1881 The princely state of Mysore, under the rule of the enlightened Wodeyars, was a progressive state and a harbinger of democratic governance in India. In March 1881, Maharaja Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar assumed powers and inaugurated the Mysore Representative Assembly. This established a beginning toward involving representative landholders and merchants in the administration of the province.
This order is regarded as the Magna Carta of the people of Mysore. It declared for the first time in India that it is the duty of the Government to set itself right in the eyes of its people, admitting the principle that a Government should submit itself to the judgment and guidance of its citizens.
1891 The principle of election was introduced. Qualifications for voting and membership were fixed based on revenue payment or educational status. Remarkably, by 1894, voting rights had been given to all those who attained the age of 18, a highly progressive step for that era.
1923 - 1940 The Representative Assembly was given statutory status in 1923. By 1940, the Government of Mysore Act provided for a Council of Ministers to which the Maharaja would appoint elected members. Members were granted freedom of speech, similar to the provisions in the Government of India Act 1935.
1907 The Legislative Council was established with the view of associating non-officials with practical experience and local knowledge to assist the Government in making Laws and Regulations. Originally consisting of 10 to 15 members, it was expanded to 50 members by 1923 to ensure a decided non-official majority of 60%.
1914 - 1923 The Council's functions grew from law-making to include the power to discuss the budget (1914) and the power to vote on demands for grants (1923). Special representation was provided for interests such as Mysore University, Commerce, Trade, Planters, and Labour.
1956 Following the linguistic reorganization of states, the New State of Mysore came into being on November 1, 1956. The State was later renamed Karnataka in 1973. The first sitting of the New Assembly was held on December 19, 1956, in the newly built Vidhana Soudha.
The strength of the Legislative Council increased from 63 in 1957 to 75 members in 1987. Today, the Council is composed of members representing various electoral colleges:
The Legislative Assembly consists of 224 elected members and one nominated member, reflecting the full democratic representation of the State of Karnataka.