AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 6 State Executive

Students must practice these AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Important Questions 6th Lesson State Executive to boost their exam preparation.

AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Important Questions 6th Lesson State Executive

Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Discuss the powers and functions of the Governor.
Answer:
Introduction:
The administration of a State is carried on in the name of the Governor. The Executive powers of the State are vested in the Governor.

Powers and functions of the Governor:
The Governor exercises six important powers and functions. They are explained as follows.

i) Executive Powers and Functions:

The Governor appoints, the Chief Minister and the members of the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
He allocates Portfolios among the ministers and reshuffles their portfolios.
He removes the Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
He appoints the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities in the State. He acts as the Chancellor of the Universities.
He appoints the Chief Secretary and Advocate General of the State Government.
He appoints the Chairman and other members of the State Commissions such as a) State Public Service Comission, b) State Election Commission, c) Official Language Commission, d) Commission for Women, e) Minorities Commission, f) Backward Classes Commission and g) SC & ST Commission.

ii) Legislative Powers and Functions:
Article 168 describes that the Governor is an intregral part of the State Legislature. In that capacity he exercises certain powers and performs functions related to the State Legislature.

The Governor inaugurates the first sessions of the State Legislative Assembly after the general elections are over.
He also addressing the first session of State Legislative Assembly every year i.e., budget session.
He appoints Pro-Tern Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.
He summons and prorogues the sessions of the two Houses of the State Legislature.
He addresses the Members of the state legislature and sends messages in relation to the state legislature.

iii) Judicial Powers and Functions:
The Governor also exercises the following judicial powers and functions.

The Governor renders advice to the President of India in the appointment of Chief Justice and other judges of the High Court of the State.
The Governor appoints the Advocate General of the State.
He makes appointments, postings and promotions of the District Judges in consultation with the Chief Justice of High Court of the State.
He also appoints persons to the judicial services of the state (other than the district courts) in consultation with the Chief Justice of High Court and State Public Service Commission.
He can grant pardon, retrieve, remit and commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law of the concerned state.

iv) Financial Powers and Functions:
The Governor will have the following powers and functions of financial nature.

The Governor sees that the Annual Financial statement (i.e., Budget) is laid before the State Legislature.
No Money bill shall be introduced in the State Legislative Assembly without the prior permission of the Governor.
No Demand for Grant can be made except on his recommendation.
He maintains the Contingency Fund of the State. He can make advances out of the Contingency Fund to meet any unforeseen expenditure.

v) Miscellaneous Powers and Functions:
The Governor receives the Annual Report of the State Public Service Commission and passes it on to the Council of Ministers for comments. Thereafter, he passes on the report on these comments to the Speaker of the Assembly for placing it before the legislature. He receives the report of the Auditor-General regarding income and expenditure made by different departments working under the State Government.

vi) Discretionary Powers:
Under Article 163(1) of the Constitution the Governor has some discretionary powers which are discharged by him. His decisions in this regard are final. These are mentioned as below.

Playing a decisive role in appointing the new Chief Minister in a situation when no single party has a clear majority in the state Legislative Assembly.
Dismissing a Ministry when it refuses to resign even after losing majority support in the House.
Dissolution of the Assembly on the advice of the Chief Minister who lost the majority members support.

Question 2.
Explain the powers and functions of the Chief Minister.
Answer:
Powers and functions of the Chief Minister:
The Chief Minister has high authority and heavy responsibility in discharging his powers and functions. They may be explained as follows.

1. Formation of the Ministry:
The first and foremost responsibility of the Chief Minister is the formation of Ministry of his choice. The CM has a free hand in the selection and appointment of Ministers.

2. Leader of the State Council of Ministers:
The Chief Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers. As such he occupies a position of exceptional authority. He is the Chairman of the State Council of Ministers. The Chief Minister decides the time, venue and the agenda of Cabinet meetings.

3. Link between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers:
The Chief Minister is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers. As part of his Constitutional duty he communicates all the administrative decisions and legislative proposals of the State Council of Ministers to the Governor.

4. Leader of the Legislative Assembly:
As the Chief Minister enjoys the confidence and support of the majority Legislators he acts as the leader of the Assembly. In that capacity he extends complete co-operation to the Presiding Officers for the smooth conduct of the Business of the House.

5. Chief Spokes Person:
The Chief Minister is the chief spokesperson of the Government. He announces the major policies and programs of the State Government. His statements in and outside of the State Legislature will carry much legitimacy and influence in the State.

6. Leader of the party in power:
The Chief Minister is the leader of party in power at the State level. He participates in the meetings organized by his party. He informs the party members about the policies and programs initiated by the State Government to fulfil the poll promises of his party.

7. Chief Advisor to the Governor:
It is the Constitutional obligation of the CM to render advice to the Governor on all matter of the State Government. His advice is binding over the Governor in the matter of appointment of ministers, allocation of portfolios, reshuffling of the Ministers and accepting the resignation of the Ministers etc.

8. Cordial relations with the Union Government:
The Chief Minister, being the real head of the State administration, has the main responsibility of maintaining harmonious relations with the Union Government.

9. Related to the Constitution:
The Indian Constitution confers all the powers of real executive on the Chief Minister. He owes his position to the Constitution. He has to exercise his authority and discharge his responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of Constitution. He must uphold the democratic norms and Constitutional principles in running the State administration.

Question 3.
Describe the powers and functions of the State Council of Ministers.
Answer:
Powers and functions of the State Council of Ministers:
The State Council of Ministers aids and advises the Governor in the administration of the State. It’s powers and functions may be explained as follows.

1. Policy Formulation:
The State Council of Ministers formulates policies suitable for the progress of the people and development of the State. It is an intellectual and laborious process. The Cabinet Ministers meet frequently under the leadership of the Chief Minister, discuss thoroughly various matters of the State administration and finalize the policies along with the necessary decisions.

2. Enactment of Laws:
The State Council of Ministers takes Legislative initiation on different matters of State Government. It is the Council of Ministers that drafts and finalizes the public Bills and pilots them in the State Legislature at different stages in order to get them approved by the Legislature.

3. Provision of Good Administration:
The State Council of Ministers i.e., the real executive is voted to power to provide good administration and promote the wellbeing of the people of the State. The chief responsibility of the Council of Ministers is running the administration in accordance with the Constitutional cardinals and democratic doctrines.

4. Co-ordination of Governmental Activities:
The State Council of Ministers is responsible and the authority for coordinating the functions of different government departments. Without proper co-ordination among » the departments the success of the State administration cannot be ensured.

5. Appointment Power:
The State Council of Ministers plays a key role in all important appointments to various offices in the State. It makes all appointments in the name of the Governor to various higher offices like the Chief Secretary, Advocate General, D.G.P., Principal Secretaries, Secretaries and other Heads of the Departments, etc.

6. Financial Functions:
The State Council of Ministers wields control over the Finance of the State. It determines fiscal policy and deals with the matters concerning the State Revenue, Expenditure, Investment and Audit of Accounts. It prepares the budget proposals of the State Government and places it before the State Legislature for its consideration and approval.

7. Miscellaneous Functions:
The State Council of Ministers finalizes strategies for the over all development of the State in the sphere of Agriculture, Irrigation, Industry, Transport, Education, Planning, IT etc. It proclaims ordinances in the name of the Governor during the recess of the State Legislature.

Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Explain any three powers and functions of the Governor. [March 2018; May ’17,’16]
Answer:
Powers and functions of the Governor:
The Governor exercises six important powers and functions. Among them three of the powers and functions are explained as follows.

i) Executive Powers and Functions:

The Governor appoints, the Chief Minister and the members of the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
He allocates Portfolios among the ministers and reshuffles their portfolios.
He removes the Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
He appoints the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities in the State. He acts as the Chancellor of the universities.
He appoints the Chief Secretary and Advocate General of the State Government.
He appoints the Chairmen and other members of the State Commissions such as a) State Public Service Comission, b) State Election Commission, c) Official Language Commission, d) Commission for Women, e) Minorities Commission, f) Backward Classes Commission and g) SC & ST Commission.

The Governor inaugurates the first sessions of the State Legislative Assembly after the general elections are over.
He also addressing the first session of State Legislative Assembly every year i.e., budget session.
He appoints Pro-Tern Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.
He summons and prorogues the sessions of the two Houses of the State Legislature.
He addresses the Members of the state legislature and sends messages in relation to the state legislature.

iii) Judicial Powers and Functions:

The Governor renders advice to the President of India in the appointment of Chief Justice and other judges of the High Court of the State.
The Governor appoints the Advocate General of the State.
He makes appointments, postings and promotions of the District Judges in consultation with the Chief Justice of High Court of the State.
He also appoints persons to the judicial services of the state (other than the district courts) in consultation with the Chief Justice of High Court and State Public Service Commission.

Question 2.
What are the discretionary functions of the Governor?
Answer:
The discretionary functions of the Governor may be explained as follows:

Playing a decisive role in appointing the new Chief Minister in a situation when no single party has a clear majority in the State Legislative Assembly.
Dismissing a Ministry when it refuses to resign even after losing majority support in the House.
Dissolution of the Assembly on the advice of the Chief Minister who lost the majority members support.
Rendering advice to the President for the imposition of the President’s Rule in the State.
Reserving a Bill for the consideration and approval of the President.
Seeking instructions from the President before promulgating ordinance on some important matters.
Sending back a bill passed by the state legislature for its reconsideration, except money bills.
Seeking information from the Chief Minister with regard to the administrative and legislative matters of the State.

Question 3.
What are the differences between the Governor of a State and the President of India.
Answer:
The differences between Governor and the President may be explained as follows:

Governor

The Governor is a nominated person
He has no security of Tenure. His Tenure depends upon the pleasure of the President.
The Governor can be removed easily by the President on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers helded the Prime Minister.
The Governor has discretionary power.
The Governor does not have Military and Diplomatic powers.
Pardoning power of the Governor is limited. He cannot pardon death sentence and any sentence inflicted by the Martial Court.
The Governor does not have emer¬gency powers. He can only suggest for the imposition of President’s Rule.

President

The President is an elected person
The President has a fixed tenure of office of five years in general
He can be removed only by the difficult process of Impeachment by the Parliament.
The President has no discretionary powers.
He has Military and Diplomatic powers.
Pardoning power of the President is absolute. He can pardon even the death sentence and sentence of Martial Court.
The President can Promulgate orders for the declaration of all the three types of Emergencies.

Question 4.
What is the position and significance of the Governor in the State?
Answer:
The position and significance of the Governor:
The Constitution of India provides for the Parliamentary System of Government both at Centre and in the States. While the Governor is only a nominal executive, the real executive constitutes the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. The Constitution has assigned a dual role to the office of a Governor in the Indian federal system. He is the Constitutional head of the State Government as well as the representative of the Union Government. As the Constitutional head of the State Government, he must positively contribute to the progress and development of the State. He has to see that the political and administrative heads of the State Government strive for the promotion of the interests of the people.

The role of the Governor has become a crucial and complex in the present day’s coalition politics. To play this role successfully the Governor must possess, as the former President Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam emphasized, the qualities like honest behaviour, impartial outlook, commitment to the Constitutional principles and transparency. The former Women Governors like Smt. Sarojini Naidu (U.P.), Smt. Padmaja Naidu (West Bengal) and Smt. Vijayalakshmi Pandit (Maharashtra) earned name and fame as Governors.

Question 5.
Explain any three powers and functions of the Chief Minister. [Mar. ’19,’16]
Answer:
Powers and functions of the Chief Minister:
The Chief Minister has high authority and heavy responsibility in discharging his powers and functions. They may be explained as follows.

3. Link between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers:
The Chief Minister is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers. As part of his Consitutional duty he communicates all the administrative decisions and legislative proposals of the State Council of Ministers to the Governor.

Question 6.
Explain the Composition of the State Council of Ministers.
Answer:
The Composition of the State Council of Ministers:
The State Council of Ministers is generally a three-tier body. It consisting of:
1. Cabinet Ministers, 2. Ministers of State and 3. Deputy Ministers. There will be some only Parliamentary Secretaries in some States on rare occasions. It constitutes the fourth wing of the hierarchy of the Council of Ministers.

1. Cabinet Minister’s:
The Cabinet is a small body consisting of ministers holding the most important portfolios such as Home, Finance, Planning, and Industries etc. They enjoy independence in taking and implementing decisions concerning their ministry. They attend the Cabinet meetings, concerned by the Chief Minister.

2. Ministers of State:
The Ministers of State hold portfolios of less importance compared to the Cabinet Ministers. They may be attached to the individual Cabinet Ministers or might be given independent charge of crucial departments in the major Ministries.

3. Deputy Ministers:
The Deputy Ministers are attached to the Cabinet Ministers. They performs such functions which are assigned by the Cabinet Ministers. His role is mainly to relieve the burden of the Cabinet Minister. He assists the Cabinet Minister in the administrative and legislative affairs of the Ministry.

Question 7.
Point out any three powers of the State Council of Ministers. [March-2017]
Answer:
Powers and functions of the State Council of Ministers:
The State Council of Ministers aids and advises the Governor in the administration of the State. It’s powers and functions may be explained as follows.

Question 8.
Estimate the relationship between the Chief Minister and the Governor.
Answer:
In a Parliamentary Democracy like India the real executive of the state plays a pivotal role in the state administration. The Chief Minister as the real executive head in the State is responsible ultimately to the state electorate. The Chief Minister has also the obligation to facilitate the exercise of powers of the Governor by providing necessary information about the affairs of the administration of the State. The Governor has a right to seek any information on administrative and legislative activities of the state Council of Ministers through the Chief Minister. However, this right does not allow permit the Governor to become a parallel centre in the state. It may be noted that the nature of the power available to the Governor is persuasive and not authoritarian. So he cannot under the grab of this right start over riding or vetoing the decisions or proposals of the State Council of Ministers.

Very Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Qualifications of Governor. [Mar. ’19,’16]
Answer:

He shall be a citizen of India.
He should have completed the age of 35 years.
He should not be a member of either House of Parliament or State Legislature.
He should not hold any other office of profit.
He should not be an insolvent declared by any Court of Law.

Question 2.
Special responsibilities of the Governor. [March-2017]
Answer:
The Governor has certain special responsibilities to discharge according to the directives issued by the President. They are: i) The Governor of Assom shall determine the amount payable by the state to the district councils. 2) The Governors of Gujarat and Maharashtra have special responsibility for the development of the regions of Sourastra and Vidarbha respectively.

Question 3.
State Executive. [Mar. ’19,’18]
Answer:
State Executive Comprises of i) the Governor, ii) the Chief Minister and iii) the State Council of Ministers. The Governor is the representative of the President and the Chief Minister is the real executive head of the State Government and exercises his duties with the help of the State Council of Ministers.

Question 4.
Immunities of the Governor.
Answer:
The Constitution provides certain Legal Immunities to the office of the Governor. They are 1) To ensure the State Government works constitutionally, 2) He shall not be held responsible for any act done or purporting to have been done in his official capacity, 3) No Criminal proceedings can be initiated against the Governor, 4) No proceedings for his arrest or imprisonment can be taken by any Court of Law.

Question 5.
Any two Executive powers of the Governor.
Answer:
The two Executive powers of the Governor are i) The Governor appoints, the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister, ii) He allocates portfolios among the ministers and reshuffles their portfolios.

Question 6.
Two discretionary powers of the Governor.
Answer:
Two discretionary powers of the Governor are: i) He plays a decisive role in appointing the new Chief Minister in a situation when no single party has a clear majority in the State Legislative Assembly, ii) He dismisses a ministry when it refuses to resign even after losing majority support in the House.

Question 7.
The Chief Minister. [March 2017; May ’17,’16]
Answer:
The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor under Article 164. After general elections, the Governor normally invites the leader of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly to form the government and appoints him as the Chief Minister. He possesses high authority and heavy responsibility in dicharging his powers and functions.

Question 8.
Cabinet Ministers. [March 2016; May ’17]
Answer:
The Cabinet is a small body consisting of ministers holding the most important portfolios such as Home, Finance, Planning and Industries, etc. They enjoy independence in taking and implementing decisions concerning their ministry. They meet frequently and determine the policies of the state government under the stewardship of the Chief Minister.

Question 9.
Composition of the State Council of Ministers.
Answer:
The State Council of Ministers is generally a three – tier body. It consists of 1) Cabinet Ministers, 2) Ministers of State and 3) Deputy Ministers. There will be some Parliamentary Secretaries in some States on rare occasions.

Question 10.
Deputy Ministers.
Answer:
The Deputy Ministers are attached to the Cabinet Ministers. They perform such functions which are assigned by the Cabinet Ministers. Their role is mainly to relieve the burden of the Cabinet Ministers. They assist the Cabinet Ministers in the administrative and legislative affairs of the concerned ministry.

Question 11.
State Ministers.
Answer:
The Ministers of State hold portfolios of less importance compared to the Cabinet Ministers. They may be attached to the individual Cabinet Ministers or might be given independent charge of crucial departments in the major ministeries. In such a case they enjoy independence. They are answerable directly to the Chief Minister.

AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Important Questions 6th Lesson State Executive

Leave a Comment Cancel reply