State Government
The State Government is the governing authority at the state level.
- Its structure is parallel to the Union Government, comprising the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
- Governed under Part VI of the Constitution (Articles 153 to 300).
π PYQ (BPSC 65th): State government structure is similar to which government? β Union Government
Executive at the State Level
Governor
- Constitutional head of the state (Article 153)
- Appointed by the President for a term of 5 years
- Acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers
- Powers: Executive, Legislative, Financial, Judicial, Emergency
π PYQ (BPSC 64th): Who appoints the Governor of a state? β President of India
Chief Minister
- Real executive head of the state
- Appointed by the Governor
- Leader of the majority in the Legislative Assembly
- Heads the Council of Ministers
Council of Ministers
- Headed by the Chief Minister
- Responsible to the State Legislative Assembly
- Aid and advise the Governor
State Legislature
Unicameral or Bicameral
- Most states (including Bihar) have Unicameral Legislatures
- Some states (like Bihar, UP, Maharashtra) have Bicameral legislatures
Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
- Lower House; directly elected by people
- Tenure: 5 years
- Minimum strength: 60, Maximum: 500
- Presided by the Speaker
π PYQ (BPSC 66th): What is the tenure of the State Legislative Assembly? β 5 years
Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
- Upper House (only in few states)
- Permanent body; 1/3 members retire every 2 years
- Not more than 1/3rd the size of the Assembly
π Expected MCQ: Bihar Vidhan Parishad is which type of body? β Permanent body
State Judiciary
- High Court is the highest court in a state (Article 214)
- Judges appointed by the President of India
- Assisted by District and Subordinate Courts
- Bihar High Court is located in Patna
π PYQ (BPSC 68th): Where is the High Court of Bihar located? β Patna
Distribution of Powers
- Based on Union List, State List, and Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule)
- State Government can make laws on State List and Concurrent List (subject to Union override)
Emergency Provisions Affecting States
- Presidentβs Rule (Article 356)
- Failure of constitutional machinery
- National Emergency (Article 352)
- Parliament can legislate on state subjects
- Financial Emergency (Article 360)
- State's finances under Union control
π Expected MCQ: Article for Presidentβs Rule? β Article 356
Important Facts β Bihar Government
- Governor: Appointed by President
- Chief Minister: Leader of majority in Assembly
- Bihar Legislature: Bicameral (Assembly + Council)
- High Court: Patna High Court
- Election Commission of Bihar conducts state elections
Quick Revision Points
- Articles 153β300 deal with State Government
- Governor = Nominal Head; CM = Real Executive
- Bihar has a Bicameral Legislature
- Vidhan Sabha = Lower House; Vidhan Parishad = Upper House
- High Court = Highest court in state (Bihar: Patna)
- Emergency articles: 356 (President's Rule), 352, 360
Sources Used
- NCERT Class 11 β Indian Constitution at Work
- M. Laxmikanth β Indian Polity (6th Edition)
- Lucent GK β Indian Polity
- Official Bihar Government Portal
- Ghatna Chakra BPSC PYQs