Short & Long Questions: The Working of the state Government | Window on the Word Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who makes laws in a democracy?
Ans: The legislature is responsible for making laws in a democracy.

Q2: What are the two houses of the state legislature called?
Ans: The two houses of the state legislature are called Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad.

Q3: What is the term of office for a member of the Vidhan Sabha?
Ans: A member of the Vidhan Sabha has a term of five years.

Q4: Who appoints the governor of a state?
Ans: The president appoints the governor of a state on the advice of the prime minister.

Q5: What is the role of the chief minister in the state government?
Ans: The chief minister is the de facto head of the state government and is responsible for running the state.

Q6: What is the function of the judiciary in a state government?
Ans: The judiciary interprets the law, protects fundamental rights, settles disputes, and punishes law-breakers.

Q7: What is the main aim of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)?
Ans: The main aim of NITI Aayog is sustainable development, which means development that meets the needs of the present without affecting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Q8: Why was land reform prioritized in India after gaining independence?
Ans: Land reform was prioritized because there was highly unequal distribution of land resources, especially in rural areas, which contributed to rural poverty.

Q9: What is the purpose of the Orissa Land Reforms Act (1960)?
Ans: The Orissa Land Reforms Act (1960) aimed to give land rights to tenants and encourage proper and effective utilization of land.

Q10: Why did the laws regarding land reforms in Odisha face challenges?
Ans: The rich landlords often did not actually give up the land to the peasants, and there were issues with records of land ownership. Additionally, in mineral-rich states like Odisha, large tracts of agricultural land were bought by mining companies, affecting land distribution.

Long Answer Questions

Q11: Explain the structure of the state government, including its three branches.
Ans: The state government consists of three branches: legislature, executive, and judiciary. The legislature makes laws, with two houses - Vidhan Sabha (elected directly) and Vidhan Parishad (elected indirectly or nominated). The executive enforces laws, including the governor, chief minister, and Council of Ministers. The judiciary interprets the law and includes the High Court as the highest judicial body.

Q12: Describe the functions and responsibilities of the chief minister in a state government.
Ans: The chief minister is the leader of the Legislative Assembly and the head of the Council of Ministers. They make final decisions on running the state, allocate portfolios to ministers, and monitor policies and activities. The chief minister also acts as an advisor to the governor, conveying decisions of the Council.

Q13: Explain the significance of land reforms in India after gaining independence.
Ans: Land reform was crucial as unequal land distribution, especially in rural areas, was a major cause of rural poverty. Rich landlords owned large tracts of land while tenant farmers had no security. This led to falling yields and deeper poverty. Land reforms aimed to correct this gap by passing laws that protected the landless and marginalized.

Q14: Discuss the challenges faced in implementing land reforms in Odisha.
Ans: Despite the laws passed in Odisha for equitable land distribution, challenges arose. Rich landlords often didn't transfer the land, records of ownership were lacking, and the land given up was of poor quality. Additionally, in mineral-rich states like Odisha, large mining companies acquired agricultural land. This impacted tribal areas and livelihoods.

Q15: Explain the role of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) in resource planning and development.
Ans: NITI Aayog, established in 2015, focuses on sustainable development. It plans how the resources of the country can be used most effectively, ensuring development that meets the needs of the present without affecting future generations. It plays a vital role in guiding resource allocation and development strategies at the national level.