Question
Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India :
I. List 1-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?
Explanation
The Constitution adopts a graded amendment procedure under Article 368, where only those changes that affect the federal balance between Centre and States require ratification by at least half of the States.
Statement I is correct. The Union List in the Seventh Schedule defines the distribution of legislative powers between the Centre and States. Any change here alters the federal structure, so State ratification is mandatory.
Statement II is correct. The extent of executive power of a State (under Article 162) is a core part of Centre–State relations. Any amendment affecting this also requires ratification by States.
Statement III is incorrect. The conditions of the Governor’s office (under Article 158) do not affect the federal distribution of powers. Hence, such amendments can be made by Parliament alone without State ratification.
Thus, only I and II require ratification by the States.