NCERT Class 7 Political Science — Chapter 2: How the State Government Works

mcqeasy

In the context of state government, under which condition does an MLA have 'dual responsibilities'?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AWhen they serve in both the State Assembly and the Parliament
BWhen they are members of a coalition committee
CWhen they are appointed as a Minister in the state government
DWhen they represent more than one constituency

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

When they are appointed as a Minister in the state government

Explanation

The Indian Constitution establishes a Parliamentary form of government at both the Centre and the State levels. A defining feature of this system is the fusion of the legislative and executive organs. Members of the Executive (Council of Ministers) are drawn from the Legislature, creating a scenario where specific individuals hold roles in both domains.

Option Analysis

When they represent more than one constituency is Incorrect: Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a person may contest elections from a maximum of two constituencies. However, if elected from both, they must vacate one seat within a prescribed time limit. Therefore, an MLA never represents more than one constituency simultaneously.
When they are appointed as a Minister in the state government is Correct: An MLA is primarily a member of the Legislative Assembly, responsible for law-making and representing their constituency. When appointed as a Minister, they assume an additional role within the State Executive. This creates a "dual responsibility":
- As an MLA: They participate in legislative debates, ask questions, and represent the interests of their constituency.
- As a Minister: They head a government department, frame policies, and are accountable for the administration of that portfolio.
When they serve in both the State Assembly and the Parliament is Incorrect: The Constitution prohibits simultaneous membership in both the Parliament and a State Legislature. If a person is elected to both, they must resign from one seat; otherwise, their seat in the Parliament or State Legislature becomes vacant as per specific rules.
When they are members of a coalition committee is Incorrect: A coalition committee is an informal political mechanism used for coordination between allied parties. Membership in such a committee does not confer a constitutional or official administrative "dual responsibility" in the context of state governance.

Key Takeaway: In a Parliamentary system, a Minister holds a dual role: as a legislator (participating in the law-making process) and as an executive (implementing laws and running the administration).

Your note

More from Chapter 2: How the State Government Works

With reference to the structure of governance in India, consider the following: 1. The government functions at three distinct levels: local, state, and national. 2. The state government is formed by members nominated by the local government bodies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): 1. A Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is elected by the people. 2. Each MLA represents the entire state rather than a specific constituency. 3. The MLAs belonging to the ruling party form the government at the state level. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the context of elections in India, the term 'Constituency' refers to:

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Which one of the following conditions enables a political party to be designated as the 'Ruling Party' in a State Legislative Assembly?

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Consider the following statements regarding the political structure of a state: 1. Every state in India has a Legislative Assembly. 2. Each state in India is divided into an equal number of legislative constituencies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is

When they are appointed as a Minister in the state government

Explanation

Option Analysis

When they represent more than one constituency is Incorrect: Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a person may contest elections from a maximum of two constituencies. However, if elected from both, they must vacate one seat within a prescribed time limit. Therefore, an MLA never represents more than one constituency simultaneously.
When they are appointed as a Minister in the state government is Correct: An MLA is primarily a member of the Legislative Assembly, responsible for law-making and representing their constituency. When appointed as a Minister, they assume an additional role within the State Executive. This creates a "dual responsibility":
- As an MLA: They participate in legislative debates, ask questions, and represent the interests of their constituency.
- As a Minister: They head a government department, frame policies, and are accountable for the administration of that portfolio.
When they serve in both the State Assembly and the Parliament is Incorrect: The Constitution prohibits simultaneous membership in both the Parliament and a State Legislature. If a person is elected to both, they must resign from one seat; otherwise, their seat in the Parliament or State Legislature becomes vacant as per specific rules.
When they are members of a coalition committee is Incorrect: A coalition committee is an informal political mechanism used for coordination between allied parties. Membership in such a committee does not confer a constitutional or official administrative "dual responsibility" in the context of state governance.