JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

JAC Board Class 7th Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

JAC Class 7th Civics How the State Government Works InText Questions and Answers

Question 1.
What is happening in Patalpuram?
Answer:
Patalpuram is facing a problem of severe water crisis. People are drinking unclean water as they have no other choice. Hence, they are becoming ill and having diarrhoea. Children are the most affected in this situation.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

Question 2.
Why is this problem serious?
Answer:
This problem is serious because a large number of people are facing the problem of serious and acute diarrhoea and many people died from this disease as well. Thus, it is important to take necessary steps to bring the situation under control immediately.

Question 3.
What action do you think can be taken in the above situation and who do you think should take this action? Discuss.
Answer:
Clean drinking water should be supplied to the people of Patalpuram. The MLA and the government should be responsible enough to take this action.

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Question 4.
Discuss the following terms with your teacher public meeting, States in India, constituency, majority, ruling party and opposition.
Answer:
Public meeting :
Public meetings are the assembly of general people in which they are made to know about the current problems faced by the people in general. States

In India:
India is divided into many units and parts with well defined boundaries. These parts or units are known as States in India.

Constituency :
Constituency is the area from where the eligible voters can cast their vote to elect their representative or leader.

Majority :
A political party whose MLAs have won more than half the number seats or constituencies in a state is said to be in majority.

Ruling party:
The party which has the majority is often known as the ruling party.

Opposition:
The elected representatives who are not from the ruling party are known as the opposition. The people can question the government’s decisions and actions. They can also raise new and concerned issues for the benefit of the people.

Question 5.
Can you explain the following terms majority, ruling party, opposition with reference to your state?
Answer:
Students need to do it on their own with ine ‘ne’ip oi teacher.

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Question 6.
Construct a table, similar to the one given for Himachal Pradesh, for your state.
Answer:
Students need to do it on their own with the help of teacher.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

Question 7.
At times, the ruling party may not be a single party but a group of parties working together. This is called a coalition. Discuss with your teacher.
Answer:
The coalition is formed when two or more parties come together and elect their leader. The state Governor appoints their leader as the Chief Minister. The coalition parties prepare the Common Minimum Programme and present it during the period for which the coalition is formed.

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Question 8.
Can you identify the MLAs of the ruling party and the opposition in the illustration? Colour the ruling party in one colour and the opposition in another.
Answer:
Students need to do it on their own.

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Question 9.
What were the main arguments put forward by different MLAs who thought that th§ government was not taking the situation in a serious manner?
Answer:
MLA1:
He belongs to the Akhandagaon constituency. In last three weeks, several people died due to diarrhoea. He is very sad and upset that the government has not been able to check the situation although they proclaim that they are doing it.

MLA2:
He wants to know why the government hospitals are in bad conditions. We a’iso as’ks tiie government that how it plans to deal with this situation which is badly affecting the common people.

MLA3:
The Tolpatti constituency which he represents is facing shortage of water. Women had to fetch water from far away. He wants to know from the government that what actions are taken to clean and disinfect the wells and ponds.

Question 10.
If you were the health minister, how would you respond to the above discussion?
Answer:
If I were the health minister, I would promptly respond to the above discussion. I would have put mobile vans with equipments with doctors, nurses and health Workers into service for the ill people.

Question 11:
Do you think the above debate would have been useful in some ways? How? Discuss.
Answer:
Yes, the above debate would have been useful. It has highlighted many issues concerning about the public health and their solutions are sorted out in the minimum time.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

Question 12.
In the working of the government, explain the difference between being an MLA and an MLA who is also a minister.
Answer:
An MLA is only responsible for the development of his constituency whereas, an MLA who is a minister
also has to do dual responsibilities. He is accountable for the entire state as well for his constituency also.

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Question 13.
Write two measures that the government undertook for controlling diarrhoea. The two measures that the government undertook for controlling diarrhoea are:

  • To every village, there should be supply of water through tanker trucks.
  • Creating awareness through different campaigns in order to inform people about the measures to prevent diarrhoea.

Question 4.
What is the purpose of a press conference? How does the press conference help you get information on what the government is doing?
Answer:
The purpose of the press conference is to ask questions on a particular issues about the steps taken and hear about the same. The data collected by press conference is printed in newspaper and magazines for the common people. Such conference also create a public opinion about the issue.

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Question 15.
Find out with the help of your teacher, the work done by the government departments mentioned and fill in the table.
Answer:
Students need to do it on their own

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Question 16.
Do a similar wallpaper project about any issue connected with the working of your State Government like an education programme, any law and order issue, midday meal scheme, etc.
Answer:
Students need to do it on their own.

JAC Class 7th Civics How the State Government Works Textbook Questions and Answers

Page 41

Question 1.
Use the terms ‘constituency’ and ‘represent’ to explain who an MLA is and how is the person elected?
Answer:
A state is divided into many regions known as constituencies on the basis of the population. For the Legislative Assembly, one representative is elected from every constituency and that person represents that constituency. That person is known as the Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA. Through general election, an MLA is elected. That person can be an independent or a member of a particular political party. The person who gets the maximum votes or wins the election becomes the MLA of that constituency.

Question 2.
How did some MLAs become Ministers? Explain.
Answer:
Some MLAs become Ministers as:

  • The party which is elected in majority or wins the election for the Legislative Assembly forms the government.
  • According to the constitutional norms, the ruling party elects its leader who is known as the Chief Minister, who heads the government.
  • The Chief Minister constitutes a cabinet which includes members of his party as ministers.
  • The MLAs who become the ministers are allotted with a portfolio or department of work.
  • Hence, the MLAs turned ministers become responsible for the entire state of that particular department.

Question 3.
Why should decisions taken by the Chief Minister and other ministers be debated in the Legislative Assembly?
Answer:
The decisions taken by the Chief Minister and other ministers are debated in the Legislative Assembly because at the time of debate it is discussed that whether the steps or decisions taken are in the interest of the common people or not. It is also discussed that whether it is urgent and important or not. Depending upon this they discuss how much would the cost incur of the government. They also see that anything objectionable is there for any particular community or not.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

Question 4.
What was the problem in Patalpuram? What discussion/ action was taken by the following? Fill in the table. Public Metting Legislative Assembly Press conference Chief Minister.
Answer:
Patalpuram was facing shortage of water.

Public’ Meeting Reprimanded and showed complete disapproval to the government and also showed protest, their demand were kept in front of the government.
Legislative Auembli Discussed the problems and issues and decided the actions and steps which are to be taken.
Press Conference The plan of action which was initiated by the government was presented by the Health Minister.
Chief Minister Announced the compensation to the affected family, also visited the village of Patalpuram. Clearly mentioned the future actions and steps to be taken to solve the problem.

Question 5.
What is the difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by government departments?
Answer:
The difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by government departments are that eveiy department is headed by the Minister who is also an MLA. Any work done or proposed by the department is approved by the minister. For the completion of work, the department is responsible whereas, the minister or MLA coordinate and synchronize between the Assembly and the departments.

JAC Class 7thCivics How the State Government Works Important Questions and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
The multi-level system of government is called
(a) Unitary
(b) Federal
(c) Dictatorship
(d) Monarchy
Answer:
(b) Federal

Question 2.
The MLAs represent
(a) people
(b) technology
(c) themselves
(d) only the poor and the old
Answer:
(a) people

Question 3.
The state in India which has the highest number of constituencies is
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Kerala
(d) Maharashtra
Answer:
(a) Uttar Pradesh

Question 4.
The party or the coalition of parties that wins the election with more than half of the total number of constituencies in a state is called to be in a
(a) minority
(b) profit
(c) majority
(d) none of the above
Answer:
(c) majority

Question 5.
All the parties that failed to get the majority in the election are together are said to the
(a) majority
(b) opposition
(c) minority
(d) loss
Answer:
(b) opposition

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

Question 6.
The leader of the ruling party who is the head of the state as well of the country is known as
(a) Prime Minister
(b) MP
(c) MLA
(d) Chief Minister
Answer:
(d) Chief Minister

Question 7.
Legislative Assembly is also known as
(a) Vidhan Sabha
(b) Vidhan Parishad
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Lok Sabha
Answer:
(a) Vidhan Sabha

Question 8.
The Chief Minister is appointed by the
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Governor of the state
(d) Any of the above
Answer:
(c) Governor of the state

Question 9.
The Governor of the state is appointed by the
(a) Prime Minister
(b) Supreme Court Judges
(c) High Court Judges
(d) President
Answer:
(d) President

Question 10.
The gives information to the people which acts as a link between the government and the people.
(a) Press conference
(b) Debates
(c) Mass media
(d) Mass distribution
Answer:
(c) Mass media

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Which institution makes laws at the central or national level?
Answer:
The Parliament makes laws at the central or national level.

Question 2.
What is the urban local government known as?
Answer:
The urban local government is known as the Municipal Corporation.

Question 3.
Who gives the approval to the ministers to take certain decisions for the common people?
Answer:
Legislative Assembly gives the approval to the ministers to take certain decisions for the common people.

Question 4.
Does the Member of the Legislative Assembly elected by the people?
Answer:
Yes, the Member of the Legislative Assembly are elected by the people.

Question 5.
How many levels of government are there? Name them.
Answer:
There are three levels of Government present. The three levels are local, state and national.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

Question 6.
For what reason the governor of state is appointed?
Answer:
Governor of state is appointed to make sure that the State Government works

  • Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • Indian National Congress (INC)

Question 7.
What is wallpaper project?
Answer:
Wallpaper project is an interesting activity through which research can be done on particular topics of interest.

Question 8.
What do you understand by the Election Commission?
Answer:
Election Commission is an independent association or body in which the whole process of the election in our country is conducted, controlled and supervised.

Question 9.
What are the two main functions of Election Commission?
Answer:
The two main functions of Election Commission are :

  • to recognize all the political parties.
  • to allot symbols to the political parties and to independent candidates who are also contesting the election.

Question 10.
Name the two houses of state legislature in India.
Answer:
The two houses of state legislature in India are:
Legislative Assembly or Vidhan Sabha Legislative Council or Vidhan Parishad

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Define political party. Name at least two national political parties in India.
Answer:
A political organisation that follows a particular ideology and seeks to attain the political power of the state as well as of the nation is known as the political party. Two national political parties in India are

Question 2.
List four features of electoral system of India.
Answer:
Four features of electoral system of India are:

  • Single member constituency
  • Joint electorate
  • Adult franchise
  • Election petition within the rules and regulations of the Constitution.

Question 3.
What do you understand by constituency?
Answer:
Constituency is a particular area or place from which all the voters living there choose their representatives. This could be such as a panchayat ward or an area that chooses an MLA.

Question 4.
How does a government function in a state?
Answer:
The people elect their representatives as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the democracy, thus, it is the people who have the main authority. The ruling party members who wins the election then form the government and some members are appointed as ministers. These ministers are in charge of various departments of the government such as health, transport, etc. Whatever work is done by these departments has to be approved by the members of the legislative assembly.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

Question 5.
In India, what are the qualifications and the disqualifications of a voter?
Answer:
In India, the qualifications and the disqualifications of a voter are:
Question ualification: according to the law, a voter must

  • be a citizen
  • have attained the age of 18 years and above.

Disqualification: according to the law, a voter must not

  • be bankrupt, traitor to the country
  • be insane person
  • been convicted for any serious crime.

Question 6.
In what ways do the people in power like the chief minister and the minister take action?
Answer:
The people in power like the chief minister and the minister take action through various departments like the Public Works Department, the Agriculture Department, the Health Department, the Education Department and so on. They also have to answer questions that are asked in the Legislative Assembly and convince people asking the questions that proper steps are being taken. At the same time, newspapers and the media widely discuss the issue and the government has to respond, for example, by holding the press conferences.

Question 7.
What do you understand by debate?
Answer:
A discussion held in the Assembly to discuss current and important problems is known as the debate. During debate, the MLAs can express their views and ask questions related to the problems and issues. They could even give suggestions about what should be done by the government for the betterment of the people. The ministers then replies to the questions asked and give assurance to the Assembly that proper steps are being taken.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

Question 8.
Distinguish between By-election and Mid-term election.
Answer:

By-eieetion Mid- term eieetion
Before the completion of the tenure of the house, if the member of the parliament, state legislative assembly dies or resigns from his constituency then the election which takes place again is known as the byelection. Before the completion of the tenure of 5 years, sometimes the president dissolves the government of the state on the advice of the Prime minister. Then the fresh elections are held. This type of election is known as the mid-term election.

Question 9.
What were the ways by which the people of Patalpuram adopt to put their grievances?
Answer:
The people of Patalpuram organised a rally and gheraos of the MLAs residence. Their leader who was the member of the opposition party demanded loudly that the action and steps should be taken immediately and to bring the public health situation under control.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Explain the process of emergence and development of government in a state.
Answer:
In India, every state has a Legislative Assembly. Each state is divided into different areas or constituencies. From each constituency, the people elect one representative who then becomes a Member of the Legislative Assembly or better known as MLA. People stand for elections in the name of different political parties. These MLAs belong to different political parties. Apolitical party whose MLAs have won more than half the number of constituencies in a state are said to be in a majority. The political party that has the majority forms the government.

In case no party gains the majority then in that case the party with maximum elected members tries to get support from different parties or candidates. The party that proves to have maximum supporters is allowed to form the government which is also known as the coalition government. If no party proves the majority then there would be reelection.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Solutions

JAC Class 7 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

JAC Board Class 7 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

→ Government works at three levels, they,are local, state and national.

→ Who is an MLA?

  • Members of the Legislative Assembly or MLAs are elected by the people. They then become members of the legislative assembly and also form the government. Hence, the MLAs represent people.
  • In India, every state has a Legislative Assembly. And, each state is divided into different areas or constituencies.
  • For example, Himachal Pradesh is divided into 68 assembly constituencies. From each constituency, the people elect one representative who then becomes a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). These people who stand for election are from different parties.
  • A political party whose MLAs have won mote than half the number of constituencies in a.state can be said to be in a majority. The political party that has the majority is known as the ruling party and all other members are known as opposition.
  • After the elections, the MLAs belonging to the ruling or of majority party will elect their leader as who will become the chief minister.
  • The chief minister then selects other ministers for his government. After the elections, the Governor of the state appoints the chief minister and other ministers.
  • A Legislative Assembly is a place where all the MLAs, whether from the ruling party or from the opposition meet to discuss various things about their state. Hence, some MLAs have dual responsibilitie-one as an MLA and the other as a minister.

→ A Debate in the Legislative Assembly:

  • In a democracy, the members of the Legislative Assembly can ask questions, debate on important issue, decide where money should be spent, etc. They have the main authority.
  • The MLAs are together responsible for the work of the government. Here, the word ‘government’ refers to government departments and various ministers who head them. The overall head is the chief minister.
  • This is known as the executive part of the government. All the MLAs who assemble together in the legislative assembly are known as the Legislature. They are the ones who authorize and supervise their work.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 3 How the State Government Works

→ Working of the Government:

  • In a democracy, there are many ways through which people express their views and also take action.
  • Sometimes after the discussion in the assembly, press conference are organised by the minister.
  • Ministers also visit the areas where there are problems and meet the suffered people.
    The government announces compensations as well as solves the problems faced by the suffered families.
  • Enquiry committees are made to look into different problems such as water problem, sanitation, etc.
  • The people who are in power means the chief minister and the minister need to take actions. They do so through different departments such as the Public Works Department, the Agriculture Department, the Health Department, the Education Department.
  • The chief minister and other ministers also have to answer questions that are asked in the Legislative Assembly and convince people asking the questions that what proper steps are being taken.
  • The government can also decide to make new laws for the state regarding sanitation and health facilities.
  • Laws for the entire country are made in the Parliament.
  • In a democracy, it is the people who elect their representatives as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Hence, it is the people who have the main authority.

→ A Wallpaper Project:
A wallpaper is an interesting activity through which research can be done on particular topics of interest.

JAC Class 7 Social Science Notes