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Maharashtra HSC Political Science study materials
Maharashtra HSC Political Science study resources

Maharashtra HSC Political Science: State Government and Local Self-Government

Maharashtra HSC Political Science · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

State Government and Local Self-Government

What this domain tests

The Governor's office and discretion, the Chief Minister and state legislature, and the 73rd and 74th Amendments are examined, often by comparing state and Union institutions.

Core rules

  • The Governor (Article 153) is appointed by the President, holds office during pleasure, and is the constitutional head of the state. Article 163 gives discretionary functions; Article 164 requires a Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
  • The Governor can reserve a Bill for the President (Article 200), recommend President's rule (Article 356), and appoint the Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly (Article 164(2)).
  • Bicameral states: currently Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. A Legislative Council can be created or abolished by Parliament under Article 169 on a resolution of the Assembly.
  • 73rd Amendment (1992): Part IX, Articles 243-243O, Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects), three tiers, Gram Sabha, five-year term, one-third reservation for women, State Election Commission and State Finance Commission.
  • 74th Amendment (1992): Part IXA, Twelfth Schedule (18 subjects), municipalities and nagar panchayats.
  • PESA (1996) extends panchayat powers to Scheduled Areas.

Worked example

A state wants to hold panchayat elections six months late because of a flood. Can it? Reasoning: under Article 243E, a panchayat's term is five years and elections must be completed before expiry; if dissolved earlier, elections must be held within six months. A flood may justify a short postponement but not indefinite delay. The State Election Commission, not the Election Commission of India, conducts these elections.

Traps

  • Assuming the Governor always acts on ministerial advice; discretionary powers are real but narrow.
  • Saying the ECI conducts panchayat elections.
  • Writing that the 73rd Amendment applies uniformly to all states; it does not apply to Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and certain hill areas.
  • Confusing the Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules.