questions
1. Formation of Government in a State
After elections, the political party (or coalition) that wins a majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly
is invited by the Governor to form the government. The leader of the majority party becomes the Chief
Minister. The CM selects other ministers to form the Council of Ministers. Together, they run the
administration and implement policies. The ruling party governs with the confidence of the Assembly,
which represents the people. Thus, the state government is formed by the will of the people through
elections.
2. Chief Minister: Appointment & Role
The leader of the majority party is appointed as the Chief Minister by the Governor. The CM is the real
head of the state government. Roles: heads the Council of Ministers and assigns responsibilities,
frames policies and ensures execution, represents the state in national-level decisions, leads debates in
the Assembly, and coordinates between government departments.
3. Functioning of the Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly is the main pillar of state governance. It makes laws on subjects in the State
List like health, police, and agriculture. It approves the state budget, controls finances, ensures
accountability by asking questions and holding debates, raises people’s issues through motions, and
acts as a bridge between citizens and the government by representing public opinion.
4. Importance of Debates & Discussions in the Assembly
Debates are the heart of democracy in the Assembly. They allow different parties to freely express their
views, help in examining policies before passing them, ensure collective decision-making, hold
ministers accountable, and highlight public concerns. Thus, debates make governance transparent and
responsive.
5. Legislative Council vs. Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly: Members are directly elected by the people; it can be dissolved; has final say on
finances; exists in all states; plays a major role in law-making. Legislative Council: Members are
indirectly elected and partly nominated; it is a permanent body; cannot reject money bills, only delay;
exists only in 6 states; mainly acts as a reviewing body.
6. Freedom of Expression in Democracy
Democracy gives citizens the right to free speech and expression. People can express their views
through media, rallies, protests, and social platforms. They can question government policies and
suggest alternatives, ensuring accountability. Freedom of expression encourages creativity, new ideas,
and reforms. It prevents dictatorship and strengthens people’s participation. Thus, it is the soul of
democracy, making it truly ‘government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’
