Q 1. Use the terms ‘constituency’ and ‘represent’ to explain who an MLA is and how is the person elected?
- An MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) is the person affiliated to a political party or independent who represents a constituency {an area).
- The person is elected in the following manner:
- A specific area is called a constituency.
- All the adults above 18 years of age are the voters.
- They vote for the candidate of their choice.
- The person who gets the maximum number of votes is declared elected.
- The elected representative is called an MLA.
Q 2. How did some MLAs become Ministers? Explain.
The party which is elected in the majority for the Legislative Assembly forms the government. As per constitutional provisions the ruling party elects its leader who is called the Chief Minister as the head of the government. The Chief Minister, in consultation with the Governor, constitutes a cabinet which includes members of his/her party as ministers. The MLAs who become ministers are allotted with a portfolio. Here the MLAs turned ministers become accountable for the entire state for that particular portfolio.
Q 3. Why should decisions are taken by the Chief Minister and other ministers be debated in the Legislative Assembly?
The decisions taken by the Chief Minister and other ministers should be debated in the Legislative Assembly because of the following reasons:
- The decisions, it is not necessary, taken by the Chief Ministers and ministers are beneficial to one and all.
- All the MLAs should know about them.
- Important suggestions may be incorporated in the final decisions.
- Adversely affecting points are deleted after the debate.
- The decisions so taken are the decisions of all the members and hence the people.
Q 4. What was the problem in Patalpuram? What discussion/actions were taken by the following? Pill in the table.
Patalpuram was facing an acute crisis of water
Q 5. What is the difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by government departments?
The difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by government departments is that every department is headed by a minister who is also an MIA. The minister approves any work done or proposed by the department. The department is responsible for the projections and completion of the work whereas MLAs or ministers coordinate between the Assembly and the departments.
Q 6. How is the Governor of a state-appointed?
The Governor of a state is appointed by the Central Government.
Q 7. Whose responsibility is it to nm various government departments or ministers?
It is the responsibility of the Chief Minister and other ministers to run various government departments or ministers.
Q 8. How will you define a Legislative Assembly?
A Legislative Assembly is a place where all the MLAs, from the ruling party as well as the opposition, meet to discuss various things.
Q 9. Define the term ‘government’.
The term ‘government’ refers to the government departments and various ministers who head them.
Q 10. Who is the head of the executive?
The Chief Minister is the head of the executive.
Q 11. Why did the Chief Minister and the minister for health visit Patalpwam district?
They went to visit the families who had lost their relatives due to the spread of diarrhea. They also visited people in hospitals.
Q 12. Why are press conferences organised?
Press conferences are oragnised to discuss various current issues.
Q 13. What do you know about wallpaper?
A wallpaper is an interesting activity through which research can be done on particular topics of interest.
Q 14. Why do people in a democratic set up organise meetings?
They do so to voice their opinions and protest against the government if any of its actions is not in their favour.
Q 15. The government works at three levels. Name them.
The government works at three levels namely
- Local
- State
- Natural
Q 16. What do you mean by an MLA? Is it necessary to become a member of any political party to become an MLA?
The term MLA stands for a Member of the Legislative Assembly. He/She is elected through a general election and represents a particular constituency. It is not necessary for one to be a member of a political party to become an MLA. He/she can contest the election as an independent candidate also. In some cases, he/ she is sponsored by a political party. But one thing is necessary that he/she must be a citizen of India and fulfill the requisite qualifications for the post.
Q 17. What is the process of the formation of government in a state?
A general election is conducted to elect representatives from various constituencies. The party which earns more than half of the total seats is said to be in a majority. That party is usually called for forming the government.
Sometimes, no party gains a clear majority. In that case, the party with maximum elected members tries to get support from the like-minded parties or independent candidates. The party that proves to have maximum supporters in that way is allowed to form a government. Otherwise, there would be re-election,
Q 18. What is the role of the party that does not form a government?
As per the Constitution all the parties which do not take part in the formation of a government are called opposition parties. In our democratic set up the role of the opposition parties is in no way less important than the ruling party. The opposition parties keep a watch over the functioning of the ruling party. They take part in every discussion and debate held in the Assembly. They can check and protest any wrong action of the government.
Q 19. Who becomes a Chief Minister? What is his/her role in a state?
Chief Minister is the leader of the ruling party. He/She is elected out of the total members of the party gaining majority in the general election. He/she is the executive head of the government. He/She is responsible for every action of the government. He/she also coordinates between the government at the centre and the state.
Q 20. How does a government function in a state?
A government is headed by the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister, in order to manage the functioning of the government, appoints ministers at various levels like cabinet ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers. Every government department is headed by a cabinet minister who is directly accountable for the functioning of the particular department. The heads of the government departments who are bureau rates are responsible for the handling of the government decisions. The bureau rates project and get the works completed. The ministers give approval to the works.