Q1. What is the maximum gap allowed between two sessions of a state legislature?
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 9 months
Correct Option: 2. 6 months.
Explanation: According to the Constitution, the maximum gap between two sessions of the state legislature should not exceed six months. This ensures that the legislature meets at least twice a year.
Q2. Who has the authority to prorogue the session of a state legislature?
- The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
- The Chief Minister
- The President of India
- The Governor
Correct Option: 4. The Governor.
Explanation: The Governor has the authority to prorogue the session of a state legislature. Prorogation is the formal end of a session and is a power vested in the Governor. This action brings the session to a close, but it is distinct from adjournment, which only temporarily suspends a sitting. The Governor may also prorogue the House while it is still in session, a power that lies exclusively with the Governor.
Q3. Which of the following statements is true regarding the dissolution of the legislative assembly?
- Only the Legislative Council is subject to dissolution.
- A bill pending in the assembly lapses upon dissolution.
- A bill pending in the council but not passed by the assembly does not lapse.
- A bill passed by the assembly and pending assent of the Governor lapses upon dissolution.
Correct Option: 2. A bill pending in the assembly lapses upon dissolution.
Explanation: Upon the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly, any bill that is still pending in the assembly lapses. However, bills that have been passed by the assembly and are awaiting the assent of the Governor, or bills passed by both houses, do not lapse.
Q4. What is the minimum number of members required to be present in the House for it to transact business?
- 5 members
- 10 members
- 1/10th of the total members or 10 members
- 1/5th of the total members
Correct Option: 3. 1/10th of the total members or 10 members.
Explanation: Quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present in the House for it to transact business. It is defined as either 10 members or one-tenth of the total number of members of the House (whichever is greater). If there is no quorum during a
meeting of the House, it is the duty of the presiding officer either to
adjourn the House or to suspend the meeting until there is a quorum.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a right of a Minister in the State Legislature?
- The right to speak and participate in proceedings of the House
- The right to vote in the House
- The right to take part in committees of the House
- The right to speak even if not a member of the House
Correct Option: 2. The right to vote in the House.
Explanation: Ministers in the State Legislature:
Right to Speak and Participate:
Ministers have the right to speak and participate in the proceedings of both Houses of the state legislature, even if they are not a member of that particular House. This ensures that they can present and discuss government policies, answer questions, and explain issues in the legislature, even if they are not formally elected to it. They can also be a part of committees to contribute to the legislative process.
Right to Vote:
While Ministers can actively participate in discussions and debates, they do not have the right to vote in the House unless they are an actual member of that legislature (i.e., if they are elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly or Council).
Casting Vote:
If there is a tie in votes on a particular matter, the presiding officer (either the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or the Chairman of the Legislative Council) has the right to cast a deciding vote. This ensures that the decision-making process continues smoothly even if there’s an equal split on a vote.
The main point here is that Ministers can participate but cannot vote unless they are also elected members of the House. The presiding officer plays a critical role in cases of a tie by casting the final deciding vote.