Extra 15 important long questions and answers from the chapter State Executive for Class 11 Political Science

1. Q: Discuss the powers and functions of the Governor in India.

A:
The Governor of a state holds several important powers and functions:

Executive Powers:

The Governor appoints the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, and other key officials in the state.

Legislative Powers:

The Governor summons and prorogues the sessions of the state legislature and dissolves the Legislative Assembly.

Judicial Powers:

The Governor has the power to grant pardons and reprieves, and he/she can commute sentences.

Financial Powers:

The Governor approves the state’s annual budget and can recommend financial allocations.

Discretionary Powers:

The Governor can act independently, especially when the Chief Minister’s advice is unclear or when a political crisis arises.

Emergency Powers:

The Governor plays a crucial role in the imposition of

President’s Rule

when the government in the state is not functioning as per the Constitution.

 

2. Q: Explain the role and powers of the Chief Minister in the State Executive.

A:
The Chief Minister (CM) plays a key role in the State Executive:

Head of Government:

The CM is the leader of the state government and exercises executive authority.

Appointment of Ministers:

The CM appoints other ministers and assigns them specific portfolios.

Policy Formation:

The CM helps in formulating state policies and decisions related to administration.

Chairing Cabinet Meetings:

The CM presides over meetings of the

Council of Ministers

and ensures the implementation of decisions.

Advisor to the Governor:

The CM acts as an advisor to the

Governor

and informs him of the decisions of the Cabinet.

Key Role in Legislation:

The CM is responsible for introducing important bills in the state legislature.

 

3. Q: Discuss the relationship between the Governor and the Chief Minister.

A:
The Governor and Chief Minister share a dynamic and sometimes complex relationship:

Constitutional Role of Governor:

The Governor represents the President and performs constitutional functions.

Chief Minister’s Role:

The CM heads the state’s government, making key decisions for the state’s administration.

Governor's Discretionary Powers:

The Governor can act independently, particularly in case of a political crisis, such as when there is no clear majority for forming a government.

Governor’s Role in Appointments:

The Governor appoints the Chief Minister, who must have the majority support in the legislature.

Cabinet's Responsibility:

The Governor is constitutionally required to act on the advice of the CM and the Council of Ministers.

Governor's Power to Dissolve the Assembly:

The Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly if the Chief Minister loses the confidence of the House.

 

4. Q: Explain the role of the Council of Ministers in the State Executive.

A:
The Council of Ministers assists the Chief Minister in carrying out executive functions:

Collective Responsibility:

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly for all its decisions and actions.

Formulation of Policies:

The Council of Ministers helps in formulating state policies and decisions on various matters.

Cabinet's Role:

The CM chairs the meetings of the Council, and all decisions are taken collectively.

Coordination Between Ministries:

The Council ensures proper coordination among different state ministries.

Implementation of Government Decisions:

The Council of Ministers ensures that the policies and decisions of the government are implemented effectively.

Advising the Governor:

The Council advises the Governor on various issues, including the summoning of the legislature and the formulation of laws.

 

5. Q: What are the discretionary powers of the Governor?

A:
The discretionary powers of the Governor are those that can be exercised independently of the advice of the Council of Ministers:

Appointment of Chief Minister:

If no party has a clear majority, the Governor can use discretion to appoint the Chief Minister.

Dissolution of Assembly:

The Governor can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly if advised by the Chief Minister or if no party is in power.

Reservation of Bills for President's Approval:

The Governor can reserve certain bills for the

President's

consideration, especially those concerning the relations between the states and the Union.

Power to Act in a State Emergency:

The Governor has a role in recommending the imposition of

President’s Rule

when the government in the state cannot function.

Contingency Measures:

The Governor can take emergency measures in the event of internal disturbances or breakdowns in governance.

Independent Action in a Hung Assembly:

In a situation where no party has a majority, the Governor may use their discretion to form a government.

 

6. Q: What is the process of the appointment of the Chief Minister?

A:
The process of appointing a Chief Minister is outlined as follows:

Governor’s Appointment:

The

Governor

appoints the CM, typically from the party or coalition that commands a majority in the State Legislative Assembly.

Proving Majority:

The Chief Minister must prove their majority by a vote of confidence in the Assembly within a stipulated time.

Formation of Council of Ministers:

The CM is responsible for appointing other ministers, including cabinet ministers and ministers of state.

Oath of Office:

The appointed CM and other ministers take an oath before the Governor.

First Cabinet Meeting:

The CM then convenes the first meeting of the Council of Ministers to discuss policies.

Governor’s Role:

The Governor ensures the CM’s appointment aligns with the constitution.

 

7. Q: Discuss the legislative powers of the Governor.

A:
The Governor has several legislative powers as outlined in the Constitution:

Summoning and Proroguing:

The Governor can summon and prorogue the sessions of the State Legislature.

Dissolution of the Assembly:

The Governor has the power to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly when advised by the Chief Minister.

Assent to Bills:

The Governor must give assent to bills passed by the State Legislature for them to become law.

Reserving Bills:

The Governor can reserve certain bills for the President's approval, especially if they concern Union-State relations.

Promulgation of Ordinances:

The Governor can promulgate ordinances when the State Legislature is not in session, with the same force as laws.

Power to Recommend Laws:

The Governor can recommend laws on subjects listed in the State List to the legislature.

 

8. Q: Explain the judicial powers of the Governor.

A:
The Governor holds some judicial powers that are important for the state governance:

Appointment of Judges:

The Governor appoints judges to the High Courts in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

Pardon, Reprieve, and Commutation:

The Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, or commutations in criminal cases.

Advisory Role in Pardons:

The Governor advises the President on the granting of pardons in cases related to criminal law.

Judicial Review:

The Governor ensures that the state's laws are in compliance with the Constitution through the judicial system.

Grant of Bail:

In certain cases, the Governor has the power to grant bail or mitigate penalties under special circumstances.

 

9. Q: Discuss the financial powers of the Governor.

A:
The Governor has certain financial powers that play a crucial role in state administration:

State Budget Approval:

The Governor is required to address the State Legislative Assembly to approve the annual budget.

Money Bills:

No money bill can be introduced in the State Legislature without the Governor’s recommendation.

Contingency Fund:

The Governor administers the Contingency Fund of the state, which is used in emergency situations.

Allocating Funds to Ministries:

The Governor plays a role in ensuring the efficient allocation of funds for the state ministries.

Audit of Financial Accounts:

The Governor can advise the state legislature on financial matters and the efficiency of budget utilization.

Approval of Loans:

The Governor ensures that loans and financial borrowings by the state are properly authorized.

 

10. Q: What is the role of the Deputy Chief Minister?

A:
The Deputy Chief Minister assists the Chief Minister in the administration and governance:

Assistance to CM:

The Deputy CM helps in carrying out the Chief Minister’s duties, especially when the CM is unavailable.

In Charge of Specific Ministries:

The Deputy CM is often given charge of important portfolios like finance or education.

Cabinet Meetings:

The Deputy CM attends all Cabinet meetings and represents the CM’s views when necessary.

Support in Decision Making:

They play a crucial role in supporting the CM in decision-making and policy formulation.

Acting as CM:

In the absence of the CM, the Deputy CM can sometimes act as the Chief Minister.

 

11. Q: Discuss the concept of collective responsibility in the State Executive.

A:
The principle of collective responsibility implies that the Council of Ministers, headed by the Chief Minister, is responsible for all actions and policies of the state government:

Joint Accountability:

The entire Cabinet is collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly.

Resignation on No Confidence:

If the Assembly passes a vote of no-confidence against the Cabinet, all ministers, including the CM, must resign.

Collective Decision Making:

All decisions are made collectively in the Cabinet, ensuring that no minister can act independently.

No Ministerial Independence:

No minister can claim responsibility for their individual actions; all are jointly accountable.

Support of Majority in Assembly:

The Council of Ministers must have the support of the majority in the legislative assembly to remain in power.

 

12. Q: What is the role of the State Legislature in the State Executive?

A:
The State Legislature plays a vital role in overseeing the functioning of the State Executive:

Passing Laws:

The Legislature passes laws that guide the executive’s actions and policies.

Control Over Finance:

The legislature controls the state’s finances by approving the budget.

Scrutinizing Government Actions:

The legislature holds debates and discussions on the government’s policies and actions.

Providing Accountability:

Through questions, motions, and committees, the legislature ensures that the executive is accountable.

Dissolution of the Assembly:

The Governor, on the advice of the Chief Minister, can dissolve the Legislative Assembly, leading to new elections.

 

13. Q: What are the functions of the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly?

A:
The Speaker plays a critical role in the State Legislative Assembly:

Maintaining Order:

The Speaker maintains order in the Assembly and ensures smooth conduct of business.

Deciding on Points of Order:

The Speaker resolves disputes over points of order and questions of procedure.

Controlling Debates:

The Speaker gives permission to members to speak during debates and ensures that debates follow rules.

Casting Vote:

In case of a tie in voting, the Speaker exercises a casting vote.

Referring Bills to Committees:

The Speaker refers bills to relevant committees for detailed examination.

Ensuring Discipline:

The Speaker ensures that members of the Assembly adhere to the rules of conduct.

 

14. Q: What is the significance of the Chief Minister’s resignation?

A:
The resignation of the Chief Minister has significant political implications:

Loss of Majority:

If the Chief Minister resigns, it indicates a loss of majority or confidence in the legislature.

Formation of New Government:

The resignation often leads to the formation of a new government, either through new elections or by appointing a new CM from the existing legislature.

Impact on Governance:

The resignation can disrupt the governance and may lead to administrative and policy uncertainties.

Political Crisis:

The resignation can lead to a political crisis, particularly if no clear alternative majority is available.

 

15. Q: Explain the role of the State Executive during a State Emergency.

A:
In case of a State Emergency, the State Executive plays a crucial role:

Recommendation to President:

The Governor plays a pivotal role in advising the President to impose

President’s Rule

in the state.

Suspension of State Government:

A State Emergency allows for the suspension of the state’s government, with the central government assuming control.

Dissolution of Legislative Assembly:

The Governor may dissolve the State Legislative Assembly and suspend its functions.

Central Control Over Administration:

The Central Government takes direct control of the state’s administration, including the deployment of security forces.

Restoration of Normalcy:

The State Executive, under the Governor’s supervision, works with the

Center

to restore normalcy and reinstate the state government.