UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims & Mains): State Legislature | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q.1. In which one of the following areas does the State Government not have control over its local bodies?   (UPSC Prelims 2001)
(a) Citizens’ grievances
(b) Financial matters
(c) Legislation
(d) Personnel matters

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The State government does not have control over its local bodies in matters of Citizens’ grievances

Q.2. If in an election to a State legislative assembly, the candidate who is declared elected loses his deposit, it means that:    (UPSC Prelims 1995)
(a) the polling was very poor
(b) the election was for a multi-member constituency
(c) the elected candidate's victory over his nearest rival was very marginal
(d) a very large number of candidates contested the election

Correct Answer is Option (d)
A defeated candidate who fails to secure more than one sixth of the valid votes polled in the constituency will lose his security deposit. When a very large number of candidates contest the election, due to distribution of votes, the winning candidate may get less than 1/6th of valid voters.

Q.3. Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (UPSC GS2 2021)

The Parliament, under Article 169, can abolish or create a legislative council by a simple majority, that is, a majority of the members of each House present and voting, if the legislative assembly of the concerned state, by a special majority, passes a resolution to that effect. Article 171 provides for the Composition of council.
Utility of State legislative councils

• Bringing diverse opinion on policy making ; Functional representation of various groups [e.g., teachers, graduates, local representatives], thus enable non-elected persons to contribute to the legislative process. 
• Check hasty legislations by Legislative assemblies + prevent them from exercising too much legislation or executive authority 
• Nominated members who are apolitical background bring extra wisdom and provides forum for intellectuals and academicians who are not suited for electoral politics. 
• Brings pressure on Legislative assembly for policy making.

Concerns with Legislative Councils

• They can be created and abolished by Union parliament by a simple majority.  
• Their recommendations are not binding on assembly + became back door for failed politicians  
• Burden on public exchequer.  
• Representing graduates in the house has outlived its utility  
• Politicization in selecting nominated members  
• Can create delay in policy making.

Topics covered - Legislative Councils in States