All questions of Governor for UPSC CSE Exam

Article 156 of the Indian Constitution

Article 156 of the Indian Constitution states that the Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President. This means that the Governor can be removed from office by the President at any time without specifying a reason.

Key points to note about Article 156:
- The Governor of a state is appointed by the President of India.
- The Governor is the constitutional head of the state and represents the President at the state level.
- The Governor's term of office is not fixed and can be terminated by the President at his discretion.
- The Governor can also resign from his position by submitting his resignation to the President.

In summary, Article 156 of the Indian Constitution gives the President the power to remove a Governor from office at any time, emphasizing the Governor's position as a representative of the President at the state level.

Understanding the Governor's Appointment Powers
The Governor of a state in India holds specific appointment powers that are defined by the Constitution. Among the options provided, only option 'B', the State Election Commissioner, is a position that the Governor can appoint.
Key Appointments by the Governor
- State Election Commissioner:
The Governor has the authority to appoint the State Election Commissioner. This role is crucial as the State Election Commissioner oversees and ensures free and fair elections at the state and local levels.
- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court:
This position is appointed by the President of India, not the Governor. The President appoints the Chief Justice based on seniority among the judges of the Supreme Court.
- President of India:
The President is elected by an electoral college comprising the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories. The Governor does not have any role in this appointment.
- Foreign Ambassador:
Ambassadors are appointed by the President of India, who is responsible for foreign relations. The Governor does not have any jurisdiction in such appointments.
Conclusion
In summary, among the given options, only the State Election Commissioner is a position that falls under the purview of the Governor's appointment powers, highlighting the Governor's role in maintaining the electoral integrity of the state.

The President has an absolute veto, where he can withhold assent to a bill without reconsideration. The Governor, on the other hand, has a suspensive veto, where if the bill is passed again by the legislature, the Governor is bound to give assent.

The Role of the Governor
When a Chief Minister and their council of ministers lose the confidence of the Legislative Assembly, the situation becomes critical for the governance of the state. The Governor of the state plays a pivotal role in this scenario.
Discretionary Powers of the Governor
- The Governor has the power to dismiss the Chief Minister and their council of ministers at their discretion.
- This action is typically taken after assessing the political situation and the implications of such a dismissal.
Immediate Resignation
- While it's common for the Chief Minister to resign after losing the confidence of the assembly, this is not an automatic requirement.
- The Governor may choose to dismiss them instead of waiting for the resignation.
Dissolution of the Legislative Assembly
- The Chief Minister has the option to advise the Governor to dissolve the assembly.
- However, this requires the Governor's approval and is not an independent action.
Limitations on the Governor's Action
- The Governor cannot act arbitrarily; their actions must align with constitutional provisions and established political norms.
- They are expected to act based on the advice of the council of ministers, unless there is a situation that demands intervention.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer to the question is option 'A' because the Governor possesses the legal authority to dismiss the Chief Minister and their cabinet at their discretion, thus restoring stability to the state's governance.

Minimum Age Requirement:
- The primary qualification required to become a Governor is a minimum age of 35 years. This age requirement is specified in the Indian Constitution under Article 157.

Explanation:
- The minimum age requirement of 35 years ensures that Governors have the necessary maturity, experience, and wisdom to fulfill their duties effectively. This age requirement helps in selecting individuals who have gained significant life experience and knowledge.

Importance of Age Requirement:
- The age requirement of 35 years is crucial as Governors play a crucial role in the functioning of the state government. They act as the ceremonial head of the state and are responsible for upholding the Constitution and the welfare of the state.

Legal Basis:
- The age requirement of 35 years for Governors is mentioned in Article 157 of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the qualifications for appointment as a Governor.

Conclusion:
- In conclusion, the primary qualification required to become a Governor is a minimum age of 35 years. This age requirement ensures that individuals appointed as Governors possess the necessary experience and maturity to discharge their duties effectively.

Term of Office for a Governor
The term of office for a Governor in India is crucial for understanding the political structure of the country.
Duration of the Term
- The correct answer is 5 years, which is option 'C'.
- The Governor is appointed by the President of India and serves a term of 5 years, but can be reappointed.
Appointment and Tenure
- Appointment: Governors are appointed for each state in India, and their role is largely ceremonial and constitutional.
- Tenure: Although the term is 5 years, the Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President, meaning they can be dismissed by the President at any time.
Significance of the Governor's Role
- The Governor acts as the representative of the President in the state.
- They have various responsibilities, including the summoning and proroguing of the state legislature, giving assent to bills, and ensuring the law is upheld in the state.
Reappointment Possibility
- After completing a 5-year term, a Governor can be reappointed.
- This means that while the standard term is 5 years, some Governors may serve longer if reappointed.
Conclusion
Understanding the term of office for a Governor is essential for UPSC aspirants as it reflects the broader structure of governance in India. The role of a Governor, while primarily ceremonial, is vital in maintaining the constitutional framework of the state.

The Indian President appoints the Governor for each state by warrant under his hand and seal, based on the nomination made by the Central Government.

The Governor exercises his judicial powers in deciding on the validity of state laws. He can grant pardons, reprieves, respite, remit, and commute punishments as part of his judicial role.

The Governor's role in the state legislative process helps maintain a balance of power between the state legislature and the executive. This ensures proper functioning of the democratic system within the state.

The Governor can issue an ordinance when the Legislative Assembly is not in session. This power allows the Governor to make temporary laws in urgent situations when the legislative body is not in a position to convene.

A "Constitutional Emergency" refers to a situation where the constitutional machinery in the state breaks down, and the Governor recommends to the President that the state needs to be brought under President's rule.

The Governor's term is at the pleasure of the President, and there is no fixed term. The President can remove the Governor, and the grounds for removal are not laid down in the constitution.

The Governor of a state in India is appointed by the President of India. The President holds the authority to appoint and remove Governors for each state.

The Governor has the power to give assent, withhold assent, return the bill, or reserve the bill for the President's consideration. The reserved bill is sent to the President for approval in certain cases.

The Governor's discretionary powers allow him to exercise certain functions on his own judgment, even though most of his actions are based on the advice of the Council of Ministers. These powers provide the Governor with the flexibility to address specific situations that may not have a straightforward answer.

The Advocate General must be a judge of the High Court. This qualification ensures that the person appointed as the Advocate General possesses legal expertise and knowledge of the legal system.

The Governor serves as the chief executive head of the state government. This means that while being a nominal or titular head, the Governor holds significant executive powers and responsibilities within the state administration.

Part VI, Chapter II of the Indian Constitution deals with the state executive. This chapter outlines the structure, powers, and functions of the state executive, including the role of the Governor and the Council of Ministers.

The primary role of the Chief Minister in the state government is to advise and aid the Governor in the exercise of his functions. The Chief Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers and provides guidance to the state executive.