Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India:
I. List I – Union List, in the Seventh Schedule
II. Extent of the executive power of a State
III. Conditions of the Governor’s office
For a constitutional amendment with respect to which of the above, ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States is required before presenting the bill to the President of India for assent?
Answer:
Easy
Factual
Core Books/NCERT
Under Article 368(2), ratification by at least half the States is required when the constitutional amendment seeks to make a change in: Article 54 and 55 (President’s election), Article 73 and 162 (executive power of Union and State), Seventh Schedule (Union/State/Concurrent Lists), Representation of States in Parliament, Powers of Supreme Court or High Courts. Statement I: Union List in Seventh Schedule – YES This is part of the Seventh Schedule, so changes require State ratification. Statement II: Extent of executive power of a State – YES This is covered under Article 162 → changes need State ratification. Statement III: Conditions of the Governor’s office – NO Provisions related to Governor’s terms, conditions, qualifications etc. (Article 153–162) can be amended without State ratification unless it affects Article 162 (executive power), which it usually doesn’t.