2023 · Paper III · 10 marks

Describe the matters in which the Legislative Council stands equal with the Legislative Assembly along with the matters in which it stands unequal with the Legislative Assembly.

In short

The Legislative Council stands equal with the Assembly in introducing ordinary bills, approving ordinances, supplying ministers and examining constitutional bodies' reports, but unequal in finance and accountability. It cannot originate, amend or reject Money Bills, vote on grants or pass no-confidence motions, and can delay ordinary bills only four months.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
The Legislative Council serves as a revising and advisory body with powers both equal and unequal to the Legislative Assembly, reflecting its constitutional role in states like Andhra Pradesh where bicameralism is active. It complements the Assembly by providing detailed scrutiny and expert input in the legislative process.
Matters Where the Legislative Council Has Equal Powers
•

Consideration of Reports from Constitutional Bodies

The Council examines reports from bodies such as the State Finance Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, contributing to governance scrutiny alongside the Assembly.

Matters Where the Council Has Lesser Powers
•

Money Bills Exclusivity and Limitations

Only the Assembly can introduce Money Bills; the Council cannot amend or reject them and must return them within 14 days with or without recommendations. The Assembly’s Speaker has final authority on classification, and the Assembly’s decision is conclusive.

•

No Confidence and Financial Control

The Council cannot pass no-confidence motions or vote on demands for grants, consolidating the Assembly’s exclusive executive and financial control.

•

Delay Power Over Ordinary Bills

The Council can only delay ordinary bills for up to four months, after which the Assembly’s version prevails, highlighting the Council’s advisory role.

Way Forward
•

Strengthen Revising Role and Public Awareness

Enhance the Council’s capacity to scrutinize bills through expert committees and research support. Promote public awareness in Andhra Pradesh about the benefits of bicameralism in preventing hasty legislation and incorporating diverse expertise.

Conclusion
The Legislative Council’s limited but significant powers preserve the Assembly’s supremacy while enabling detailed legislative oversight and expert input, maintaining a balance between democratic accountability and quality lawmaking.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: Council vis-a-vis the Assembly. Council vis-a-vis the Assembly. Comparison of Equal with Assembly and Unequal with Assembly
Diagram: Council vis-a-vis the Assembly

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This chapter in the exam

Parliament and State Legislatures13 questions

Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008

2008
2
2011
2
2012
1
2016
1
2017
1
2020
2
2023
2
2025
2

Most tested: Comparative powers and status of the two Houses, especially Rajya Sabha vs Lok Sabha and Legislative Council vs Legislative Assembly.

All 13 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.

Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2023 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

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