Chapter 3: What is government?
These NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 3 notes explain the meaning of government and why every country needs a government to function smoothly.
NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 3 – What Is Government? helps students understand how governments make laws, maintain law and order, provide basic facilities, and protect citizens.
The chapter also introduces levels of government in India and different types of government like democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship, laying the foundation for understanding Indian democracy and governance.
1. Meaning of government
- Government is a system by which a country is ruled and administered
- It has the authority to make rules and laws
- These laws apply to all people living in the country
- Government helps in running the country smoothly
- It takes decisions for public welfare
- Just like a school needs rules and a principal, a country needs a government
2. Why do we need a government?
- A government is needed to maintain law and order
- It protects people from crime
- It also protects the country from external attacks
- Government provides basic facilities like roads, schools, and hospitals
- It helps in settling disputes between people
- Without government, society would fall into chaos
3. Levels of government
- In India, government works at three levels
- Local level includes Panchayat in villages and Municipality in towns and cities
- State level government looks after one state
- National level government looks after the entire country
- Different levels handle different responsibilities
- This system helps in better administration
4. Types of government
- There are different types of governments in the world
- Democracy is where people elect their leaders
- Monarchy is rule by a king or queen
- Dictatorship concentrates power in one person
- Each type gives different rights to people
- India follows the system of democracy
5. Democratic government
- In a democracy, people elect the government
- Regular elections are held
- Government is answerable to the people
- Citizens enjoy freedom and equality
- People can change the government through elections
- Democracy is called government of the people, by the people, for the people
6. Universal adult franchise
- Universal adult franchise means right to vote for all adults above 18 years
- There is no discrimination on the basis of caste
- Religion cannot be a ground to deny voting rights
- Gender does not affect the right to vote
- Wealth is not a condition for voting
- This ensures political equality
7. Role of people in democracy
- People elect their representatives
- Citizens can question the government
- People participate in decision-making
- Public opinion influences government policies
- Media helps in informing people
- Active citizens strengthen democracy
8. Important keywords
- Government: An authority that rules and administers a country
- Democracy: A system where people elect their representatives
- Monarchy: A form of government ruled by a king or queen
- Dictatorship: A system where all power is held by one person
- Universal adult franchise: Right of all adults above 18 years to vote
- Election: A process by which people choose their representatives
9. Why this chapter is important
- Introduces the basic idea of government
- Explains why government is necessary
- Builds foundation for understanding the Indian Constitution
- Helps in understanding democracy
- Important for civics learning
- Very useful for BPSC and State PCS foundation
Understanding NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 3 is essential to learn how governments operate at different levels and why democracy is preferred in India. The concepts discussed in What Is Government Class 6 help students connect daily life with political systems and administration.
Continue reading NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 4 – Key Elements of a Democratic Government to understand how democracy works in practice.
FAQs
Q1. What is government according to NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 3?
Government is a system by which a country is ruled and administered.
Q2. Why do we need a government?
To maintain law and order, provide basic facilities, and protect people.
Q3. What are the levels of government in India?
Local level, State level, and National level.
Q4. What are the main types of government?
Democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship.
Q5. Why is democracy important?
Because people choose their leaders and enjoy freedom and equality.