How The State Government Works Class 7 extra questions and answers free PDF download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 7 Social Science How The State Government Works - 2025-26
1. What is the difference between the ruling party and the opposition in a state legislature, as per CBSE Class 7 syllabus?
In a state election, the political party whose MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly) win more than half the number of constituencies becomes the ruling party. It forms the government. All other elected MLAs who are not part of the ruling party form the opposition. Their main role is to question the government's decisions, debate policies in the assembly, and ensure the government is accountable to the people.
2. Who is an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly), and what is a constituency in the context of state elections?
An MLA is a representative elected by the voters of a specific electoral area to the legislative assembly of a state. The specific area from which an MLA is elected is called a constituency. For election purposes, each state is divided into several constituencies, and one representative is elected from each.
3. For a 5-mark question, how would you explain the complete process of a state government being formed after an election?
The formation of a state government is a key process and can be explained in these steps for a high-scoring answer:
Elections: The state holds elections where people from different constituencies vote for their preferred candidate.
Results: The candidates who win become MLAs. The political party that secures a majority (more than half of the total seats) is invited by the Governor to form the government.
Coalition Government: If no single party gets a clear majority, two or more parties may come together to form a coalition government.
Appointment of Chief Minister: The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition as the Chief Minister.
Formation of the Cabinet: The Chief Minister then selects other ministers to head various government departments (e.g., Health, Education, Finance). This group is known as the Council of Ministers.
4. Why is the work of government departments, such as health and sanitation, debated in the Legislative Assembly?
The work of government departments is debated in the Legislative Assembly to ensure accountability and collective responsibility. MLAs, including those from the opposition, have a duty to voice the concerns of their constituencies. Debating issues like a lack of clean drinking water or problems in hospitals allows for scrutiny of the government's performance, demands action from the concerned minister, and ensures that public money is being used effectively for the welfare of all citizens.
5. How does a press conference help the government communicate its decisions and actions?
A press conference is an important tool for governance because it allows the government to communicate information to the public through the media. Ministers can announce new policies, explain the steps taken to address a problem (like a disease outbreak), and answer questions from journalists. This helps in maintaining transparency, managing public perception, and ensuring that accurate information about the government's work reaches a wide audience.
6. What are the key responsibilities of a state government towards its citizens, as highlighted in Chapter 3?
According to Chapter 3, the key responsibilities of a state government, which are often tested in exams, include:
Making Laws: Creating laws on subjects in the State List, such as agriculture, police, and public health.
Running Departments: Managing various government departments like Health, Education, Public Works, and Agriculture to implement these laws and run welfare schemes.
Addressing Public Issues: Responding to and resolving problems faced by citizens, such as providing clean water, building roads, and ensuring proper healthcare facilities.
7. How does the opposition play a critical role in ensuring the government works effectively for the people?
The opposition plays a crucial role as a 'watchdog' in a democracy. Their primary functions, important for exams, are:
Questioning the Government: They ask questions during assembly sessions to highlight shortcomings in government policies and actions.
Organising Protests: They can organise protests and rallies to draw attention to issues where the government is failing.
Providing Alternatives: By criticising policies, they often present alternative solutions and keep the public informed about different viewpoints.
This pressure ensures the ruling party remains answerable and works in the public's best interest.
8. What is the relationship between the Governor and the Chief Minister in the functioning of a state government?
The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, appointed by the President of India. The Chief Minister is the executive head, being the leader of the ruling party. While the Governor formally appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers, all executive decisions are taken by the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers. The Governor acts on the advice of the Chief Minister, making their relationship one of constitutional authority and executive power, respectively, which is crucial for the smooth functioning of the state administration.
