Eduqo
Indian Polity & Constitution›Ch 6: State Government›Chief Minister and State Legislature
Master Article 169, CM appointment, and bicameral dynamics for competitive exams
The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, and state legislatures can be unicameral or bicameral where Article 169 allows creation or abolition of Legislative Councils.
Quick Memory Hooks
| Feature | Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) | Council (Vidhan Parishad) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Permanent / Lower | Permanent / Upper |
| Creation | Mandatory in all states | Optional via Article 169 |
| Dissolution | Subject to dissolution | Never dissolves (1/3rd retire) |
Article 169
(Abolition or Creation)
Abolition or Creation
Parliament creates or abolishes Legislative Councils.
Governor
(Appoints the CM)
Appoints the CM
Governor appoints CM and other ministers on CM advice.
Bicameral
(Two Houses present)
Two Houses present
Only a few states currently have bicameral legislatures.
Majority
(Special Resolution)
Special Resolution
Assembly must pass a resolution by special majority.
Parliament creates Vidhan Parishad aloneAssembly initiates via special majority first
Parliament cannot create a council unless the State Assembly passes a special resolution first.
CM is elected directly by state votersCM is appointed by the Governor
Voters elect MLAs, not the Chief Minister directly. Governor formally appoints the CM.
All Indian states have two housesMost states are unicameral
Only a handful of states have bicameral legislatures; most have only a Legislative Assembly.
Q1.Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the creation or abolition of Legislative Councils in states?
Q2.Who administers the oath of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister of a state?