Governance Chapter Notes | Social Studies (SST) Class 6 PDF Download

Introduction

Three Organs of Government

Did people have to mail the demand draft to send money to a business?

Yes, In the past, to send money to a business, people first obtained a demand draft from their bank. They then had to mail this draft to the business to complete the transaction. This process involved physically sending the draft through the postal service.

• Past Methods: Thirty years ago in India, people had to physically visit places like the Post Office or their bank to send money. For example, to send money to a relative far away, one would stand in line at the Post Office to fill out a form for a money order. Similarly, sending money to a business involved getting a demand draft from the bank and then mailing it.
• Digital Revolution: Today, thanks to digital technology, we can transfer money instantly without these old processes. Terms like 'money order' and 'demand draft' are now unfamiliar to most people because of this convenience.
• Rise of Cybercrime: However, the digital age has also given rise to cybercriminals who steal money online without leaving their homes. In response, governments have enacted new laws to combat these cybercrimes.
• Law Enforcement: Some of these criminals are caught and taken to court, where they face penalties like fines and imprisonment for several years. This is part of the effort to protect people from being robbed of their hard-earned money.

How the Three Branches of Government Work Together

Imagine the government as a team with three important players, each with its own job. Let’s see how they work together:

1. The Legislature: Making the Rules

• The legislature is like the rule-maker of the team. Its main job is to create new laws or update existing ones. This is done by a group of people who represent the citizens. Sometimes, they even remove laws that are no longer needed.
• In India, this group is called Parliament, which includes the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

2. The Executive: Putting the Rules into Action

• The executive is responsible for putting the laws into action . This includes the head of the government, like the President or Prime Minister, along with ministers and various agencies.
• For example, in our story, the cyber police is an agency that helps enforce the laws related to online behavior.

3. The Judiciary: Ensuring Fairness and Justice

• The judiciary is like the referee of the team. It decides if someone has broken the law and what the penalty should be. It also checks if the decisions made by the executive are correct and if the laws made by the legislature are fair and reasonable.
• In India, the judiciary is made up of various levels of courts, with the Supreme Court at the top.

By working together, these three branches ensure that the government runs smoothly, laws are followed, and justice is served. This system helps maintain order and fairness in society, just like a well-coordinated team!

Separation of Powers in Governance

• In a good system of governance, there are three main organs of government that need to be kept separate, even though they interact and work together. This separation is known as the 'separation of powers.'
• The separation of powers is designed to create a system of checks and balances. This means that each organ of government has the ability to monitor and check the actions of the others.
• By having this system in place, if one organ of government goes beyond its expected role or oversteps its authority, the other organs can step in to restore balance and ensure that power is not misused.

Three Levels of Government

Understanding the Three Levels of Government in India

Governments operate at different levels depending on the country. For example, in India, the government functions at three levels: local , state or regional , and national . Each level has its own responsibilities, similar to how you solve a problem at home by checking things first before calling for help.
Let's explore these three levels of government in India:

1. Local Government: This is the closest level to the people and deals with issues in specific areas like towns or villages. Local authorities handle problems that affect a small community, such as a minor flood in a single neighborhood. They are responsible for things like garbage collection, street cleaning, and maintaining local parks.
2. State Government: The state government steps in when an issue is too big for the local government to handle. For example, if heavy rain causes flooding in multiple towns and villages within a state, the state government will coordinate rescue efforts and provide assistance to the affected areas. State governments are responsible for areas like education, healthcare, and transportation within their regions.
3. Central or Union Government: This is the highest level of government in the country. The Central Government gets involved when a problem is so large that it affects the entire nation. For instance, during a massive natural disaster like an earthquake or a widespread flood, the Central Government may send relief supplies, the army, and other resources to help the affected areas. The Central Government is responsible for national defense, foreign affairs, and major infrastructure projects.

In summary, the three levels of government in India work together to address different issues based on their scale and impact:

1. Local Government: Handles local problems and community needs.
2. State Government: Manages regional issues and provides support to local governments.
3. Central Government: Takes charge of nationwide problems and ensures the overall functioning of the country.

Inspirations from Ancient Texts in Institutional Mottos 

• Many institutions in India have mottos that are inspired by the wisdom found in ancient texts.
• The motto of the Government of India is "Satyameva Jayate," which translates to "Truth alone triumphs." This reflects the importance of truth in governance.
• The Supreme Court of India has the motto "Yato Dharmastato Jayah," meaning "Where there is dharma, there is victory." This emphasizes the role of dharma, or righteousness, in achieving success.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born in a modest family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in the year 1931. 
• He was a famous scientist and earned the nickname 'Missile Man of India' for his significant work in developing India's space program, missile program, and nuclear capabilities. 
• Dr. Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. 
• Even with his high position, he stayed connected to the people, especially the youth, through his love for education and innovation. 
• He inspired millions with his humility, commitment to social causes, and dedication to the nation. 
• Dr. Kalam encouraged young Indians to dream big and work hard to reach their goals. 
• His role as President was important, and he made a positive impact on many lives. 
• Here are some of his inspiring thoughts:

Democracy

• A system of governance where representatives of the people make decisions on behalf of the citizens is called democracy . The term 'democracy' is derived from Greek words: 'demos' meaning 'people' and 'kratos' meaning 'rule' or 'power' , thus signifying 'rule of the people.'
• Direct Democracy Example: Imagine your class is deciding on a picnic spot between Place A and Place B. Everyone discusses the pros and cons, but it’s hard to reach a consensus. So, your teacher suggests voting. Every student raises their hand for their preferred place, and the one with the most votes wins. This is an example of direct democracy where every student’s opinion counts in making the final decision.

Features of Indian Democracy

• India is a representative democracy , meaning citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
• It is the world’s largest democracy , with around 970 million voters in 2024.
• All Indian citizens above the age of 18 have the right to vote in elections.
• At the State level , elected representatives are called Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
• At the national level , they are called Members of Parliament (MPs).
• These representatives discuss laws and problems in assemblies, trying to convince each other through dialogue and debate.
• India’s system encourages grassroots democracy , enabling ordinary citizens to participate in decisions that affect them.
• The process of voting is crucial in democracy, allowing citizens to express their preferences and make collective decisions.

Conclusion

Governance and government are essential for maintaining order and harmony in society. By understanding the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, as well as the different levels of government, we can better appreciate how our society functions. Democracy allows us to have a say in how we are governed, ensuring that everyone's voice matters. Inspirational leaders like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam remind us that with dedication and hard work, we can achieve great things.

Key Words

1. House: An assembly where laws are discussed or passed.
2. Nominal: In name only. It means, in our case, that the President of India and the Governor of a State are not the actual executive heads. They do have certain powers under special circumstances, but normally do not interfere in the affairs of the Central or State government.