Q1. Which of the following states does NOT have a Legislative Council as of 2025?
- Bihar
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
Correct Option: 4. Gujarat.
Explanation: Gujarat has a unicameral legislature—only a Legislative Assembly. In contrast, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Telangana have bicameral legislatures with both Assembly and Council.
Q2. Which Article provides for the powers, privileges and immunities of State Legislatures and their members?
- Article 194
- Article 196
- Article 198
- Article 213
Correct Option: 1. Article 194.
Explanation: Article 194 of the Constitution outlines the powers, privileges and immunities of State Legislatures, their committees, and members. This includes immunity from legal proceedings for things said in the House.
Q3. Who among the following cannot be a member of the Legislative Council?
- Graduate elected from university constituency
- A nominated member by the Governor
- Member of Scheduled Tribe elected by voters
- Directly elected MLA from a territorial constituency
Correct Option: 4. Directly elected MLA from a territorial constituency.
Explanation: A Directly elected MLA from a territorial constituency is a member of the Legislative Assembly, not the Legislative Council.
The Legislative Council (upper house at the state level, where it exists) consists of:
-1/3 elected by local bodies (municipalities, district boards, etc.)
-1/12 elected by graduates
-1/12 elected by teachers
-1/3 elected by MLAs
-1/6 nominated by the Governor (usually from among experts like writers, artists, educators, etc.)
So, while graduates, nominated members, and even indirectly elected members from tribal groups may be part of the Council, directly elected territorial constituency MLAs are exclusive to the Legislative Assembly.
Q4. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the role of the Legislative Council in financial matters?
- It can vote on the demands for grants.
- It can only discuss the budget.
- It cannot amend a Money Bill.
- Its recommendations on a Money Bill are non-binding.
Correct Option: 1. It can vote on the demands for grants.
Explanation: The Legislative Council cannot vote on the demands for grants, which is the exclusive power of the Assembly. It can only discuss the budget and provide non-binding recommendations.
Q5. Why has the Legislative Council been given less power than the Rajya Sabha?
- Because it reflects the federal character of the state
- Because it consists only of nominated members
- Because it lacks representation from professionals
- Because it’s a heterogeneously elected body with limited federal significance
Correct Option: 4. Because it’s a heterogeneously elected body with limited federal significance.
Explanation: Unlike the Rajya Sabha, which represents states in the federal structure, the Legislative Council has no federal role. It is heterogeneously constituted and lacks a clear political mandate, hence given a weaker position constitutionally.