Q30. Which institution advises the Governor on principles governing taxes and duties assignable to Panchayats?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2010]
(A) State Finance Commission
(B) State Election Commission
(C) Inter-State Council
(D) Finance Commission of India
Answer: (A) State Finance Commission
Explanation: Article 243-I establishes a State Finance Commission constituted by the Governor. It recommends principles for distribution and assignment of State taxes, duties and fees and measures for improving Panchayat finances.
Q29. Which statement about Governors exercising administrative functions over Union Territories was correct at the time of the exam?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2009]
(A) Punjab Governor served as Chandigarh administrator; Kerala Governor did not administer Lakshadweep
(B) Both Punjab and Kerala Governors administered these territories
(C) Only Kerala Governor administered Lakshadweep
(D) Neither Governor had any such role
Answer: (A) Punjab Governor served as Chandigarh administrator; Kerala Governor did not administer Lakshadweep
Explanation: The Governor of Punjab also served as Administrator of Chandigarh at the relevant historical time. Lakshadweep had a separately appointed Administrator, rather than the Kerala Governor. Union Territory administration derives from presidential arrangements under Article 239.
Q28. Which duties may allow the Governor to act independently:
(1) seeking a floor test;
(2) dismissal after loss of majority;
(3) reserving a Bill;
(4) return of an eligible Bill;
(5) advisory opinion of High Court?
[UPPCS Prelims 2009]
(A) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(B) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(C) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(D) All five
Answer: (A) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: A Governor may exercise constitutionally limited judgment in crises over majority, ministry dismissal and reserved Bills. Governors cannot simply demand advisory opinions from a High Court; that special reference power belongs to the President before the Supreme Court.
Q27. For which office does the Indian Constitution have no impeachment mechanism?
[UPPCS Mains 2009]
(A) President
(B) Governor
(C) Chief Justice of India
(D) Vice-President
Answer: (B) Governor
Explanation: Article 156 places Governors in office during the President’s pleasure. The Constitution prescribes impeachment for the President, but not for Governors. The Governor’s tenure and removal mechanisms must not be confused with those of judges.
Q26. Who was the first woman State Governor after India attained independence?
[SSC CPO Sub-Inspector 2009]
(A) Sarojini Naidu
(B) Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
(C) Sucheta Kripalani
(D) Indira Gandhi
Answer: (A) Sarojini Naidu
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu became Governor of the United Provinces in August 1947. A freedom fighter and poet, she was the pioneering woman holder of a gubernatorial office in independent India.
Q25. Within what period after legislative reassembly must a Governor’s ordinance ordinarily be approved if it is to continue?
[TNPSC Prelims 2009]
(A) Two weeks
(B) Four weeks
(C) Six weeks
(D) Six months
Answer: (C) Six weeks
Explanation: Article 213 provides that an ordinance ordinarily ceases six weeks after the State Legislature reassembles unless replaced or acted upon as provided. In a bicameral State, specific timing rules apply if Houses resume on different dates.
Q24. The Governor’s ordinance-making power is subject to subsequent approval by which institution?
[UPPCS Special Mains 2008]
(A) President in every case
(B) State Legislature
(C) State Council of Ministers alone
(D) No authority
Answer: (B) State Legislature
Explanation: An ordinance under Article 213 is a temporary law subject to State legislative control. It must be laid before the legislature and lapses under the constitutional time rules unless legislation regularises it.
Q23. Which Article vests State executive power in the Governor?
[WBPSC Prelims 2007]
(A) Article 153
(B) Article 154
(C) Article 155
(D) Article 156
Answer: (B) Article 154
Explanation: Under Article 154, executive power of a State is vested in the Governor. Article 163 provides the ministerial advisory arrangement through which that formal power is ordinarily exercised in practice.
Q22. Which Governor actions may involve independent judgment:
(1) floor test,
(2) dismissal of ministry lacking majority,
(3) reservation of Bill,
(4) returning an eligible Bill,
(5) seeking High Court advisory opinion?
[UPPCS Mains 2006]
(A) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(B) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(C) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(D) All five
Answer: (A) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: The first four situations can raise limited questions of constitutional discretion depending on the facts and governing law. A Governor, however, cannot refer abstract questions for a High Court advisory opinion as the President may under Article 143.
Q21. Which office continues subject to the President’s pleasure?
[MPPSC Prelims 2006]
(A) Governor
(B) Election Commissioner
(C) Supreme Court Judge
(D) Lok Sabha Speaker
Answer: (A) Governor
Explanation: Article 156(1) states that the Governor holds office during the President’s pleasure. Judges and constitutional electoral authorities enjoy different safeguards, while Speakers hold their office under legislative provisions.
