Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Executive of the States

“The Executive of the States is responsible for implementing laws and managing the administration at the state level.”

Governor

The Governor is the constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President of India for a five-year term. The Governor acts as the representative of the President at the state level.

  • Appointment: By the President of India.
  • Term: 5 years (can be removed earlier).
  • Powers: Executive, legislative, financial, and discretionary powers.
  • Functions:
    • Appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers.
    • Summons and prorogues the state legislature.
    • Gives assent to bills passed by the legislature.
    • Can reserve certain bills for the President’s consideration.
    • Has discretionary powers during constitutional crises.

Chief Minister and Council of Ministers

The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state and is responsible for the day-to-day administration. The Council of Ministers aids and advises the Governor.

  • Appointment: Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, usually the leader of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly.
  • Tenure: Usually 5 years, subject to maintaining the confidence of the Legislative Assembly.
  • Functions:
    • Formulates and implements policies and laws.
    • Heads the state administration.
    • Advises the Governor on executive matters.
    • Responsible to the Legislative Assembly.
  • Council of Ministers: Assists the Chief Minister in administration and is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.

Powers of the State Executive

  • Executive Powers: Administer state laws, manage the state government machinery, and ensure law and order.
  • Legislative Powers: Summon, prorogue, and dissolve the state legislature; assent to bills; promulgate ordinances.
  • Financial Powers: Prepare and present the state budget, authorize expenditure.
  • Judicial Powers: Grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment in certain cases.
  • Discretionary Powers of Governor: In cases of constitutional crisis, appoint Chief Minister, recommend President’s Rule, or reserve bills for President’s assent.

Previous Year Questions

  • HSSC 2019: Who appoints the Chief Minister of a state?
  • The Governor of the State
  • SSC JE 2018: What is the term of the Governor?
  • Five years
  • RRB ALP 2017: Who is the real executive head of the state?
  • The Chief Minister
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