Chapter 31 Chief Minister

1. Who is the nominal executive authority and who is the real executive authority in the state political system?

2. Who is the head of the state and who is the head of the government at the state level?

3. Does the Constitution contain any specific procedure for the selection and appointment of the Chief Minister?

4. What does Article 164 state regarding the appointment of the Chief Minister?

5. What is the convention for the governor’s appointment of the Chief Minister when a party has a clear majority in the state legislative assembly?

6. When can the governor exercise personal discretion in the selection and appointment of the Chief Minister?

7. In a situation where no party has a clear majority, whom does the governor usually appoint as Chief Minister?

8. What other situation may require the governor to exercise individual judgment in appointing the Chief Minister?

9. What is the governor’s choice if the ruling party elects a new leader upon the death of an incumbent Chief Minister?

her majority in the legislative assembly before being appointed as Chief Minister?

11. Can a person who is not a member of the state legislature be appointed as Chief Minister?

12. Can the Chief Minister be a member of either House of a state legislature?

13. What is the usual practice regarding the selection of Chief Ministers from the Houses of a state legislature?

14. What recommendations did the Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983–88) make regarding the selection and appointment of a chief minister?

15. Who administers the oaths of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister?

her oath of office?

her oath of secrecy?

18. Is the term of the Chief Minister fixed?

19. Can the governor dismiss the Chief Minister at any time?

20. What happens if the Chief Minister loses the confidence of the assembly?

21. Who determines the salary and allowances of the Chief Minister?

22. What are the powers and functions of the Chief Minister in relation to the Council of Ministers?

23. What happens to the council of ministers if the Chief Minister resigns or dies?

24. What are the powers and functions of the Chief Minister in relation to the Governor?

25. What are the powers and functions of the Chief Minister in relation to the State Legislature?

26. What are the other powers and functions of the Chief Minister?

27. How do the discretionary powers of the governor affect the Chief Minister’s role?

28. What does Article 163 state regarding the Council of Ministers and the Governor?

29. What does Article 164 state regarding the appointment of the Chief Minister and other ministers?

30. What does Article 164 state regarding the tenure of ministers?

31. What does Article 164 state regarding the collective responsibility of the council of ministers in the state?

32. What does Article 167 state as the duty of the Chief Minister?

33. Which Article deals with Council of Ministers to aid and advise Governor?

34. Which Article deals with Other provisions as to Ministers?

35. Which Article deals with Conduct of business of the Government of a State?

36. Which Article deals with Duties of Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to Governor?

37. Which Article deals with Rights of Ministers as respects the Houses?