State Government
State government for UPSC — the Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, Advocate General, and the State Legislature including Legislative Councils.
SyllabusGS II · Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive; Parliament and State legislatures — structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges
Part VI of the Constitution (Articles 152–237) mirrors the Union pattern at the State level: a Governor as nominal head, a Chief Minister and Council of Ministers as the real executive, and a State Legislature that is unicameral in most States and bicameral in a few. The Governor’s dual role — constitutional head of the State and the Union’s appointee — makes this one of the most debated areas of Indian federalism.
What UPSC asks. Prelims tests appointment and removal of the Governor, discretionary powers, assent to Bills under Articles 200 and 201, pardoning power compared with the President’s, ordinance power under Article 213, and how Legislative Councils are created or abolished. Mains asks about the Governor’s role in government formation, delay in assent, President’s Rule, and the recommendations of the Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions.
| Sub-topic | Articles |
|---|---|
| Governor — appointment, tenure, powers, discretion | 153–162, 200, 201, 213, 361 |
| Chief Minister and Council of Ministers | 163, 164, 166, 167 |
| Advocate General | 165 |
| State Legislature — Assembly and Council | 168–212 |
Study the main topic page — The Governor and the State Executive — then revise with the quick revision sheet and test yourself on the practice questions.