Score:
6/10
Analyze what earned this score 🔥
Topper’s Copy
GS2
Indian Polity
10 marks
What are the constitutional powers of the Governor? Discuss the importance of exercising these powers within constitutional limits.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- What constitutional powers the Governor holds in a state
- Why the Governor must exercise these powers within constitutional limits
What you wrote:
Ans -> The Governor, constitutional head of the state executive, acts ordinarily on the aid and advice of the council of Minister (Article 163).
Ans -> The Governor, constitutional head of the state executive, acts ordinarily on the aid and advice of the council of Minister (Article 163).
Suggestions to improve:
- Could briefly clarify that the Governor follows ministerial advice except where the Constitution specifically requires discretion.
- Can add a short link between the Governor’s constitutional position and the need to respect elected state institutions.
What you wrote:
Powers
(1) Executive:-
Appoints CM, Ministers (Art. 164), Advocate General.
(2) Legislative :-
Summons and dissolved the Assembly.
Assent to, returns or reserves Bill (Art 200).
Issue ordinance (Art 123)
(3) Financial / Judicial :-
Recommends Money Bill. Grants Pardons (Art. 161)
(4) Discretionary :-
choosing the CM in hung assembly.
Reserving bills for president.
Reporting under Art 356
Powers
(1) Executive:-
Appoints CM, Ministers (Art. 164), Advocate General.
(2) Legislative :-
Summons and dissolved the Assembly.
Assent to, returns or reserves Bill (Art 200).
Issue ordinance (Art 123)
(3) Financial / Judicial :-
Recommends Money Bill. Grants Pardons (Art. 161)
(4) Discretionary :-
choosing the CM in hung assembly.
Reserving bills for president.
Reporting under Art 356
Suggestions to improve:
- Replace Article 123 with Article 213 and use the precise expression “promulgates ordinances.”
- Can distinguish powers normally exercised on ministerial advice from constitutionally permitted discretion, rather than presenting them as unrestricted powers.
- Could briefly qualify Article 161’s scope. Keeping this within the existing financial/judicial heading will improve precision without making the answer lengthy.
What you wrote:
Importance of limits
(1) Federalism :-
A center. Appointed Governor acting politically erodes state Autonomy. Nabam Rebia (2016) Judgement curbed such discretion.
(2) Democratic Mandate :-
Stalling an elected legislature's Bills defeats popular will. The court (Presidential reference 2025) barred indefinite delay.
(3) Reforms :-
Sarkaria and Punchhi commissions suggest consultative appointments and security of tenure.
Importance of limits
(1) Federalism :-
A center. Appointed Governor acting politically erodes state Autonomy. Nabam Rebia (2016) Judgement curbed such discretion.
(2) Democratic Mandate :-
Stalling an elected legislature's Bills defeats popular will. The court (Presidential reference 2025) barred indefinite delay.
(3) Reforms :-
Sarkaria and Punchhi commissions suggest consultative appointments and security of tenure.
Suggestions to improve:
- Add one compact safeguard point: Article 163(1) generally binds the Governor to ministerial advice, while discretionary decisions remain subject to judicial review. S.R. Bommai, which limited arbitrary use of President’s Rule, can support your existing Article 356 point.
- Could complete the Presidential Reference 2025 discussion by explaining both limits: Governors cannot indefinitely stall bills, but courts cannot prescribe rigid timelines or deemed assent. This shows respect for separation of powers.
- Link consultative appointments and security of tenure directly to impartiality, instead of leaving the commission recommendations as a separate list.
What you wrote:
Within Constitutional Limits, the Governor is a bridge, not a barrier, between Union and states strengthening cooperative federalism and the primacy of elected governments.
Within Constitutional Limits, the Governor is a bridge, not a barrier, between Union and states strengthening cooperative federalism and the primacy of elected governments.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can make the closing more concrete by referring briefly to ministerial advice and judicial accountability.
- Could balance respect for the elected government with faithful performance of the Governor’s constitutional duties. Retain your “bridge, not a barrier” phrase.
What works: Clear organisation, broad coverage of powers, and relevant links to federalism, democratic mandate and institutional reform.Revision priorities: Correct the ordinance article, distinguish ordinary powers from discretion, and explain enforceable constitutional checks. Complete the Presidential Reference discussion with its separation-of-powers qualification.
Demand of the Question
- What constitutional powers the Governor holds in a state
- Why the Governor must exercise these powers within constitutional limits
What you wrote:
Ans -> The Governor, constitutional head of the state executive, acts ordinarily on the aid and advice of the council of Minister (Article 163).
Ans -> The Governor, constitutional head of the state executive, acts ordinarily on the aid and advice of the council of Minister (Article 163).
Suggestions to improve:
- Could briefly clarify that the Governor follows ministerial advice except where the Constitution specifically requires discretion.
- Can add a short link between the Governor’s constitutional position and the need to respect elected state institutions.
More Challenges
View All- View Challenge
GS2
International Relations
4 Nov, 2026
How do changes in immigration policies of developed countries affect Indian workers abroad? Discuss the major challenges and suggest measures to protect their interests.
- View Challenge
GS3
Science & Technology
Yesterday
Why is accountability important in the use of Artificial Intelligence in telecom services? Discuss the major risks and suggest measures to ensure responsible AI use.
- View Challenge
GS3
Economy
2 Nov, 2026
Why is social security important for gig and platform workers in India? Discuss the role of Social Security Boards in ensuring their welfare and the challenges involved.
SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.
Download the App
STUDY RESOURCES
CONTACT US
ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited