Class 7 Civics – 3. How the State Government Works
Questions covered are:
1. What are the three levels of government in India?
2. What is the role of the State Government?
3. Who is an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly)?
4. What is the Legislative Assembly, and what happens there?
5. How is an MLA elected?
6. What is a ruling party and an opposition party?
7. What is a coalition government, and when is it formed?
8. Who is the Chief Minister, and how is he or she chosen?
9. What responsibilities do the Chief Minister and other ministers have?
10. What is the role of the Governor in a state?
11. How do MLAs participate in decision-making?
12. What is a public meeting, and how does it help people?
13. What was the problem faced by the people of Patalpuram?
14. What steps did the government take to address the health crisis in Patalpuram?
15. What is the purpose of a press conference?
16. What is the difference between an MLA and an MLA who is also a minister?
17. Why is it important for decisions made by ministers to be debated in the Legislative Assembly?
18. How does the government respond to criticism from the media or public?
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1. What are the three levels of government in India?
– The three levels of government in India are:
– Local Government: Deals with issues like sanitation, education, and public health in villages, towns, and cities.
– State Government: Governs at the state level, handling matters such as law and order, education, and healthcare within the state.
– National Government (Central Government): Responsible for country-wide issues such as defense, foreign policy, and currency management.
2. What is the role of the State Government?
– The State Government is responsible for governing a specific state.
– It ensures that laws and policies are followed within the state.
– Key roles include:
– Maintaining law and order.
– Providing public services such as healthcare, education, water supply, and sanitation.
– Implementing state laws and policies.
– Overseeing local governments and ensuring they perform their duties.
3. Who is an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly)?
– An MLA is a representative elected by people from a specific area, known as a constituency.
– Key points:
– Represents the interests of the people in the Legislative Assembly.
– Elected through elections held in every constituency.
– Plays a role in law-making and overseeing government actions.
– Holds the government accountable for public issues and ensures that promises made during elections are fulfilled.
4. What is the Legislative Assembly, and what happens there?
– The Legislative Assembly is where elected MLAs meet to discuss state matters.
– Main activities in the Legislative Assembly:
– Debate important public issues like health, education, and infrastructure.
– Create and pass laws that govern the state.
– Approve the state budget and decide how public funds will be spent.
– Question ministers and government officials about their actions and policies.
5. How is an MLA elected?
– Elections are held in each constituency within a state.
– Key steps in the election process:
– People vote for candidates standing for election in their constituency.
– The candidate with the most votes is elected as the MLA.
– MLAs are elected for a term of five years, unless elections are held earlier.
6. What is a ruling party and an opposition party?
– Ruling Party:
– The party that wins the majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly after elections.
– Forms the government and selects the Chief Minister.
– Implements laws and policies to govern the state.
– Opposition Party:
– Made up of the MLAs from parties that did not win the majority.
– Challenges and questions the ruling party on its decisions.
– Ensures that the government is held accountable for its actions.
7. What is a coalition government, and when is it formed?
– A coalition government is formed when no single party wins a majority in the Legislative Assembly.
– Key points:
– Two or more parties join together to form a coalition and reach the required number of seats.
– They share power and responsibilities in the government.
– Coalitions are common when there is a divided vote between multiple political parties.
8. Who is the Chief Minister, and how is he or she chosen?
– The Chief Minister is the head of the state government.
– Steps to becoming Chief Minister:
– MLAs from the ruling party select their leader.
– The Governor appoints the Chief Minister.
– The Chief Minister is responsible for running the state government.
– Responsibilities of the Chief Minister:
– Oversees the work of the ministers.
– Represents the state at national meetings and functions.
– Ensures the proper implementation of laws and policies.
9. What responsibilities do the Chief Minister and other ministers have?
– The Chief Minister and ministers manage various government departments.
– Responsibilities include:
– Ensuring that public services like healthcare, education, and public safety are running efficiently.
– Creating and enforcing laws related to their department.
– Overseeing government budgets and deciding where funds should be allocated.
– Responding to public issues and taking action during crises.
10. What is the role of the Governor in a state?
– The Governor is the ceremonial head of the state and is appointed by the Central Government.
– Key roles include:
– Ensures that the state government functions according to the Constitution.
– Appoints the Chief Minister and ministers after elections.
– Gives approval to laws passed by the Legislative Assembly.
– Acts as the link between the State and Central Governments.
11. How do MLAs participate in decision-making?
– MLAs play a critical role in the Legislative Assembly by:
– Debating important issues and public concerns.
– Proposing and voting on laws.
– Questioning ministers and holding them accountable for their departments.
– Approving the state budget and ensuring proper use of public funds.
12. What is a public meeting, and how does it help people?
– A public meeting allows people to voice their concerns and opinions about government actions.
– Benefits of public meetings:
– Gives citizens a platform to express their views.
– Helps people demand accountability from the government.
– Brings attention to public issues, such as health crises or infrastructure problems.
13. What was the problem faced by the people of Patalpuram?
– The people of Patalpuram were facing a serious health crisis due to:
– Water shortage in the region, causing people to drink unclean water.
– Outbreak of diarrhoea, especially among children.
– Overcrowded hospitals and a lack of medical facilities to treat the sick.
14. What steps did the government take to address the health crisis in Patalpuram?
– The government responded by:
– Sending water tankers to provide clean drinking water to affected areas.
– Distributing ORS packets to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhoea.
– Visiting affected families to provide compensation and promise further action.
– Promising to improve sanitation and the water supply system.
15. What is the purpose of a press conference?
– A press conference is held to inform the public about government actions.
– Benefits of press conferences:
– Journalists ask questions, and government officials provide detailed answers.
– Ensures transparency by letting the public know what steps are being taken to address an issue.
– Helps the government Communicate its actions clearly to the public.
16. What is the difference between an MLA and an MLA who is also a minister?
MLA:
– Represents a constituency in the Legislative Assembly.
– Participates in debates and votes on decisions.
MLA who is also a Minister:
– In addition to representing their constituency, they run a government department.
– They are responsible for implementing policies and managing their department, such as health, education, or public works.
17. Why is it important for decisions made by ministers to be debated in the Legislative Assembly?
– Debating decisions ensures:
– Transparency and accountability for government actions.
– Input from opposition MLAs, who can challenge and question the decisions.
– Better decision-making, as different perspectives are considered before a law is passed or a policy is implemented.
18. How does the government respond to criticism from the media or public?
– The government responds by:
– Holding press conferences to clarify its stance on issues.
– Visiting affected areas to assure the public that action is being taken.
– Taking immediate steps to address the concerns raised, such as improving services or providing financial aid.
Fill in the Blanks:
- The three levels of government in India are local, ________, and national.
- The Legislative Assembly is where ________ meet to discuss state matters and create laws.
- An MLA represents a specific area known as a ________.
- The ________ is the ceremonial head of a state and is appointed by the Central Government.
- The ruling party is the party that has the ________ of seats in the Legislative Assembly.
- A ________ government is formed when no single party wins a majority in the Legislative Assembly.
- The ________ is responsible for the overall administration of the state.
- The members of the opposition are responsible for ________ the decisions of the ruling party.
- The Chief Minister is chosen by the MLAs from the ________ party.
- MLAs who are also ministers have the additional responsibility of managing a ________ department.
- Public meetings allow citizens to voice their opinions and demand ________ from the government.
- The people of Patalpuram faced a severe ________ shortage, leading to a health crisis.
- The government sent ________ tankers to provide clean drinking water to the affected areas.
- A ________ is held to inform the public and journalists about the actions of the government.
- In the Legislative Assembly, ________ and accountability are ensured by debates and discussions.
Answers:
- State
- MLAs
- Constituency
- Governor
- Majority
- Coalition
- Chief Minister
- Questioning
- Ruling
- Government
- Accountability
- Water
- Water
- Press Conference
- Transparency
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