Q100. What modification was made to Article 171(1) of the Indian Constitution by the Seventh Amendment?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (14 Jun 2026, Shift 1)]
A. The term one-half was replaced by one-fourth
B. The term one-fourth was replaced by one-half
C. The term one-fourth was replaced by one-third
D. The term one-third was replaced by one-fourth
Answer: C. The term one-fourth was replaced by one-third
Explanation: The Seventh Constitutional Amendment, 1956, changed the upper limit on a State Legislative Council from one-fourth to one-third of the Assembly membership. Article 171 governs Council composition and maintains a minimum of forty members, subject to special constitutional provisions.
Q99. As per the Constitution of India, Article 182 deals with which of the following?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (27 Mar 2026, Shift 1)]
A. Composition of State Legislative Assemblies
B. Disqualification for membership
C. Special address by the Governor
D. Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the State Legislative Council
Answer: D. Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the State Legislative Council
Explanation: Article 182 provides for a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman in every State Legislative Council. The Council elects these presiding officers from among its own members. Article 178 separately provides for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Q98. According to Article 171, membership of a State Legislative Council cannot exceed what proportion of State Assembly membership?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (24 Mar 2026, Shift 1)]
A. One-half
B. Two-thirds
C. One-fourth
D. One-third
Answer: D. One-third
Explanation: Article 171 limits the size of a State Legislative Council to one-third of the membership of its Legislative Assembly. The Constitution generally fixes forty as the Council minimum. Parliament determines the actual strength of each Council through legislation.
Q97. Which body is the lower house in the State Legislature of India?
[DSSSB MTS (25 Jul 2026, Shift 2)]
A. Legislative Council
B. Legislative Assembly
C. State Cabinet
D. Governor
Answer: B. Legislative Assembly
Explanation: The Legislative Assembly, also called Vidhan Sabha, is the directly elected lower house in a bicameral state. In a unicameral state it is the only legislative chamber. Its central role includes passing laws and holding the ministry accountable.
Q96. According to Article 371F, how many members does the Sikkim Legislative Assembly have?
[DSSSB PRT (16 Feb 2026, Shift 3)]
A. 65
B. 25
C. 45
D. 32
Answer: D. 32
Explanation: Article 371F provides special constitutional arrangements for Sikkim, whose Assembly has thirty-two elected seats. This is an exception to the general minimum of sixty Assembly members set out in Article 170 for most states.
Q95. Regarding which matter are guidelines provided under Article 210 of Part VI of the Constitution?
[MP Police SI (19 Jan 2026, Shift 1)]
A. Language of the Union
B. Official language of the State
C. State Legislative Assemblies
D. Language of Parliament
Answer: B. Official language of the State
Explanation: Article 210 deals with the languages in which state legislative business may be conducted: the state official language or languages, Hindi or English, subject to constitutional qualifications. The presiding officer can permit a member to speak in their mother tongue.
Q94. Which of the following states has a bicameral legislature?
[SSC GD Constable (9 May 2026, Shift 2)]
A. Haryana
B. Rajasthan
C. Himachal Pradesh
D. Bihar
Answer: D. Bihar
Explanation: Bihar has both a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council, so its legislature is bicameral. Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh have one legislative chamber each. The creation or abolition of a Council follows the special procedure in Article 169.
Q93. Who has the power to summon or prorogue a state legislature?
[SSC GD Constable (30 Apr 2026, Shift 1)]
A. Governor
B. Speaker of the Assembly
C. Chief Minister
D. President
Answer: A. Governor
Explanation: Under Article 174, the Governor summons and prorogues the House or Houses of the State Legislature. The Governor may also dissolve the Legislative Assembly, ordinarily acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers in accordance with constitutional conventions.
Q92. Which of the following can recommend the creation of a Legislative Council in an Indian state?
[SSC CHSL Tier I (27 Nov 2025, Shift 3)]
A. Governor of the State
B. President
C. State Legislative Assembly
D. Chief Minister of the State
Answer: C. State Legislative Assembly
Explanation: Article 169 requires the Legislative Assembly to pass a special-majority resolution before Parliament can create a Council. The resolution must secure a majority of the Assembly’s total membership and at least two-thirds of members present and voting.
Q91. Which of the following states has a bicameral legislature?
[MP Police Constable (28 Nov 2025, Shift 2)]
A. Bihar
B. Haryana
C. Rajasthan
D. Himachal Pradesh
Answer: A. Bihar
Explanation: Bihar retains a Legislative Council alongside its Assembly. Its upper chamber reviews legislation and includes indirectly elected and nominated members. The remaining three states listed have unicameral legislatures and therefore no Legislative Council.
Q90. What is the maximum strength of a State Legislative Assembly?
[OSSSC CRE Prelims (10 Nov 2025, Shift 1)]
A. 500
B. 600
C. 550
D. 400
Answer: A. 500
Explanation: Article 170 sets the ordinary maximum strength of a State Legislative Assembly at five hundred members, chosen directly from territorial constituencies. The ordinary minimum is sixty, but smaller states have special statutory or constitutional exceptions.
Q89. Members of the State Legislative Assembly are elected by whom?
[OSSSC CRE Prelims (6 Nov 2025, Shift 1)]
A. President
B. Governor
C. People of the State
D. Prime Minister
Answer: C. People of the State
Explanation: Members of a State Legislative Assembly are chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies. Eligible adult voters elect one representative from each constituency. The Governor does not appoint ordinary MLAs, and Council elections use a different, largely indirect process.
Q88. The State Legislative Council, where present, acts primarily as what?
[OSSSC CRE Prelims (1 Nov 2025, Shift 3)]
A. A financial body
B. A judicial authority
C. The executive authority of the State
D. An upper house for reviewing legislation
Answer: D. An upper house for reviewing legislation
Explanation: The Legislative Council functions as a revising chamber for ordinary legislation passed by the Assembly. It may discuss, suggest changes and delay certain bills, but it cannot permanently veto an Assembly-originated ordinary bill or control the government’s survival.
Q87. How are members of the State Legislative Council selected?
[OSSSC CRE Prelims (31 Oct 2025, Shift 2)]
A. Entirely nominated by the Governor
B. Appointed by the President
C. Through a mixed method of election and nomination
D. Elected directly by the people
Answer: C. Through a mixed method of election and nomination
Explanation: Article 171 establishes a mixed system of indirect election and gubernatorial nomination. Local authorities, Assembly members, graduates and teachers elect different shares; the Governor nominates the remaining members from specified fields such as literature, science and social service.
Q86. Who dissolves the State Legislative Assembly?
[OSSSC CRE Prelims (27 Oct 2025, Shift 1)]
A. Supreme Court
B. Governor
C. Chief Minister
D. Speaker
Answer: B. Governor
Explanation: The constitutional authority to dissolve a State Legislative Assembly rests with the Governor under Article 174. The Governor ordinarily exercises this power on ministerial advice. Dissolution ends the Assembly, whereas prorogation merely ends a legislative session.
Q85. The tenure of a State Legislative Assembly is generally how long?
[OSSSC CRE Prelims (16 Oct 2025, Shift 3)]
A. Three years
B. Until the Governor decides
C. Five years
D. Six years
Answer: C. Five years
Explanation: Article 172 fixes the normal Assembly term at five years from the date appointed for its first meeting, unless dissolved sooner. Parliament may extend this term during a national emergency, subject to strict one-year and post-emergency limits.
Q84. Article 170 of the Constitution states that the State Legislative Assembly can have a maximum of how many members?
[UPSSSC PET (7 Sep 2025, Shift 1)]
A. 480
B. 530
C. 500
D. 450
E. None of the above
Answer: C. 500
Explanation: The general ceiling for the number of directly elected Assembly members is five hundred under Article 170. Parliamentary delimitation legislation determines seats and constituencies. Smaller states can have fewer than sixty members under special provisions.
Q83. Which of the following is a feature of the State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (28 Aug 2025, Shift 3)]
A. It can be dissolved like the Legislative Assembly
B. Its members are elected directly by all voters
C. It has a fixed term of five years
D. It is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved
Answer: D. It is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved
Explanation: A Legislative Council is a continuing chamber, unlike the Legislative Assembly, which can be dissolved. Its members normally serve six-year terms, with roughly one-third retiring every two years. This ensures continuity while allowing periodic renewal of membership.
Q82. Which state has a bicameral legislature?
[SSC Selection Post Graduate (31 Jul 2025, Shift 3)]
A. Tamil Nadu
B. West Bengal
C. Maharashtra
D. Gujarat
Answer: C. Maharashtra
Explanation: Maharashtra has a Vidhan Sabha and a Vidhan Parishad. Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Gujarat are unicameral. In Maharashtra, the Council acts as the upper house and includes members elected from several constituencies and nominated by the Governor.
Q81. What is the maximum number of members in a State Legislative Assembly as per the Constitution?
[SSC Selection Post Graduate (29 Jul 2025, Shift 3)]
A. 450
B. 500
C. 550
D. 600
Answer: B. 500
Explanation: The number five hundred is the constitutional upper limit for an ordinary State Legislative Assembly under Article 170. Members are elected directly. The sixty-member general lower limit is subject to exceptions created for several smaller states.
Q80. Which article of the Constitution provides for the constitution of legislatures in states?
[SSC Selection Post Matriculation (29 Jul 2025, Shift 1)]
A. Article 168
B. Article 170
C. Article 172
D. Article 174
Answer: A. Article 168
Explanation: Article 168 establishes that each state legislature includes the Governor and one or two Houses. Article 170 concerns Assembly composition, Article 172 addresses legislative duration, and Article 174 governs legislative sessions, prorogation and dissolution.
Q79. Who decides disqualification of a State Legislative Assembly member under the Anti-Defection Law?
[SSC Selection Post Graduate (26 Jul 2025, Shift 3)]
A. Chief Justice of the High Court
B. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
C. Election Commission
D. Governor
Answer: B. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Explanation: Under paragraph 6 of the Tenth Schedule, the Speaker initially decides anti-defection questions regarding Assembly members. For Legislative Council members, the Chairman is the relevant presiding officer. Such decisions remain subject to judicial review under constitutional case law.
Q78. The authority to establish or abolish Legislative Councils in states is vested in whom?
[SSC JE Mechanical (3 Dec 2025, Shift 2)]
A. Parliament
B. President of India
C. Supreme Court
D. State Governor
Answer: A. Parliament
Explanation: Parliament may enact a law creating or abolishing a Legislative Council under Article 169, following a special-majority resolution of the concerned State Assembly. The Assembly initiates the process; it cannot create the Council independently without parliamentary legislation.
Q77. The State Legislative Council can delay an ordinary bill for a maximum period of how long?
[DSSSB PGT Hindi (17 Jul 2025, Shift 1)]
A. Four months
B. Two months
C. Six months
D. Three months
Answer: A. Four months
Explanation: Under Article 197, when an ordinary bill originates in the Assembly, the Council may delay it by up to three months on first transmission and one month after the Assembly passes it again. There is no state-level joint sitting.
Q76. As of July 2024, which of the following states did not have a Legislative Council?
[DSSSB PGT Political Science (13 Jul 2025, Shift 1)]
A. Rajasthan
B. Bihar
C. Maharashtra
D. Telangana
Answer: A. Rajasthan
Explanation: Rajasthan has a Legislative Assembly but no Legislative Council. Bihar, Maharashtra and Telangana have bicameral legislatures. Even if a state proposes creating a Council, it takes the specific parliamentary law contemplated by Article 169 to establish one.
Q75. Which article tells about the constitution of the State Legislature in India?
[Punjab Police Constable (1 Jun 2025, Shift 2)]
A. Article 174
B. Article 180
C. Article 176
D. Article 168
Answer: D. Article 168
Explanation: Article 168 describes the constitution of state legislatures, including the Governor and the Assembly, with a Council where one exists. Article 170 more specifically regulates the composition and direct election of the Legislative Assembly.
Q74. Which of the following states has a bicameral legislature?
[Punjab Police Constable (15 May 2025, Shift 2)]
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Kerala
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: A. Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh has both an Assembly and a Legislative Council. Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh have only Assemblies. A bicameral state uses the Council as an additional reviewing chamber rather than as an equal controller of finance.
Q73. Which of the following lists correctly identifies the states having bicameral legislatures?
[MPSC Group B Combined Prelims (2 Feb 2025)]
A. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala
B. Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Gujarat
C. Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura
D. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: The six states listed in the correct option have Legislative Councils alongside their Assemblies. A Council is not universal across India. Article 169 makes its creation or abolition dependent on Assembly initiation followed by parliamentary law.
Q72. Which Article in the Constitution deals with the constitution of the State Legislature?
[MPSC Group B Combined Prelims (2 Feb 2025)]
A. Article 22
B. Article 168
C. Article 380
D. Article 25
Answer: B. Article 168
Explanation: Article 168 outlines the existence and structure of the State Legislature. It includes the Governor and a Legislative Assembly, plus a Legislative Council where bicameralism applies. The other listed articles address unrelated constitutional subjects.
Q71. Which article of the Constitution makes provision for the composition of the Legislative Assembly?
[MPSC Group C Prelims (1 Jun 2025)]
A. Article 170
B. Article 171
C. Article 172(4)
D. Article 173
Answer: A. Article 170
Explanation: Article 170 prescribes direct election to State Legislative Assemblies and provides a general strength between sixty and five hundred. Article 171 concerns Councils, Article 172 their duration and Article 173 the qualifications for legislative membership.
Q70. To which body is the Council of Ministers of a state collectively responsible?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (7 Aug 2025, Shift 1)]
A. President
B. Supreme Court
C. State Legislative Assembly
D. Governor
Answer: C. State Legislative Assembly
Explanation: Article 164(2) fixes the collective responsibility of the State Council of Ministers to the Legislative Assembly, not the Council. A ministry that loses the confidence of the elected Assembly cannot continue merely through support in the upper house.
Q69. The Rajya Sabha is to the Union Government as the ______ is to a bicameral State Legislature.
[RPF Constable 2024 cycle (12 Mar 2025, Shift 1)]
A. Governor’s Office
B. Chief Minister’s Office
C. State Legislative Council
D. State Legislative Assembly
Answer: C. State Legislative Council
Explanation: The State Legislative Council is the upper chamber of a bicameral state, broadly analogous to the Rajya Sabha at Union level. Both are continuing bodies, although the State Council has less power than the Assembly over ordinary legislation.
Q68. Which article specifies that the Governor can summon, prorogue and dissolve the State Legislative Assembly?
[RPF Constable 2024 cycle (11 Mar 2025, Shift 2)]
A. Article 167
B. Article 180
C. Article 174
D. Article 172
Answer: C. Article 174
Explanation: Article 174 governs calling the state legislature into session and bringing a session to an end through prorogation. It also empowers dissolution of the Assembly. A Legislative Council is a permanent chamber and is not dissolved.
Q67. The maximum strength of the State Legislative Council is fixed at what fraction of the Assembly strength?
[SSC GD Constable (25 Feb 2025, Shift 1)]
A. One-fourth
B. One-half
C. One-fifth
D. One-third
Answer: D. One-third
Explanation: Article 171 caps the size of a State Legislative Council at one-third of the strength of its Legislative Assembly. The actual membership is fixed by law. The Council normally has at least forty members, unlike its directly elected counterpart.
Q66. Which is true of speeches made by members in Parliament or a State Legislative Assembly?
[OSSC CGL Mains (30 Mar 2025)]
A. Members can be prosecuted if their speech violates a law
B. Members may face a defamation action for the speech
C. Civil compensation is available for the speech
D. Members enjoy legislative immunity for speeches in the House
Answer: D. Members enjoy legislative immunity for speeches in the House
Explanation: Article 194 protects speech and votes in the State Legislature from court proceedings, subject to constitutional provisions and House rules. This legislative privilege safeguards debate, although it does not confer unrestricted immunity for conduct outside protected proceedings.
Q65. Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in States?
[SSC GD Constable (26 Feb 2024, Shift 3)]
A. Article 161
B. Article 169
C. Article 165
D. Article 173
Answer: B. Article 169
Explanation: Article 169 authorises Parliament to establish or abolish a State Legislative Council after the Assembly passes the prescribed special-majority resolution. That resolution needs both a majority of all Assembly members and two-thirds of those present and voting.
Q64. Consider the following statements regarding state legislatures:
A. Article 210 deals with language used in the Legislature.
B. The Speaker may permit a member to address the House in their mother tongue.
C. Only the Supreme Court can inquire into the validity of legislative proceedings.
Which statements are correct?
[SSC CPO (28 Jun 2024, Shift 2)]
A. B and C only
B. A and C only
C. A and B only
D. A, B and C
Answer: C. A and B only
Explanation: Statements A and B reflect Article 210. The Speaker or Council Chairman may allow a member to speak in their mother tongue. Statement C is incorrect: Article 212 protects procedural irregularities from judicial challenge, not every possible constitutional illegality.
Q63. Which of the following Indian states has a bicameral legislature?
[SSC MTS (30 Oct 2024, Shift 2)]
A. Karnataka
B. Goa
C. West Bengal
D. Punjab
Answer: A. Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka maintains an Assembly and Legislative Council, making its legislature bicameral. Goa, West Bengal and Punjab have only Legislative Assemblies. Councils exist only in states for which the necessary parliamentary legislation establishes or preserves them.
Q62. Which Article of the Indian Constitution prescribes qualifications for membership of the State Legislature?
[SSC CPO (29 Jun 2024, Shift 2)]
A. Article 173
B. Article 179
C. Article 171
D. Article 180
Answer: A. Article 173
Explanation: Article 173 sets eligibility requirements such as Indian citizenship, the prescribed oath and the minimum age. A candidate needs twenty-five years for the Assembly and thirty years for the Council, along with any further qualifications imposed by Parliament.
Q61. Which of the following ranges of Articles of the Constitution deals with the State Legislature?
[SSC CGL (26 Sep 2024, Shift 1)]
A. Articles 214 to 231
B. Articles 168 to 212
C. Articles 243 to 243-O
D. Articles 79 to 122
Answer: B. Articles 168 to 212
Explanation: Articles 168 to 212 of Part VI contain provisions on the state legislature, including its composition, officers, sittings, lawmaking, financial procedure and privileges. The other choices concern the High Courts, panchayats and the Union Parliament respectively.
Q60. Which of the following states has a Legislative Council?
[IB ACIO Grade II (18 Jan 2024, Shift 1)]
A. Uttarakhand
B. Goa
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Punjab
Answer: C. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has a bicameral state legislature with an Assembly and Council. Uttarakhand, Goa and Punjab have no Legislative Councils. The Council is a continuing upper chamber whose powers, especially over financial bills, remain subordinate to the Assembly.
Q59. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the creation or abolition of a Legislative Council in a state?
[DSSSB Jail Warder (10 Jun 2024, Shift 1)]
A. Article 226
B. Article 169
C. Article 213
D. Article 243
Answer: B. Article 169
Explanation: Article 169 outlines how a state may move from unicameralism to bicameralism or back. The Assembly must first pass a specified resolution; Parliament then legislates. Article 226 concerns High Court writs, not the establishment of legislative chambers.
Q58. The introduction of a Money Bill in a State Legislative Assembly requires the recommendation of whom?
[SSC CGL (12 Sep 2024, Shift 2)]
A. Governor
B. Auditor General
C. Finance Minister
D. Comptroller and Auditor General
Answer: A. Governor
Explanation: Article 207 provides that a Money Bill cannot be introduced in a State Legislature without the Governor’s recommendation. Money Bills originate only in the Assembly, and the Council, if present, may merely return recommendations within fourteen days.
Q57. Which of the following is NOT a qualification for membership of the State Legislative Assembly?
[SSC CPO (28 Jun 2024, Shift 1)]
A. A person should not hold a disqualifying office of profit
B. A person must be a citizen of India
C. A person must have knowledge of politics
D. A person must have attained the age of 25 years
Answer: C. A person must have knowledge of politics
Explanation: The Constitution imposes citizenship and minimum-age requirements, while Article 191 sets out disqualifications including certain offices of profit. A special level of political knowledge is not prescribed for Assembly membership and cannot be imposed as a general constitutional eligibility test.
Q56. Which of the following statements about qualifications for becoming an MLA is INCORRECT?
[SSC Selection Post Higher Secondary (25 Jun 2024, Shift 4)]
A. The person must be registered as an elector in the relevant manner
B. The person must be at least 21 years of age
C. The person must be an Indian citizen
D. The person must not hold a disqualifying office of profit
Answer: B. The person must be at least 21 years of age
Explanation: An MLA candidate must ordinarily be at least twenty-five years old, not twenty-one. Article 173 fixes the constitutional age requirement, while election laws add electoral-roll qualifications and Article 191 specifies grounds of disqualification, including certain profitable offices.
Q55. What is the upper house of the legislature in a bicameral Indian state called?
[SSC CGL (18 Sep 2024, Shift 1)]
A. Vidhan Parishad
B. Rajya Sabha
C. Lok Sabha
D. Vidhan Sabha
Answer: A. Vidhan Parishad
Explanation: Vidhan Parishad is the common name for the State Legislative Council, the upper house. Vidhan Sabha names the State Assembly. Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are national parliamentary chambers, and must not be confused with their state-level counterparts.
Q54. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Governor’s special address to the State Legislature?
[SSC GD Constable (29 Feb 2024, Shift 2)]
A. Article 171
B. Article 175
C. Article 176
D. Article 173
Answer: C. Article 176
Explanation: Article 176 requires the Governor to address the Legislature at the start of the first session following an Assembly general election and at the first session of each year. Article 175 separately covers the Governor’s right to address or send messages.
Q53. The total number of members in a State Legislative Council cannot exceed what fraction of the Legislative Assembly membership?
[DSSSB Jail Warder (13 Jun 2024, Shift 3)]
A. Three-fourths
B. One-fifth
C. One-third
D. Two-thirds
Answer: C. One-third
Explanation: Article 171 generally caps Council membership at one-third of Assembly strength, with a normal minimum of forty. This fractional ceiling prevents the upper chamber from becoming larger than the directly elected body whose legislative and financial authority is dominant.
Q52. Which State Legislative Assembly passed a resolution in 2021 for the creation of a Legislative Council?
[SSC CGL (26 Jul 2023, Shift 3)]
A. Maharashtra
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. West Bengal
Answer: D. West Bengal
Explanation: The West Bengal Assembly adopted a resolution in 2021 supporting the revival of a Legislative Council. Such a resolution does not itself create the chamber: under Article 169, Parliament must subsequently enact the enabling law.
Q51. What is the minimum number of members generally required in a State Legislative Council?
[Delhi Police Constable (24 Nov 2023, Shift 1)]
A. 100
B. 15
C. 40
D. 60
Answer: C. 40
Explanation: Article 171 provides that a Legislative Council normally must have at least forty members. The same provision prevents its total strength from exceeding one-third of the Assembly. Some constitutional and statutory special arrangements have operated for particular territories.
Q50. Regarding which matter does a State Legislative Council have considerably less power than the Legislative Assembly?
[Punjab Police Constable (19 Aug 2023, Shift 1)]
A. Election of ministers
B. Passage of ordinary bills
C. Money Bills
D. Approval of ordinances
Answer: C. Money Bills
Explanation: A Money Bill must originate in the Assembly. The Council cannot reject or amend it and must return the Bill with any recommendations within fourteen days. The Assembly is free to accept or disregard those recommendations under Article 198.
Q49. Which of the following states had a Legislative Council as of January 2023?
[DDA Junior Engineer Civil (1 Apr 2023, Shift 2)]
A. Assam
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Rajasthan
D. Kerala
Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh is one of the states with a Legislative Council. Assam, Rajasthan and Kerala have unicameral legislatures. Article 168 recognises both arrangements, while Article 169 describes the special route for changing a state’s legislative structure.
Q48. According to Article 172(2), which of the following is not subject to dissolution?
[SSC CGL (19 Jul 2023, Shift 3)]
A. Legislative Assembly
B. Legislative Council
C. House of the People
D. Council of States
Answer: B. Legislative Council
Explanation: A State Legislative Council is a permanent house. Article 172(2) explicitly says it is not subject to dissolution and provides for roughly one-third of its members to retire every second year, unlike the State Assembly.
Q47. In a state with a bicameral legislature, where can a Money Bill be introduced?
[Bihar Teacher TRE 2.0 Political Science (15 Dec 2023)]
A. In either House
B. Only in the Legislative Assembly
C. In a joint sitting
D. Only in the Legislative Council
Answer: B. Only in the Legislative Assembly
Explanation: Money Bills can be introduced only in the Legislative Assembly, on the Governor’s recommendation. A Legislative Council has no power to initiate one. It may make nonbinding recommendations after passage, which the Assembly may accept or reject.
Q46. Consider the statements:
A. The State Legislative Council cannot exceed one-third of Assembly strength.
B. Its membership cannot be less than forty.
C. Five-sixths are generally indirectly elected and one-sixth nominated.
D. The Governor’s Council nominations can always be challenged in court.
Which statements are correct?
[SSC CGL (19 Jul 2023, Shift 1)]
A. B, C and D
B. A, B and C
C. A, B, C and D
D. A, B and D
Answer: B. A, B and C
Explanation: Article 171 supplies the membership limits and the mixed electoral-nomination scheme. The Governor nominates roughly one-sixth from prescribed fields. The broad claim about always challenging appointments is not a constitutional rule, so A, B and C are correct.
Q45. What is the normal term of a State Legislative Assembly?
[SSC MTS (14 Jun 2023, Shift 2)]
A. Three years
B. Four years
C. Seven years
D. Five years
Answer: D. Five years
Explanation: The Assembly normally continues for five years from its first meeting, unless dissolved sooner. Article 172 permits limited parliamentary extensions while a national emergency operates. State Councils, by contrast, are continuing institutions with staggered retirement.
Q44. A State Legislative Council cannot be larger than what fraction of the strength of its Assembly?
[SSC GD Constable (2022 cycle; 13 Feb 2023, Shift 1)]
A. One-eighth
B. One-tenth
C. One-sixth
D. One-third
Answer: D. One-third
Explanation: The upper limit of one-third is set by Article 171. The Legislative Council is not directly elected as a whole: different categories of electors return members, while the Governor nominates a fraction from specified areas of public achievement.
Q43. A Money Bill may be introduced in the State Legislative Assembly only on whose recommendation?
[SSC MTS (5 Sep 2023, Shift 1)]
A. Speaker
B. Chief Minister
C. Governor
D. Advocate General
Answer: C. Governor
Explanation: The Governor’s prior recommendation is necessary for introducing a State Money Bill, as required under Article 207. The Speaker has a distinct role: deciding whether a particular bill is a Money Bill under Article 199.
Q42. Which is the lower house of a bicameral State Legislature?
[SSC GD Constable (2022 cycle; 13 Feb 2023, Shift 4)]
A. Vidhan Parishad
B. Vidhan Sabha
C. Lok Sabha
D. Rajya Sabha
Answer: B. Vidhan Sabha
Explanation: The Vidhan Sabha or Legislative Assembly is the directly elected lower house in a bicameral state. It controls the ministry through collective responsibility and has primacy over financial legislation. The Vidhan Parishad is the upper reviewing chamber.
Q41. Consider these statements:
A. Parliament can abolish an existing State Legislative Council.
B. The State Legislative Assembly has no role in the abolition.
Which option is correct?
[KVS PGT English (23 Feb 2023, Shift 1)]
A. A is true but B is false
B. A is false but B is true
C. Both A and B are true
D. Neither A nor B is true
Answer: A. A is true but B is false
Explanation: Parliament can abolish a Council under Article 169, but only after the concerned State Legislative Assembly passes the necessary special-majority resolution. Thus the Assembly has an essential initiating role, and saying it has none is incorrect.
Q40. Consider the statements about a State Legislative Council:
(a) It is a permanent House.
(b) The Governor is its ex-officio Chairman.
(c) Except nominated members, its members are elected indirectly.
Which statements are correct?
[MPSC Rajyaseva Prelims (23 Jan 2022)]
A. (a) and (b)
B. (b) and (c)
C. (a) and (c)
D. None of the above
Answer: C. (a) and (c)
Explanation: The Council is a permanent House under Article 172. The Council itself elects its Chairman from among its members under Article 182; the Governor is not the presiding officer. Most Council members are indirectly elected, with one-sixth nominated.
Q39. Under which Article can Parliament create or abolish a State Legislative Council?
[RSMSSB Junior Engineer E&M Degree (20 May 2022, Shift 1)]
A. Article 168
B. Article 169
C. Article 170
D. Article 171
Answer: B. Article 169
Explanation: Article 169 empowers Parliament to create or abolish a Legislative Council after the relevant Assembly passes a special-majority resolution. Article 168 describes the state legislature; Articles 170 and 171 address the composition of the Assembly and Council.
Q38. Which of the following is NOT a power or function of the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly?
[SSC CPO (10 Nov 2022, Shift 1)]
A. Maintaining discipline and order in the House
B. Deciding whether a bill is a Money Bill
C. Summoning a joint sitting of both Houses to resolve a deadlock
D. Adjourning the House in the absence of quorum
Answer: C. Summoning a joint sitting of both Houses to resolve a deadlock
Explanation: There is no provision for a joint sitting of a State Assembly and Council to resolve a legislative deadlock. The Speaker presides over the Assembly, regulates proceedings and certifies Money Bills; the Assembly ultimately prevails under Article 197.
Q37. Which Article empowers Parliament to create or abolish a Legislative Council in a state?
[MPSC Rajyaseva Prelims (21 Aug 2022)]
A. Article 168
B. Article 167
C. Article 166
D. Article 169
Answer: D. Article 169
Explanation: The special mechanism appears in Article 169. The concerned Assembly must pass the requisite resolution before Parliament makes the law. Such a law may contain necessary supplemental and consequential provisions and is not treated as an Article 368 amendment.
Q36. Which of the following states had a bicameral legislature as of 10 April 2022?
[SSC Stenographer (17 Nov 2022, Shift 2)]
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Rajasthan
D. Kerala
Answer: A. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has both an Assembly and a Legislative Council. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala have unicameral state legislatures. A Council’s existence depends on the legislative arrangements established under the Constitution and parliamentary law.
Q35. Which of these Indian states has a bicameral state legislature?
[Odisha Police SI (30 Oct 2022)]
A. Kerala
B. Rajasthan
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Bihar
Answer: D. Bihar
Explanation: Bihar has a Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad. Kerala, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu have only Legislative Assemblies. A state Council is the secondary chamber and cannot exercise the same financial control or confidence powers as an Assembly.
Q34. In which of the following states does a Legislative Council exist?
[UPSSSC PET (16 Oct 2022)]
A. Jharkhand
B. Karnataka
C. Odisha
D. Gujarat
Answer: B. Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka operates a bicameral legislature. Jharkhand, Odisha and Gujarat do not have Legislative Councils. Karnataka Council members are chosen through several electoral colleges or by nomination, rather than through one statewide direct popular election.
Q33. Match the constitutional Articles with their subjects:
(a) State Legislature,
(b) Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Assembly,
(c) Salaries of members,
(d) Definition of Money Bills;
with
(i) 178,
(ii) 199,
(iii) 168,
(iv) 195.
Choose the correct sequence.
[CGPSC State Service Prelims 2021 (held 13 Feb 2022)]
A. (a)-(i), (b)-(ii), (c)-(iii), (d)-(iv)
B. (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii)
C. (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii)
D. (a)-(ii), (b)-(iii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iv)
Answer: C. (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii)
Explanation: Article 168 establishes the State Legislature; Article 178 creates the Speaker and Deputy Speaker offices; Article 195 concerns legislative members’ salaries and allowances; Article 199 defines Money Bills. Reading their distinct functions prevents confusion among nearby Part VI provisions.
Q32. What is the minimum age for membership of the State Legislative Assembly?
[OSSC CGL Prelims (19 Oct 2022)]
A. 30 years
B. 50 years
C. 35 years
D. 25 years
Answer: D. 25 years
Explanation: Article 173 requires an Assembly candidate to be at least twenty-five years old. A Legislative Council candidate must be at least thirty. Other requirements include Indian citizenship, the prescribed oath and further qualifications fixed by parliamentary law.
Q31. Which of the following states has a Legislative Council?
[SSC MTS 2020 cycle (18 Oct 2021, Shift 2)]
A. West Bengal
B. Gujarat
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: C. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has an upper chamber called Vidhan Parishad. West Bengal, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have no operative Council. The West Bengal Assembly proposed revival in 2021, but a state resolution alone does not establish one.
Q30. How many Indian states had Legislative Councils as of January 2021?
[SSC CHSL 2020 cycle (16 Apr 2021, Shift 1)]
A. Five
B. Eight
C. Seven
D. Six
Answer: D. Six
Explanation: Six states had Councils in early 2021: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The number can change only through the constitutional process. Councils are optional rather than mandatory features of state legislatures.
Q29. After how many years does approximately one-third of a State Legislative Council retire?
[SSC CHSL 2020 cycle (6 Aug 2021, Shift 1)]
A. Three years
B. One year
C. Two years
D. Four years
Answer: C. Two years
Explanation: Under Article 172(2), about one-third of a Council’s members retire every second year. An individual member normally serves six years, allowing staggered terms. The Council itself is continuous and cannot be dissolved like the Legislative Assembly.
Q28. Which of these states has the largest number of Legislative Assembly seats?
[SSC MTS 2020 cycle (13 Oct 2021, Shift 2)]
A. Rajasthan
B. Maharashtra
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: C. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has 403 elected Assembly seats, exceeding Maharashtra’s 288, Madhya Pradesh’s 230 and Rajasthan’s 200. Seat strength is fixed under the constitutional and statutory delimitation framework. Assembly membership is determined through direct elections.
Q27. Which Article provides for the abolition and creation of Legislative Councils in states?
[UP Junior Aided Teacher (2021)]
A. Article 171
B. Article 168
C. Article 170
D. Article 169
Answer: D. Article 169
Explanation: Article 169 deals with both the creation and abolition of Councils. The state Assembly must support the proposal using a constitutionally prescribed special majority, following which Parliament may pass the necessary law. The Council cannot abolish itself unilaterally.
Q26. Consider the statements about bills in a bicameral state:
(a) Every bill may originate in either House.
(b) Deadlocks are resolved by a joint sitting.
(c) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have reserved seats in both Houses.
Which statements are correct?
[MPSC Subordinate Services Mains PSI (2021)]
A. Only (a)
B. Only (b)
C. (a) and (c)
D. None of the above
Answer: D. None of the above
Explanation: Money Bills cannot originate in the Council, making (a) false. There is no joint sitting between the two state Houses, making (b) false. Constitutional reservation of Assembly seats does not extend in the same manner to Councils.
Q25. Which of the following states did not hold Assembly elections in the March–April 2021 round?
[RRB NTPC CBT-I (24 Jul 2021, Shift 2)]
A. Kerala
B. West Bengal
C. Manipur
D. Assam
Answer: C. Manipur
Explanation: Kerala, West Bengal and Assam held Assembly elections during the 2021 spring electoral cycle. Manipur did not; its next Assembly election occurred in 2022. The question tests the timing of elections to directly elected State Legislative Assemblies.
Q24. A State Legislative Council can have a maximum membership equal to what fraction of the State Assembly?
[Karnataka Police Sub-Inspector (19 Jan 2020)]
A. One-third
B. Two-thirds
C. One-half
D. One-fourth
Answer: A. One-third
Explanation: The constitutional Council ceiling is one-third of the State Assembly strength under Article 171, and the normal minimum is forty members. The upper house consequently remains smaller than the popularly elected chamber and has more limited powers.
Q23. Which statement correctly states the general size of a State Legislative Council?
[Karnataka Civil Police Constable (27 Jan 2019)]
A. Not more than half of Assembly strength
B. Not more than one-third of Assembly strength and not fewer than forty members
C. Not more than one-fourth of Assembly strength and not fewer than forty members
D. None of the above
Answer: B. Not more than one-third of Assembly strength and not fewer than forty members
Explanation: Article 171 sets two simultaneous general conditions: the upper house must not exceed one-third of Assembly strength and must have at least forty members. Parliament determines the precise size by law within those limits, subject to exceptions.
Q22. What happens when the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council disagree over an ordinary bill that originated in the Assembly?
[APPSC Group 1 Prelims 2018 (held in 2019)]
A. The bill is permanently blocked
B. A joint sitting must be called
C. The Council can delay but cannot permanently prevent its passage
D. The Council has the same legislative veto as the Rajya Sabha
Answer: C. The Council can delay but cannot permanently prevent its passage
Explanation: Article 197 provides successive opportunities for the Council to consider an Assembly-originated ordinary bill. The Council’s resistance can delay passage by up to three months and then one month, but the Assembly ultimately has final authority.
Q21. Which statements about the legislative process are correct?
(i) An ordinary bill may originate in either House.
(ii) The Council may delay an Assembly bill for three months at the first stage.
(iii) At the second stage the Council may delay it fifteen days.
(iv) The Council may hold a Money Bill for twenty days.
[Telangana Police Sub-Inspector Mains (2018)]
A. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
B. (i) and (ii) only
C. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
D. (i), (ii) and (iv) only
Answer: B. (i) and (ii) only
Explanation: An ordinary bill may start in either chamber, and the Council’s first delay on an Assembly bill may reach three months. At the second stage the limit is one month, not fifteen days; the Money Bill limit is fourteen days.
Q20. A person who becomes a State Minister without being a member of the legislature must become a member within what period?
[RSMSSB Physical Training Instructor (2018)]
A. Six months
B. One year
C. Three months
D. Two years
Answer: A. Six months
Explanation: Article 164(4) permits a minister to hold office without legislative membership for six consecutive months. If they do not become a member of either state House during that period, they cease to be a minister automatically.
Q19. If an ordinary bill originating in a State Legislative Council is rejected by the Assembly, what follows?
[APPSC Group 2 Prelims (11 Jun 2017)]
A. A joint sitting is called
B. The Council may send the bill directly to the Governor
C. The bill is automatically referred to Parliament
D. The bill comes to an end
Answer: D. The bill comes to an end
Explanation: An ordinary bill introduced in the Council requires Assembly approval to become law. If the Assembly rejects it, the Council cannot force its passage. The Constitution provides no state-level joint sitting to override the directly elected Assembly.
Q18. What is the normal tenure of a member of a State Legislative Council?
[Rajasthan Jail Prahari (1 Sep 2017, Shift 3)]
A. Three years
B. Four years
C. Six years
D. Five years
Answer: C. Six years
Explanation: A Council member ordinarily holds office for six years. Approximately one-third retire every two years under Article 172(2). The staggered cycle is essential to making the Council a continuing body, unlike the Assembly’s usual five-year term.
Q17. What is the minimum age to become a member of a State Legislative Council?
[Rajasthan Jail Prahari (3 Sep 2017, Shift 2)]
A. 35 years
B. 25 years
C. 30 years
D. 21 years
Answer: C. 30 years
Explanation: Article 173 fixes a thirty-year age minimum for Council membership. The corresponding minimum for the Legislative Assembly is twenty-five. Both also require Indian citizenship and compliance with the Constitution’s oath and statutory qualification rules.
Q16. The strength of a State Legislative Council cannot exceed what portion of the Assembly strength?
[Andhra Pradesh Police Constable Mains (22 Jan 2017)]
A. One-half
B. Two-thirds
C. One-third
D. One-fourth
Answer: C. One-third
Explanation: Article 171 specifies a ceiling of one-third of Assembly strength for a State Legislative Council. It also generally requires at least forty Council members. The combination is designed for a smaller revising chamber rather than a duplicate Assembly.
Q15. Which of the following states has a Legislative Council?
[Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test, Paper I (2016)]
A. Odisha
B. Bihar
C. Assam
D. Rajasthan
Answer: B. Bihar
Explanation: Bihar possesses a Legislative Council as well as a Legislative Assembly. Odisha, Assam and Rajasthan have only Legislative Assemblies. A legislative council exists only where enabled by the state-specific parliamentary legal framework under Article 169.
Q14. Consider statements about the State Legislative Assembly:
(i) Its normal tenure is five years.
(ii) The Chief Minister presides over its sittings.
(iii) Its members are directly elected.
(iv) The Governor may dissolve it.
Which are correct?
[Rajasthan Gram Sevak (18 Dec 2016)]
A. (i), (ii) and (iv)
B. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
C. (i), (iii) and (iv)
D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer: C. (i), (iii) and (iv)
Explanation: The Assembly normally lasts five years, its members are directly elected, and the Governor has the constitutional dissolution power. The Speaker—not the Chief Minister—presides over its proceedings under Article 178, so statement (ii) is false.
Q13. Which of the following states does NOT have a Legislative Council?
[UKPSC Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer (2016)]
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Maharashtra
C. Karnataka
D. Uttarakhand
Answer: D. Uttarakhand
Explanation: Uttarakhand has a unicameral legislature consisting of the Governor and Legislative Assembly. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka also possess Legislative Councils. State councils perform a revising role but cannot decide whether the elected ministry retains Assembly confidence.
Q12. Consider the statements:
1. The Governor nominates one-sixth of the members of a State Legislative Council.
2. The Governor nominates two Anglo-Indian members to the State Legislative Assembly.
Which is correct?
[UPSSSC Lower Subordinate Services (26 Jun 2016)]
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A. Only 1
Explanation: Article 171 provides that roughly one-sixth of Council members are nominated by the Governor. Statement 2 was incorrect even under the rules then in force: the former state Assembly Anglo-Indian nomination provision concerned one member, not two.
Q11. Who has the constitutional authority to dissolve a State Legislative Assembly before the expiry of its five-year term?
[HSSC Trained Graduate Teacher Science (7 Feb 2016)]
A. Speaker of the Assembly
B. Chief Minister
C. Governor
D. Two-thirds of Assembly members
Answer: C. Governor
Explanation: Article 174 empowers the Governor to dissolve the Assembly before its normal term expires, ordinarily on the constitutional advice of the Council of Ministers. The Speaker runs legislative proceedings but does not exercise the dissolution power.
Q10. The upper House of the State Legislature is called what?
[WBCS Preliminary Examination (2015)]
A. Lok Sabha
B. Rajya Sabha
C. Vidhan Sabha
D. Vidhan Parishad
Answer: D. Vidhan Parishad
Explanation: The upper chamber of a bicameral State Legislature is the Vidhan Parishad or Legislative Council. The Vidhan Sabha is the elected lower chamber. The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha belong to Parliament at Union level.
Q9. How many Indian states had bicameral legislatures in 2015?
[RPSC Second Grade Teacher (2015)]
A. Five
B. Six
C. Seven
D. Eight
Answer: B. Six
Explanation: In 2015 six Indian states had Legislative Councils alongside their Assemblies. Telangana, formed in 2014, had joined the bicameral group. The number is historically specific because Parliament may create or abolish Councils following Article 169.
Q8. What is the normal term of a member of the State Legislative Council?
[Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Clerk (2015)]
A. Five years
B. Six years
C. Two-and-a-half years
D. Four years
Answer: B. Six years
Explanation: Legislative Council members ordinarily serve six years, and one-third retire every two years. This arrangement ensures continuity despite changes in the Assembly and executive. A Council itself does not come to an end after six years.
Q7. Which of these states has a unicameral legislature?
[Allahabad High Court Group C (18 Oct 2014)]
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Bihar
C. West Bengal
D. Karnataka
Answer: C. West Bengal
Explanation: West Bengal has a Legislative Assembly but no Legislative Council, making its legislature unicameral. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka maintain both chambers. Bengal’s former Legislative Council was abolished in 1969 through parliamentary legislation.
Q6. Which Article of the Constitution describes the composition of State Legislative Councils?
[MPPSC State Service General Studies (2014)]
A. Article 170
B. Article 171
C. Article 172
D. Article 173
Answer: B. Article 171
Explanation: Article 171 describes the Council’s permitted size and its mixed electoral and nominated membership. Article 170 concerns the Assembly, Article 172 the duration of legislatures, and Article 173 qualifications of state legislators.
Q5. What is included in the State Legislature under the Indian Constitution?
[Rajasthan Third Grade Teacher (2013)]
A. Only the Legislative Assembly
B. Only the Legislative Council
C. The Assembly and Council but not the Governor
D. The Governor and the House or Houses of the State Legislature
Answer: D. The Governor and the House or Houses of the State Legislature
Explanation: Article 168 makes the Governor a constituent part of the state legislature along with the Assembly and, where it exists, the Legislative Council. This constitutional composition does not imply the Governor sits or votes as a legislator.
Q4. What is the strength of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly?
[MPPSC State Service Prelims (2013)]
A. 230
B. 232
C. 225
D. 216
Answer: A. 230
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has 230 elected Assembly constituencies. Each returns an MLA by direct election. The Assembly exercises the state’s principal legislative and financial powers and holds the Council of Ministers politically responsible through confidence procedures.
Q3. What proportion of State Legislative Council members is nominated by the Governor?
[IB ACIO Grade II (23 Sep 2012)]
A. One-third
B. One-sixth
C. One-twelfth
D. One-fourth
Answer: B. One-sixth
Explanation: About one-sixth of a State Council is nominated by the Governor under Article 171. The nominees are selected from persons with special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, cooperation and social service.
Q2. Which of the following states did NOT have a bicameral legislature in 2012?
[IB ACIO Grade II (23 Sep 2012)]
A. Bihar
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Maharashtra
Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh had only a Legislative Assembly, whereas Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra also had Legislative Councils. The answer relies on the institutions existing in 2012, not on a uniform requirement that every state maintain an upper house.
Q1. Under the Constitution, the membership of a proposed Legislative Council in Rajasthan could not exceed which fraction of the Legislative Assembly strength?
[RSMSSB Physical Training Instructor (2011)]
A. Between forty and sixty percent
B. One-fourth
C. One-third
D. One-half
Answer: C. One-third
Explanation: Article 171 caps a proposed State Council at one-third of the Assembly’s strength, subject to its general forty-member minimum. Rajasthan has considered proposals for a Council, but constitutional eligibility to create one does not establish it automatically.