UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — What is the Governor’s role in a hung Assembly?
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the constitutional and conventional position on testing majority in a hung State Legislative Assembly:
1. The Sarkaria Commission first laid down that the floor of the House is the only valid forum to test the majority of a government.
2. The S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) verdict was delivered by a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court.
3. The Punchhi Commission recommended that, where no pre-poll alliance commands a majority, the single largest party staking a claim should be invited first.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- The Sarkaria Commission first laid down that the floor of the House is the only valid forum to test the majority of a government.
- The S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) verdict was delivered by a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court.
- The Punchhi Commission recommended that, where no pre-poll alliance commands a majority, the single largest party staking a claim should be invited first.
- A. 1 and 2 only
- B. 2 and 3 only
- C. 1 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Q2. Which one of the following emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, triggering the State's first hung Assembly?
- A. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
- B. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
- C. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)
- D. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Q3. Which constitutional functionary administers the oath of office and secrecy to a newly appointed Chief Minister of a State?
- A. The Chief Justice of the concerned High Court
- B. The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly
- C. The Governor of the State
- D. The Chief Secretary of the State
Q4. Under which Article of the Constitution of India is the Chief Minister of a State appointed by the Governor?
- A. Article 154
- B. Article 163
- C. Article 164
- D. Article 167