PPT: State Legislature | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


State Legislature in 
India
Page 2


State Legislature in 
India
Introduction to State Legislature
The State Legislature forms the backbone of India's federal democracy, serving as the law-
making body at the state level.
Constitutional 
Basis
Established under Part VI 
(Articles 168-212) of the 
Indian Constitution
Structure Types
Unicameral (single house) 
or Bicameral (two houses) 
depending on state 
requirements
Key Function
Creates state laws, 
controls executive, 
oversees governance at 
the state level
Page 3


State Legislature in 
India
Introduction to State Legislature
The State Legislature forms the backbone of India's federal democracy, serving as the law-
making body at the state level.
Constitutional 
Basis
Established under Part VI 
(Articles 168-212) of the 
Indian Constitution
Structure Types
Unicameral (single house) 
or Bicameral (two houses) 
depending on state 
requirements
Key Function
Creates state laws, 
controls executive, 
oversees governance at 
the state level
Constitutional Provisions Governing State 
Legislatures
Article 168
Establishes the constitution of State 
Legislatures, defining their basic structure and 
composition
Articles 169-172
Cover creation and abolition of Legislative 
Councils, membership qualifications, and term 
durations
Articles 173-177
Address eligibility criteria, disqualifications, and 
oath requirements for legislators
Articles 178-212
Deal with officers, procedures, powers, 
privileges, and other functional aspects of state 
legislatures
Page 4


State Legislature in 
India
Introduction to State Legislature
The State Legislature forms the backbone of India's federal democracy, serving as the law-
making body at the state level.
Constitutional 
Basis
Established under Part VI 
(Articles 168-212) of the 
Indian Constitution
Structure Types
Unicameral (single house) 
or Bicameral (two houses) 
depending on state 
requirements
Key Function
Creates state laws, 
controls executive, 
oversees governance at 
the state level
Constitutional Provisions Governing State 
Legislatures
Article 168
Establishes the constitution of State 
Legislatures, defining their basic structure and 
composition
Articles 169-172
Cover creation and abolition of Legislative 
Councils, membership qualifications, and term 
durations
Articles 173-177
Address eligibility criteria, disqualifications, and 
oath requirements for legislators
Articles 178-212
Deal with officers, procedures, powers, 
privileges, and other functional aspects of state 
legislatures
Unicameral vs Bicameral Legislatures in 
States
Unicameral Legislature
Consists of only the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan 
Sabha)
Majority of Indian states (22) follow this model
More streamlined decision-making process
Lower operational costs
Examples: Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Bicameral Legislature
Consists of both Legislative Assembly and 
Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
Currently 6 states have bicameral structure
Provides additional deliberative platform
Offers representation to special interests
Examples: Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, UP
Page 5


State Legislature in 
India
Introduction to State Legislature
The State Legislature forms the backbone of India's federal democracy, serving as the law-
making body at the state level.
Constitutional 
Basis
Established under Part VI 
(Articles 168-212) of the 
Indian Constitution
Structure Types
Unicameral (single house) 
or Bicameral (two houses) 
depending on state 
requirements
Key Function
Creates state laws, 
controls executive, 
oversees governance at 
the state level
Constitutional Provisions Governing State 
Legislatures
Article 168
Establishes the constitution of State 
Legislatures, defining their basic structure and 
composition
Articles 169-172
Cover creation and abolition of Legislative 
Councils, membership qualifications, and term 
durations
Articles 173-177
Address eligibility criteria, disqualifications, and 
oath requirements for legislators
Articles 178-212
Deal with officers, procedures, powers, 
privileges, and other functional aspects of state 
legislatures
Unicameral vs Bicameral Legislatures in 
States
Unicameral Legislature
Consists of only the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan 
Sabha)
Majority of Indian states (22) follow this model
More streamlined decision-making process
Lower operational costs
Examples: Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Bicameral Legislature
Consists of both Legislative Assembly and 
Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
Currently 6 states have bicameral structure
Provides additional deliberative platform
Offers representation to special interests
Examples: Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, UP
Composition of the State Legislature
Three Key Components
Governor
The constitutional head of the 
state who is part of the 
legislature but not a member of 
either house
Summons and prorogues 
sessions
Can dissolve the Assembly
Gives assent to bills
Legislative Assembly
The lower house where 
members are directly elected 
by the people
Primary law-making body
Controls state finances
Holds executive 
accountable
Legislative Council
The upper house (where it 
exists) with indirectly elected 
and nominated members
Permanent house
Provides second opinion
Represents diverse 
interests