Overview and Constitutional Basis:
The State Executive in India comprises the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Council of Ministers, and the Advocate-General for the State. The constitutional provisions for their appointment and functions are laid down in Articles 153 to 167 of the Constitution of India. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, while the Chief Minister is the real executive authority. Every state must have a Governor, who serves as the link between the Centre and the State. The State Executive functions within the framework of parliamentary democracy, ensuring that executive power is exercised by those who command the confidence of the elected legislature, thereby maintaining the spirit of federalism and responsible government at the state level.
Appointment and Legal Provisions:
According to Article 155, the Governor of a state is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal. The term of office is five years, but the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President as per Article 156. The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor under Article 164(1), generally from the majority party or coalition in the Legislative Assembly. The other Ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Advocate-General, the highest law officer of the state, is appointed by the Governor under Article 165. These provisions ensure that the executive machinery of the state operates under constitutional checks and balances while aligning with the federal structure.
Significance and Constitutional Role:
The process of appointment ensures that the executive authority of the state remains constitutionally accountable and politically responsible. The Governor acts as a nominal head, performing functions on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. This arrangement ensures a balance of power between the Union and State governments. The Chief Minister and Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly, maintaining the principle of responsible government. This constitutional structure preserves democratic governance, prevents concentration of power, and upholds the unity of the nation while granting autonomy to the states to govern according to local needs and priorities.
Real-Time Example:
In 2023, Ramesh Bais was appointed as the Governor of Maharashtra by the President of India, exercising powers under Article 155. Similarly, Eknath Shinde was appointed as the Chief Minister by the Governor under Article 164, after demonstrating majority support in the Legislative Assembly. These appointments illustrate the constitutional process of forming a state government, where the President acts at the Union level and the Governor implements executive appointments at the state level, ensuring constitutional propriety and stability within the federal framework of governance.
Mnemonic to Remember:
Mnemonic: “G-CAM – Governor, Chief Minister, Advocate-General, Ministers”
- G = Governor appointed by President (Art. 155)
- C = Chief Minister appointed by Governor (Art. 164)
- A = Advocate-General appointed by Governor (Art. 165)
- M = Ministers appointed on advice of CM (Art. 164)
This mnemonic “G-CAM” helps recall the key officials of the State Executive and the constitutional articles governing their appointment — a simple and effective tool for quick exam revision.
About lawgnan:
Learn everything about the State Executive in India under Articles 153 to 167 of the Constitution on Lawgnan.in. Explore how the Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, and Advocate-General function together to uphold responsible and federal governance at the state level. Understand the constitutional provisions for their appointment, powers, and roles through real-time examples and simplified mnemonics like G-CAM. Lawgnan provides in-depth, exam-oriented explanations of constitutional principles, making it an essential platform for law students, UPSC aspirants, and legal enthusiasts who want to strengthen their understanding of Indian polity.
