How the State Government works Class 7 Worksheet Civics Chapter 3

Q.1. What is the role of opposition parties in the government? 

Opposition parties serve a crucial role in government by:

• Questioning government decisions and actions.
• Raising new issues for discussion in the Assembly.
• Holding the ruling party accountable to the public.

Through these actions, they contribute to a more transparent and responsive government.

Q.2. Name some political parties of India. 

Political parties in India include:

• Indian National Congress
• Bharatiya Janata Party
• Nationalist Congress Party
• Communist Party of India
• Others include regional and independent parties.

Q.3. What do you mean by the word legislature? 

All the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who come together in the legislative assembly are referred to as the Legislature. They play a crucial role in:

• Authorising government actions
• Supervising the work of the government
• Debating important issues

The head of the executive, known as the chief minister, is chosen from among these members.

Q.4. What is a Legislative Assembly? 

A Legislative Assembly is a meeting place for all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including those from both the ruling party and the opposition. Here, they:

• Discuss important issues affecting the state.
• Express their opinions and ask questions.
• Debate government actions and suggest improvements.
• Make decisions on budget allocations and policies.

In a democracy, MLAs play a crucial role in representing the interests of their constituents.

Q.5. What do you know about wallpaper projects? 

Wallpaper projects are engaging activities that allow students to explore specific topics of interest through research.

• Students work in groups to discuss and decide what to include in their wallpaper.
• They gather materials and write observations or experiences, which can take the form of stories, poems, or interviews.
• Each group reviews their selected content and provides feedback to one another.
• After finalising the layout, groups present their work to the class, ensuring each member participates.
• A feedback session follows to discuss improvements and further actions.

Q.6. Why is the governor of the state appointed? 

The Governor of a state is appointed by the Central Government to ensure that the State Government operates within the laws of the Constitution. This role includes:

• Overseeing the adherence to constitutional rules.
• Facilitating the functioning of the state government.
• Ensuring that the government acts in the best interest of the public.

Q.7. Where are laws for the entire country made? 

Laws for the entire country are made in Parliament.

Q.8. What was the purpose of the press conference organized by the health minister?

The press conference aimed to:

• Explain the government's actions regarding health issues.
• Provide a platform for the health minister and officials to share information.
• Allow reporters to ask questions and gather details for their reports.

These discussions were subsequently covered in various newspapers.

Q.9. In the working of the government, explain the difference between being an MLA and an MLA who is also a minister? 

The chief minister and other ministers manage various government departments. They operate from separate offices. In contrast, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) participates in discussions within the Legislative Assembly, where all MLAs, regardless of party affiliation, convene. Key differences include:

• Responsibilities: Ministers oversee specific departments, while MLAs represent their constituencies.
• Decision-Making: Ministers make executive decisions; MLAs debate and approve these decisions.
• Authority: MLAs hold the primary authority to question and supervise government actions.

Thus, some MLAs also serve as ministers, taking on dual roles.

Q.10. How does the press conference help you get information on what the government is doing? 

 The government holds press conferences to share information with the media. During these events:

• Reporters ask questions to clarify government actions.
• The discussions are reported in various newspapers.
• This coverage helps the public understand different issues and government plans.

Q.11. Who becomes a chief minister? What is his or her role in a state? 

 After elections, the MLAs from the ruling party elect their leader, who becomes the chief minister. The chief minister then appoints other ministers. Their roles include:

• Running various government departments or ministries.
• Making decisions on state policies and administration.
• Representing the state in legislative matters.

The chief minister and ministers work from separate offices and are responsible for ensuring the government functions effectively.

Q.12. Explain the following terms–the majority, ruling party, and opposition. 

 A political party whose MLAs have won more than half of the constituencies in a state is said to hold a majority. 
The party with the majority becomes the ruling party, while all other parties are referred to as the opposition.

Q.13. What does the term constituency mean? 

A constituency is a specific area where voters elect their representatives. 
Key points include:

• It can be a panchayat ward or a district that selects a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
• Each constituency is represented by one elected MLA.
• In India, every state has multiple constituencies for its Legislative Assembly.

Q.14. What is the process of formation of government in a state?

 Every state in India has a Legislative Assembly. The process of forming a government involves the following steps:

• Each state is divided into different areas or constituencies.
• People elect one representative from each constituency, known as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
• MLAs are affiliated with various political parties.
• A political party that wins more than half of the constituencies is considered to have a majority.
• The party with the majority forms the government.
• If no party achieves a majority, the party with the most elected members seeks support from others.
• The party that secures enough backing is allowed to form the government.
• If no party can prove a majority, re-elections may be held.

Q.15. How do the people in power like the chief minister and the minister take action? 

The chief minister and ministers take action through various government departments, including:

• Public Works Department
• Agriculture Department
• Health Department
• Education Department

They are also accountable for responding to questions in the Legislative Assembly, where they must assure the public that appropriate measures are being taken. Additionally:

• Media coverage, including newspapers and TV, plays a significant role in discussing government actions.
• Press conferences are held to provide updates and answer questions from journalists.

In a democracy, citizens can express their views through meetings and protests, influencing government decisions and actions.