Q1. What is the role of the Chief Minister in relation to the Council of Ministers?
- The Chief Minister has no significant role in the Council of Ministers.
- The Chief Minister can ask a minister to resign or advise the Governor to dismiss them.
- The Chief Minister only presides over the meetings without any control.
- The Chief Minister must be a member of the Upper House.
Correct Option: 2. The Chief Minister can ask a minister to resign or advise the Governor to dismiss them.
Explanation: As the head of the Council of Ministers, the Chief Minister holds significant power. They can reshuffle portfolios, ask ministers to resign, or advise the Governor to dismiss a minister in case of differences. The CM also presides over Council meetings and influences its decisions.
Q2. Which of the following powers does the Chief Minister have in relation to the Governor?
- The Chief Minister is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
- The Chief Minister can override the Governor’s decisions.
- The Chief Minister has the power to dismiss the Governor.
- The Chief Minister does not interact with the Governor.
Correct Option: 1. The Chief Minister is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
Explanation: The Chief Minister is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the Council of Ministers. The CM communicates all decisions of the council, legislative proposals, and information requested by the Governor.
Q3. Which article of the Constitution defines the duty of the Chief Minister to communicate decisions of the Council of Ministers to the Governor?
- Article 163
- Article 164
- Article 167
- Article 177
Correct Option: 3. Article 167.
Explanation: Article 167 of the Constitution outlines the duties of the Chief Minister, including the responsibility to communicate to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers, provide requested information, and submit matters for consideration when required.
Q4. What is the Chief Minister’s role in relation to the State Legislature?
- The Chief Minister does not interact with the legislature.
- The Chief Minister advises the Governor on summoning and proroguing the legislature sessions.
- The Chief Minister can dissolve the State Legislative Council at any time.
- The Chief Minister has no power to influence government policies.
Correct Option: 2. The Chief Minister advises the Governor on summoning and proroguing the legislature sessions.
Explanation: As the leader of the House, the Chief Minister advises the Governor regarding the summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the State Legislature. The CM can also recommend the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly and announce government policies.
Q5. Which of the following is a discretionary power of the Governor in the selection of a Chief Minister?
- The Governor appoints the Chief Minister in case of a hung assembly.
- The Governor can appoint any individual as Chief Minister.
- The Governor directly elects the Chief Minister.
- The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party as Chief Minister.
Correct Option: 1. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister in case of a hung assembly.
Explanation: When no political party has a clear majority in the Legislative Assembly, the Governor may use their discretionary powers to appoint the leader of the largest party or coalition as Chief Minister. The appointed CM must then prove their majority in the House within a reasonable time.