NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Civics Chapter 3: How the State Government Works

1. Use the terms 'constituency' and 'represent' to explain who an MLA is and how is the person elected?

An MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) is a representative elected by the people of a specific area. Each state in India is divided into several areas called constituencies. During elections, people vote for a candidate from their constituency. The candidate who secures the most votes becomes the MLA and represents the people of that area in the state's Legislative Assembly.

2. How did some MLAs become Ministers? Explain.

After the elections, the political party that wins a majority of the seats (more than half the constituencies) forms the government. The leader of the majority party is appointed as the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister then selects other MLAs from their party to serve as ministers. These ministers are given charge of various government departments, such as Health, Education, or Public Works.

3. Why should decisions taken by the Chief Minister and other ministers be debated in the Legislative Assembly?

Debate in the Legislative Assembly is essential for a healthy democracy because:

• It allows the opposition to question the government's decisions and policies.
• It ensures transparency and accountability in governance.
• It highlights the needs and problems of the people living in different constituencies.
• It provides a platform for ministers to explain their actions and justify the budget allocations.

4. What is the difference between the work that MLAs do in the assembly and the work done by government departments?

The MLAs in the Legislative Assembly are involved in debating issues, passing laws, and discussing policies. They represent the collective voice of the citizens. On the other hand, the work of government departments is to implement these laws and policies on the ground. For example, while the assembly discusses the need for better hospitals, the Health Department is responsible for actually building and staffing those hospitals.