Test: Grassroots Democracy - Governance - 1 - Class 6 MCQ

The Legislature is the branch of government responsible for making laws. Similar to how rules are established in a school, the legislature creates laws for the entire country or state. In India, it consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). These representatives engage in discussions and make decisions on new laws or modifications to existing ones.

The primary role of the legislature is to ensure that laws are created that everyone in the country must adhere to.

• Creates laws for governance
• Involves representatives from various regions
• Discusses and decides on legal changes

Topic in NCERT: Three Organs of Government

Line in NCERT: "The legislature is the organ that makes new laws (or 'legislates')."

The separation of powers divides government into three branches: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. Each branch has distinct roles and powers, which is crucial for the following reasons:

• It establishes a system of checks and balances, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.
• Should one branch act unfairly or improperly, the others can intervene to correct it.
• This structure promotes accountability and ensures fair governance.

Topic in NCERT: Three Organs of Government

Line in NCERT: "In any good system of governance, these three organs must be kept separate, although they interact with each other and work together. This separation is called the 'separation of powers'. It is intended to provide a system of checks and balances."

In India, the government operates at three levels:

• Local Government: This level is closest to the community, addressing local issues such as garbage collection, street cleaning, and park maintenance in towns or villages.
• State Government: This level manages broader issues affecting the state, including health, education, and transport.
• Central Government: The highest level, responsible for national matters such as defence, foreign affairs, and large infrastructure projects.

These three levels of government collaborate to address various problems according to their scale and impact.

Topic in NCERT: Democracy

Line in NCERT: "The Indian government functions at three levels — Centre or national, State and local."

Grassroots democracy is a system that enables and encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decision-making processes. This approach ensures that the voices of the people are heard and considered in matters that affect their lives. It promotes greater involvement and engagement at the local level.

Key features include:

• Encouragement of citizen participation in political processes.
• Increased accountability of leaders to the community.
• Empowerment of individuals to influence decisions that impact them.

Grassroots movements have played a crucial role in various social and political changes throughout history, such as the civil rights movement in the United States.

Topic in NCERT: Democracy

Line in NCERT: "The term grassroots democracy refers to a system that enables and encourages the participation of ordinary citizens."

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is often called "The Missile Man of India" due to his vital contributions to India's missile development programme. His significant work in enhancing the country's space and nuclear capabilities helped him earn this title. Despite his numerous achievements, he remained humble and passionate about education.

He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.

• Known for his role in India's missile programme.
• Contributed to the space programme and nuclear capabilities.
• Renowned for his humility and dedication to education.

Topic in NCERT: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Line in NCERT: "nicknamed the 'Missile Man of India' for his crucial role in the development of India's space programme, missile programme and nuclear capabilities."

The word "democracy" comes from two Greek words: "demos", meaning "people", and "kratos", meaning "rule" or "power". So, democracy literally means "rule of the people". In a democracy, the people have the power to make decisions, often by voting for their representatives who make laws and policies on their behalf.

Topic in NCERT: Democracy

Line in NCERT: "The word 'democracy' comes from two Greek words dēmos meaning 'people', and kratos meaning 'rule' or 'power'; so 'democracy' literally means the 'rule of the people'."

The Executive branch of a government is responsible for putting laws into action and ensuring that they are followed. This includes enforcing laws and managing the day-to-day operations of the government. The executive is headed by the President, Prime Minister, or Chief Minister, and includes government officials, ministers, and agencies that help enforce the law (like the police).

In simple terms, while the Legislature makes the laws, the Executive makes sure those laws are carried out and followed.

Topic in NCERT: Three Organs of Government

Line in NCERT: "The executive is the organ that implements (or ‘executes') the laws."

Societies need rules and laws to maintain order and harmony. Without these regulations, chaos would ensue as individuals would lack clear guidance on acceptable behaviour. Key functions of laws include:

• Establishing clear expectations for behaviour.
• Preventing conflicts between individuals.
• Protecting the rights of all citizens.
• Ensuring fairness and justice within the community.

Topic in NCERT: Introduction

Line in NCERT: "When a large number of people live together, there can be disagreements and disorder, and rules become necessary to maintain order and harmony in the society."

The motto of the Government of India is Satyameva Jayate, which translates to “Truth alone triumphs”. This phrase is derived from the ancient Indian scripture, the Mundaka Upanishad, and signifies the vital role of truth in governance, emphasising that truth will ultimately prevail.

Topic in NCERT: DON’T MISS OUT

Line in NCERT: “Many of our institutions have mottos inspired by the wisdom of our ancient texts. The Government of India’s motto, for example, is Satyameva Jayate, which means ‘Truth alone triumphs’.”

In a democracy, voting plays a vital role as it enables citizens to select their representatives. These representatives are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the public, such as creating laws and shaping policies. Through voting, the government is held accountable to the people, ensuring that their voices are heard and that their preferences influence governance.

Topic in NCERT: Democracy