Q1. Who is responsible for deciding the disqualification of a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council on the ground of defection?
- Governor
- Election Commission
- Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council
- Parliament
Correct Option: 3. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council
Explanation: The disqualification of a member on the grounds of defection is decided by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or the Chairman of the Legislative Council, as the case may be. According to the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, the decision is subject to judicial review, meaning it can be challenged in court.
Q2. What is the main criticism of having a second chamber (Legislative Council) in a state legislature?
- It is a waste of resources.
- It is not representative of the people.
- It delays the legislative process.
- All of the above
Correct Option: 4. All of the above
Explanation: The second chamber in a state legislature, i.e., the Legislative Council, has faced criticism for several reasons. It is often seen as not fully representative of the people since its members are indirectly elected or appointed. It can delay the legislative process by adding an extra layer of scrutiny to proposed laws. Additionally, maintaining a second chamber can be expensive, making it a potential drain on state resources.
Q3. What is the duration of the term for a member of the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)?
- 4 years
- 5 years
- 6 years
- 7 years
Correct Option: 3. 6 years
Explanation: Members of the Legislative Council have a term of 6 years. However, one-third of the members retire every two years, ensuring a periodic re-election and re-nomination process. The Legislative Council is a continuing body, unlike the Legislative Assembly, which is dissolved after every five years.
Q4. In the context of a state legislature, which of the following is true about the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
- The reservation is for 10 years and has not been extended.
- The reservation is based on population ratios in the state.
- The reservation applies only to the Legislative Council.
- The reservation only applies to Legislative Assemblies in union territories.
Correct Option: 2. The reservation is based on population ratios in the state.
Explanation: The Constitution provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Legislative Assemblies of the states, based on their population ratios. The reservation system ensures proportional representation of these communities in state legislatures. This provision has been continuously extended over time, beyond the original 10-year period.
Q5. What is required for a person to be eligible to be elected to the Legislative Council of a state?
- The person must be at least 25 years old.
- The person must be a resident of the state.
- The person must be nominated by the Governor.
- The person must be a graduate of a university in the state.
Correct Option: 2. The person must be a resident of the state.
Explanation: To be elected to the Legislative Council, a person must meet several eligibility criteria, including being a resident of the state in which they are contesting. Additionally, the person must be at least 30 years old and a qualified elector. The qualifications for a Legislative Assembly member are slightly different, requiring a minimum age of 25 years. While some members are nominated by the Governor, most are elected indirectly by various means such as local bodies, graduates, and teachers.