Article 166 – Conduct of Business of the Government of a State
The Constitution of India, Article 166, deals with the conduct of business of the government of a state. It lays down the rules and procedures for the transaction of business by the state government.
The article states that the executive power of the state shall be vested in the governor, who shall exercise it either directly or through officers subordinate to him. The governor shall be assisted by a council of ministers, headed by the chief minister. The chief minister shall be appointed by the governor and the other ministers shall be appointed by the governor on the advice of the chief minister.
The article further states that the council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the legislative assembly of the state. This means that the council of ministers must have the confidence of the legislative assembly, or it will have to resign.
The article also states that the governor may, at any time, require the chief minister to submit for his consideration the resignation of the council of ministers. If the chief minister does not do so, the governor may dissolve the legislative assembly.
The article concludes by stating that the provisions of this article shall apply in relation to a state having a legislative council in the same manner as they apply in relation to a state having a legislative assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the executive power of the state?
The executive power of the state is the power to carry on the day-to-day administration of the state. It includes the power to make rules and regulations, to appoint and dismiss officers, to spend money, and to enter into contracts.
- Who is the governor of a state?
The governor is the head of the state government. He is appointed by the president of India. The governor has the power to appoint the chief minister and other ministers, to dissolve the legislative assembly, to reserve bills for the consideration of the president, and to grant pardons and reprieves.
- Who is the chief minister of a state?
The chief minister is the head of the council of ministers. He is appointed by the governor and is responsible to the legislative assembly. The chief minister has the power to allocate portfolios to the ministers, to preside over the meetings of the council of ministers, and to act as the spokesperson of the government.
- What is the council of ministers?
The council of ministers is the body of ministers who are responsible for the administration of the state. The council of ministers is headed by the chief minister and includes other ministers who are appointed by the governor on the advice of the chief minister.
- What is the legislative assembly of a state?
The legislative assembly is the lower house of the state legislature. It is composed of elected members who are directly elected by the people of the state. The legislative assembly has the power to make laws, to approve the budget, and to remove the government from office.
- What is the legislative council of a state?
The legislative council is the upper house of the state legislature. It is composed of members who are elected by indirect election and nominated by the governor. The legislative council has the power to delay the passage of bills, but it cannot reject them.
- What is the relationship between the governor and the chief minister?
The governor is the head of the state government, but the chief minister is the head of the council of ministers. The chief minister is responsible to the legislative assembly, but the governor is not. The governor has the power to appoint the chief minister, but the chief minister has the power to advise the governor on the appointment of other ministers.
- What is the relationship between the council of ministers and the legislative assembly?
The council of ministers is responsible to the legislative assembly. This means that the council of ministers must have the confidence of the legislative assembly, or it will have to resign. The legislative assembly has the power to remove the government from office by passing a no-confidence motion.
- What is the relationship between the state government and the central government?
The state government is a part of the federal government of India. The central government has certain powers that are not shared with the state governments, such as the power to declare war, to make treaties, and to coin money. The state governments have certain powers that are not shared with the central government, such as the power to make laws on education, health, and agriculture.
- What is the role of the judiciary in the state government?
The judiciary is the body of judges who are responsible for interpreting the law. The judiciary has the power to strike down laws that it finds to be unconstitutional. The judiciary also has the power to decide disputes between the state government and the central government.
MCQs
- The executive power of the state is vested in the:
(