UPSC Prelims 2008 Q100: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Consider the following statements:
The Constitution of India provides that
1. The Legislative Assembly of each State shall consist of not more than 450 members chosen by
direct election from territorial constituencies in the State
2. A person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislative Assembly of a State if
he/she is less than 25 years of age
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Checking two claims about State Legislative Assemblies
These statements examine specific constitutional provisions governing State Legislative Assembly size and member eligibility.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Legislative Assembly shall consist of not more than 450 members | Incorrect | The Constitution actually caps State Legislative Assemblies at not more than 500 members (Article 170), not 450 |
| 2. A person must be at least 25 years of age to be a Legislative Assembly member | Correct | The Constitution does require a minimum age of 25 years for Legislative Assembly membership |
Correcting the first claim:
| Point | Correct detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum Assembly size (Article 170) | 500 members, NOT 450 |
| Minimum age for membership | 25 years — accurate |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The actual constitutional cap is 500 members, not 450, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) CORRECT. The 25-year minimum age requirement for Legislative Assembly membership is accurate.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is inaccurate, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
Under Article 170, a State Legislative Assembly shall consist of NOT MORE THAN 500 members (not 450) — but the 25-year minimum age requirement for membership is accurate.
Remember
A State Legislative Assembly can have up to 500 members (not 450); the minimum age to be a member is 25 years.
Common mistakes
- Misremembering the maximum Assembly size figure (500, not 450).
- Confusing Legislative Assembly's 500-member cap with the Lok Sabha's different numeric limits.
- Not verifying specific numeric constitutional figures against the actual provisions.
Exam tip
Article 170: State Legislative Assembly capped at 500 members (not 450). Minimum age for membership = 25 years.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 170 and 173 (State Legislative Assemblies)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Parliament)