Comprehensive Practice Set — Polity & Governance: State Government & Governor

Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions?

Analyze the powers and functions of a Governor of state in India. Is the role of Governor merely ceremonial?

(a) Examine the role of the Governor with reference to passage of Bills. (b) What are the challenges associated with Governor's office? Examine.

Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.

Examine the provisions under Art-356 of Indian Constitution.

Is it correct to say that 'Governor of a State is like a bird in the golden cage'?

Examine the constitutional role of the Governor when a sitting Chief Minister proceeds for treatment of his/her prolonged illness. Cite relevant constitutional provisions.

Critically analyse the changing role of the Governor of a State.

Describe the powers and functions of the Chief Minister.

Explain the nature and scope of the Governor's Discretionary Power. Can its misuse or abuse be prevented? Show, how?

"The relationship between the Governor of a state with the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers is more of trust and confidence than aid and advice" - Comment.

To what extent can the Governor influence the State Politics?

Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

Anchor: S.R. Bommai (1994); coalition politics; judicial reviewability of proclamations.

In November 2025 the Supreme Court, answering the Presidential Reference, held that judicially fixed timelines and the doctrine of "deemed assent" cannot be read into Articles 200 and 201, while affirming that prolonged inaction remains judicially reviewable. Critically examine this position and its consequences for Centre–State relations.

"The Governor's role as Chancellor of State universities has become a fresh front of Centre–State conflict." Examine the issue and suggest a workable settlement.

Examine the special responsibility of the Governor under Paragraph 5 of the Fifth Schedule with reference to the Scheduled Areas of Odisha. Has this power been used to its potential?

Critically analyse the role of the Governor in Indian federalism. Is the Governor merely a 'bird in a golden cage', or does he act as an agent of the Central Government rather than an independent constitutional authority?

"The discretionary powers of the Governor have become a source of constitutional friction rather than federal harmony." Discuss, while suggesting measures for reforming the office of Governor in India.

Examine the constitutional role and responsibilities of the Governor in India. How does the Governor serve as a bridge between the Union and State governments?

Governors have been at the centre of several political controversies in recent times. Discuss recent instances where the role of the Governor has been questioned and suggest measures to uphold the impartiality of the office.

Discuss the role of the Governor in the administration of tribal areas under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution. How effectively has this role been exercised in recent times?

Discuss the significance of the Legislative Council in the Indian parliamentary system. Does it serve a useful legislative purpose, or is it merely a redundant institution? Examine with examples.

State legislatures in India are increasingly becoming mere ratification chambers rather than deliberative bodies. Discuss.

Examine the scope of the law-making power of state legislatures, and compare this authority with that of the Parliament of India.

Enumerate the key provisions of the Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023 and discuss the concerns associated with the legislation.

Is the grant of statehood to Delhi a sustainable solution to the frequent friction between the Delhi government and the Central Government? Justify critically.

The authority granted to the Governor by the Constitution to dissolve state assemblies is marred by several challenges and complexities. Comment.

Discuss the constitutional provisions governing the summoning, prorogation and dissolution of state legislatures, and the controversies surrounding their use.

What is meant by President's Rule? Explain.

Critically examine the discretionary powers of a State Governor.

How is the State Legislative Assembly supreme over the State Legislative Council?