CBSE Class 7 Social & Political Life – II: Chapter 3 How the State Government Works NCERT Solutions

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This chapter, 'How the State Government Works,' for CBSE Class 7 Social & Political Life – II, delves into the fundamental aspects of governance at the state level. It explains the roles and election processes of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), the formation of the government, and the responsibilities of the Chief Minister and other ministers. The solutions highlight the importance of the Legislative Assembly in debating crucial issues, ensuring government accountability, and overseeing the implementation of laws. It also clarifies the distinction between the legislative and executive functions within the government. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations to help students grasp complex political concepts, making exam revision more effective and focused.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectSocial & Political Life – II
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 3

Chapter summary

Chapter 3 of Social & Political Life – II for Class 7 NCERT focuses on the functioning of state governments. It details how MLAs are elected from constituencies, how a majority party forms the government led by a Chief Minister, and the roles of ministers. The solutions emphasize the critical function of the Legislative Assembly in discussing public issues, holding the government accountable, and scrutinizing its actions, particularly in addressing public problems like water scarcity and sanitation. The chapter clarifies the relationship between MLAs' decisions and the implementation by government departments.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the concept of a constituency and the election process for MLAs.
  • Explain how a Chief Minister and other ministers are selected.
  • Recognize the importance of the Legislative Assembly for public debate and government accountability.
  • Differentiate between the roles of MLAs in the Assembly and government departments.
  • Analyze how state governments address public issues and crises.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • State Government
  • Legislative Assembly
  • Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
  • Constituency
  • Election Process
  • Chief Minister
  • Ministers
  • Government Departments
  • Accountability
  • Public Issues
  • Sanitation
  • Drinking Water

Important topics

  • Role of MLA
  • Formation of State Government
  • Functioning of Legislative Assembly
  • Government Accountability
  • Addressing Public Issues

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Use the terms 'constituency' and 'represent' to explain who an MLA is and how this person is elected.
Solution:

In India, each state has a Legislative Assembly. The state is divided into several geographical areas known as constituencies. The people residing in each constituency vote to elect one representative. This elected representative then becomes a Member of the Legislative Assembly, or MLA. Therefore, an MLA is a person who is elected by the people of a constituency to represent their interests in the Legislative Assembly. In essence, MLAs represent the people of their constituencies.

Question 2

Explain how some MLAs become Ministers.
Solution:

After the elections are held for the Legislative Assembly, the political party that secures more than half of the total number of constituencies wins a majority. The MLAs belonging to this majority party then choose a leader from among themselves. This chosen leader is appointed as the Chief Minister. Subsequently, the Chief Minister selects other individuals, who are also MLAs, to become ministers. These ministers are then assigned specific portfolios or departments to manage.

Question 3

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

Decisions made by the Chief Minister and other ministers must be debated in the Legislative Assembly because the entire council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Assembly. All the members of the Legislative Assembly have the authority to oversee and supervise the work done by the executive branch of the government. This debate ensures transparency, accountability, and allows for public scrutiny of government actions.

Question 4

What was the problem in Patalpuram? What discussion/action was taken by the following? Fill in the table.

Public meeting Legislative Assembly Press Conference Chief minister

Solution:

The significant problem in the Patalpuram district was the inadequate supply of clean drinking water and a lack of proper sanitation facilities. This led to a serious health crisis, with a large number of people dying from diarrhea due to the consumption of contaminated water. The absence of sufficient medical care further worsened the situation for the residents.

Discussion and Action taken:

  • Public Meeting: The concerned citizens gathered and expressed their dissatisfaction, demanding that their MLA be held responsible and accountable for the dire health conditions in the district.
  • Legislative Assembly: MLAs from various parties discussed critical issues such as the urgent need for improved sanitation and healthcare facilities. They questioned the government on the steps being taken to address these problems and ensure the well-being of the citizens.
  • Press Conference: The Health Minister addressed the media, assuring the public that a regular supply of clean drinking water would be provided using tanker trucks. He also announced an initiative aimed at preventing water-borne diseases like diarrhea.
  • Chief Minister: In response to the crisis, the Chief Minister promised to establish a high-level inquiry committee. This committee would investigate the needs of the district and recommend measures for providing adequate sanitation facilities.

Question 5

What is the difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by government departments?
Solution:

The term 'government' in common understanding often refers to the various departments and their heads, which collectively form the executive part of the government. The primary difference lies in their functions:

  • MLAs in the Assembly: MLAs are responsible for making laws, debating public issues, and holding the government accountable. They represent the views and needs of their constituents.
  • Government Departments: These departments are responsible for implementing the laws and policies that are made by the MLAs in the Assembly. They handle the administrative and executive functions required to run the state on a daily basis.

In summary, MLAs legislate and oversee, while government departments execute and administer.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the roles of MLAs and ministers.
  • Not understanding the concept of a majority in forming a government.
  • Failing to see the link between public issues and legislative action.
  • Confusing the legislative (law-making) and executive (implementation) functions.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding the election and selection process for MLAs and the Chief Minister.
  • Pay close attention to the role of the Legislative Assembly in holding the government accountable.
  • Use the Patalpuram example to understand how public problems are addressed by different government bodies.
  • Clearly distinguish between the work done by MLAs in the Assembly and the work of government departments.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is a 'constituency' in the context of state government elections?

Q2. Who is responsible for selecting ministers after the elections?

Q3. Why are decisions made by ministers debated in the Legislative Assembly?

Q4. What was the main problem faced by the people of Patalpuram as described in the chapter?

Q5. Who implements the laws made by the MLAs in the Assembly?

Frequently asked questions

What is an MLA and how are they elected?

An MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) is a representative elected by the people from a specific constituency. The state is divided into various constituencies, and each one elects one representative who then becomes an MLA.

How is the Chief Minister chosen in a state?

After the elections, the political party that wins more than half of the seats in the Legislative Assembly forms the government. The MLAs of the ruling party then elect their leader, who becomes the Chief Minister.

Why is the Legislative Assembly important?

The Legislative Assembly is crucial because it's where MLAs debate important issues, question the government, and hold the Chief Minister and ministers accountable for their actions and decisions.

What is the difference between an MLA's work and a government department's work?

MLAs make laws and decisions in the Legislative Assembly. Government departments, headed by ministers, are responsible for implementing these laws and carrying out the day-to-day administration.

How do state governments address public problems like the one in Patalpuram?

When public problems arise, MLAs raise them in the Legislative Assembly. Ministers then take action, which might include providing immediate relief (like water tankers) or initiating long-term solutions and inquiries, as promised by the Chief Minister.

Important links

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