Karnataka State Government
What the domain tests
This section tests the state-level application of parliamentary government: Governor, Chief Minister, legislature, High Court, and district administration in Karnataka.
Core ideas
- Governor: appointed by the President, acts as constitutional head of the state, and normally acts on ministerial advice.
- Chief Minister and Council: the Chief Minister leads the Council of Ministers and must command a majority in the Legislative Assembly.
- Legislature: Karnataka has a bicameral legislature: the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.
- Judiciary: the High Court of Karnataka, with the Chief Justice and judges, supervises subordinate courts.
- Administration: districts headed by Deputy Commissioners; the state secretariat assists ministers.
Worked example
After an Assembly election, the Governor invites the leader who can prove majority support. The reasoning combines constitutional formality with parliamentary confidence: the Governor appoints, but the Assembly's majority sustains the government.
Traps
Do not say the Governor is elected by the people. Do not confuse the Legislative Council with the Rajya Sabha. Do not claim the Chief Minister is appointed without reference to majority support.