Question

Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India says that the executive powers of every State shall be exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union?
A. Article 257
B. Article 258
C. Article 355
D. Article 356

Answer 1

Hint: The Constitution of India contains 395 articles which are divided into 22 parts. Through amendments, various additional articles and parts were inserted later.

Complete Step by Step Answer: Article 257 Clause 1 of the Indian Constitution states that, in case of conflict, the Union can exercise its executive power over the valid exercise of state executive power.
Article 257 further states that the executive power of the Union shall also extend to giving directions to a State as to the maintenance and construction of means of communication declared in the direction to be of military or national importance. Also, the Union can also extend to giving directions to a State with regards to the measures taken for the protection of the railways within the State.
 Now, let us examine the options
Option A – This is the correct answer as mentioned in Article 257 of the Indian Constitution, the executive powers of every state shall not prejudice or impede the executive powers exercised by the Union.
Option B – Article 258 explains certain provisions, such as the power of the Union to confer powers on States in certain cases.
Option C – Part XVIII of the Constitution deals with emergency provisions, of which Article 355 states the duties of the Union to protect States against any internal disturbance or external aggression.
Option D – Part XVIII of the Constitution deals with the emergency provisions, of which Article 356 deals with the provisions of constitutional machinery in States in case of failure.
Hence, based on the above-mentioned points, the correct option is ‘A’.

Note: The State executive comprises a Governor, the Chief Minister and his Council of Minister who regulate and administrate the executive powers of the State. The Governor is the state executive who exercises its power directly or through his subordinate officers.