NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 3 how the state government works notes

Chapter 3: How the state government works

These NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 3 notes explain how the state government functions in India. The chapter helps students understand why state governments are necessary and how they manage local issues like education, health, police, and transport.

How the State Government Works describes the structure of the state government, the role of the Legislative Assembly, MLAs, Chief Minister, and the Governor. It also explains how decisions are taken and how the government is made accountable to the people.

This chapter helps students understand democratic governance at the state level in India.

1. Introduction: Why we need a state government

  • India is a federal country divided into states.
  • Each state has its own state government to manage local issues.
  • State governments look after subjects like health, education, police, and roads and transport.
  • This chapter explains who runs the state government and how it works.
  • Just like a school has a head and teachers, a state has leaders and departments.

2. Structure of the state government

  • The state government has three main parts.
  • The legislative makes laws.
  • The executive implements laws.
  • The judiciary interprets laws.
  • This chapter focuses on the legislative and the executive.

3. Legislative assembly

  • The Legislative Assembly is the law-making body of the state.
  • Members of the Legislative Assembly are called MLAs.
  • Each state is divided into constituencies.
  • People vote to elect one MLA from each constituency.
  • MLAs represent the people of their area.
  • Bihar has its own Legislative Assembly elected by the people of Bihar.

4. Role of MLAs

  • MLAs make laws for the state.
  • MLAs raise public issues in the Assembly.
  • MLAs question the government.
  • MLAs approve the state budget.
  • MLAs act as a bridge between people and the government.

5. Formation of state government

  • The party with more than half of the MLAs forms the government.
  • This party is called the ruling party.
  • Parties not in power form the opposition.
  • The opposition questions and criticises the government.
  • If no party gets a majority, a coalition government may be formed.

6. Executive: Chief minister and council of ministers

  • The Chief Minister (CM) is the head of the state government.
  • The Chief Minister is chosen from the majority party.
  • The Chief Minister takes major decisions.
  • The Council of Ministers assists the Chief Minister.
  • Each minister heads a department.
  • Examples of ministers include Health Minister and Education Minister.

7. Role of the governor

  • The Governor is the constitutional head of the state.
  • The Governor is appointed by the Central Government.
  • The Governor ensures the state government works according to the Constitution.

8. How decisions are taken

  • Problems are discussed in the Legislative Assembly.
  • Issues are also discussed in cabinet meetings.
  • Decisions are debated and approved.
  • Government departments implement the decisions.
  • The Patalpuram water crisis was discussed in the Assembly.

9. Accountability of the government

  • The government is answerable to the Legislative Assembly.
  • The government is also answerable to the people.
  • MLAs ask questions in the Assembly.
  • The media reports public issues.
  • People protest if they are unhappy.
  • The government must explain its actions to citizens.

10. Important keywords with simple meanings

  • MLA – a representative elected by people to the Legislative Assembly.
  • Constituency – an area from which one MLA is elected.
  • Legislative Assembly – the law-making body of a state.
  • Ruling party – the party that forms the government.
  • Opposition – parties that are not in power and question the government.
  • Chief Minister – the real executive head of the state government.
  • Governor – the constitutional head of the state appointed by the Centre.
  • Coalition government – a government formed by two or more parties together.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 3 – How the State Government Works is important to learn how laws are made and implemented at the state level. The chapter clearly explains the roles of elected representatives and how government decisions affect people’s daily lives.

The ideas discussed in this chapter help students understand accountability, representation, and democratic functioning and are highly useful for school examinations and foundation-level preparation.

Students should next read Chapter 4: Growing up as Boys and Girls to understand how society shapes gender roles and leads to inequality.

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FAQs

Q1. What is the role of the Legislative Assembly in a state?
The Legislative Assembly makes laws for the state and discusses public issues.

Q2. Who are MLAs?
MLAs are Members of Legislative Assembly elected by people from different constituencies.

Q3. Who is the real head of the state government?
The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state government.

Q4. What is the role of the Governor?
The Governor is the constitutional head of the state and ensures the government works according to the Constitution.

Q5. Why is NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 3 important for exams?
It explains state-level governance, roles of representatives, and decision-making, making it important for school exams and foundation-level preparation.

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