CBSE Class 6 Social Science: What is Government NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

CBSE Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 3, 'What is Government,' introduces students to the fundamental principles of governance. This chapter explains why governments are necessary, how they make rules and laws, and their role in addressing societal issues. It explores different types of governments, highlighting the characteristics of a democracy where citizens have a voice. The solutions delve into the importance of equality and fairness in governance, discussing how governments work to ensure these principles are upheld. Students will learn about the significance of participation in the democratic process and understand how governments impact their daily lives. The chapter aims to build a foundational understanding of civic duties and the structure of government, preparing students for further studies in social sciences.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectSocial Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterCivics - Chapter 3 What is Government

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science (Civics) explain the concept of government, its functions, and its impact on daily life. It covers why laws are necessary, the characteristics of a democratic government, and the historical suffrage movement. The solutions also address the principle of equal voting rights for all adults, regardless of their socio-economic status, reinforcing the idea of non-discrimination. This section aims to build a foundational understanding of governance and civic participation.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the meaning and role of a government.
  • Explain the necessity of laws and rules in society.
  • Identify key features of a democratic government.
  • Recognize the historical significance of the suffrage movement.
  • Discuss the importance of equal voting rights and non-discrimination.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Meaning of Government
  • Role of Government in Daily Life
  • Necessity of Laws
  • Features of Democratic Government
  • Suffrage Movement
  • Women's Right to Vote
  • Equality and Non-Discrimination
  • Voting Rights
  • Levels of Government
  • Role of Courts

Important topics

  • What is Government?
  • Why do we need laws?
  • Features of Democracy
  • Suffrage Movement and Voting Rights
  • Equality and Non-Discrimination

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What do you understand by the word 'government'? List five ways in which you think the government affects your daily life.
Solution: The word 'government' refers to the body or institution that has the authority to make decisions, implement laws, and manage the affairs of a country or community for the well-being of its citizens. It ensures order, provides essential services, and protects rights.

Here are five ways the government affects daily life:

  1. Law and Order: The government maintains peace and order by enforcing laws, which prevents crime and ensures personal safety.
  2. Public Services: It provides essential services such as roads, public transportation, water supply, and electricity.
  3. Protection of Rights: The government safeguards citizens' rights and provides legal support against discrimination and injustice.
  4. Disaster Management: In times of natural calamities like floods or earthquakes, the government organizes rescue operations and provides emergency assistance to affected people.
  5. Social Welfare: It implements policies aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens, including healthcare and education initiatives.

Question 2

Why do you think the government needs to make rules for everyone in the form of laws?
Solution: The government needs to make rules in the form of laws for several crucial reasons:
  1. Maintaining Peace and Order: Laws establish a framework for behavior, preventing chaos and ensuring that society functions smoothly and peacefully.
  2. Establishing Justice: Laws ensure fairness and equality for all citizens, providing a mechanism to resolve disputes and punish wrongdoings.
  3. Achieving Constitutional Ideals: Laws help in realizing the constitutional goals of equality and the right against discrimination, ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly.
  4. Ensuring Compliance: Laws make it compulsory for people to follow them, creating a sense of responsibility and accountability within the community.

Question 3

Name two essential features of a democratic government.
Solution: Two essential features of a democratic government are:
  1. Rule by the People: In a democracy, the ultimate power rests with the people. Citizens actively participate in the governance process, either directly or by electing representatives.
  2. Elected Representatives: People have the right to elect their leaders or representatives. These elected individuals then come together to make decisions and create laws for the entire population.

Question 4

What was the suffrage movement? What did it accomplish?
Solution: The suffrage movement was a historical campaign primarily focused on achieving voting rights for women. In many parts of Europe and the USA, women and other marginalized groups had to fight for their right to participate in government.

The struggle for women's suffrage gained significant momentum during the First World War. As men were away fighting, women took on roles previously considered exclusive to men, demonstrating their capabilities. This period led many to question existing inequalities. Consequently, the demand for universal suffrage for women grew stronger.

Accomplishments: The movement was successful in securing voting rights for women. For instance, American women gained the right to vote in 1920, and women in the UK achieved similar voting rights as men a few years later, in 1928.

Question 5

Gandhiji strongly believed that every adult in India should be given the right to vote. However, a few people don't share his views. They feel that illiterate people, who are mainly poor, should not be given the right to vote. What do you think? Do you think this would be a form of discrimination? Give five points to support your view.
Solution: I believe that every adult in India should have the right to vote, regardless of their literacy or economic status. Denying voting rights based on illiteracy or poverty would indeed be a form of discrimination.

Here are five points to support this view:

  1. Equality of Citizens: All citizens are equal, and the Constitution of India aims to provide equal rights and opportunities to everyone.
  2. Right to Participate: An illiterate person is still a citizen of India and has the fundamental right to participate in the democratic process.
  3. Constitutional Provisions: Our constitution guarantees equal voting rights to all adult citizens, and we must uphold these provisions.
  4. Human Dignity: Denying someone the right to vote based on their background undermines their dignity and self-worth.
  5. Inclusivity: A truly democratic government represents all its people. Excluding any segment of the population based on their literacy or economic condition would make the government less representative.

Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct option to complete the statements given below:
  1. The government also works at local level. Here local level means
    1. Village
    2. Town
    3. Locality
    4. All the above.
Answer: (d) All the above.

Explanation: The government operates at various levels, including the local level, which encompasses villages, towns, and specific localities within a region.

  1. The court can intervene if
    1. Any law passed by the government is not followed.
    2. Anyone does not study well.
    3. A child tells a lie.
    4. Both (a) and (b).
Answer: (a) Any law passed by the government is not followed.

Explanation: The court's role is to ensure that laws are upheld. It can intervene if government-made laws are disregarded, but not typically for personal academic performance.

  1. American women got the right to vote in the year
    1. 1928
    2. 1925
    3. 1920
    4. 1919.
Answer: (c) 1920.

Explanation: American women achieved the right to vote in 1920 as a result of the persistent efforts of the suffrage movement.

  1. The term suffrage means
    1. Right to vote
    2. Right to go anywhere in the country
    3. Right to livelihood
    4. None of the above.
Answer: (a) Right to vote.

Explanation: Suffrage is the fundamental right to vote in political elections, a key aspect of democratic participation.

  1. The two types of government mentioned the chapter are:
    1. Democracy
    2. Monarchy
    3. Dictatorship
    4. (a) and (b).
Answer: (d) (a) and (b).

Explanation: The chapter discusses Democracy and Monarchy as forms of government. Dictatorship is also a relevant form of governance.

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to complete each sentence.
  1. The government works at different levels: at the local level, at the level of the state, and at the national level.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing government functions with individual responsibilities.
  • Not fully grasping the concept of 'rule by the people' in a democracy.
  • Overlooking the historical context of the suffrage movement.
  • Failing to connect laws to the maintenance of peace and order.

Revision tips

  • Review the definition of 'government' and list its key functions.
  • Understand why laws are essential for a functioning society.
  • Compare and contrast different types of government mentioned.
  • Focus on the principles of democracy and equal rights.
  • Use the MCQ and fill-in-the-blanks sections for quick recall.

Practice MCQs

Q1. The government operates at various levels, including the local level. What does 'local level' encompass?

Q2. Under what circumstances can the court intervene in the actions of the government?

Q3. In which year did American women gain the right to vote?

Q4. What does the term 'suffrage' primarily refer to?

Q5. Which two types of government are mentioned in the chapter?

Frequently asked questions

What is a government?

A government is a system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. It is responsible for making decisions, enacting laws, and ensuring the welfare and order of its citizens.

Why are laws important for a society?

Laws are essential for maintaining peace and order, establishing justice, preventing discrimination, and ensuring that everyone adheres to a common set of rules for the smooth functioning of society.

What are the key characteristics of a democratic government?

A democratic government is characterized by rule by the people, where citizens participate in decision-making, often by electing representatives who make decisions on their behalf.

What was the suffrage movement about?

The suffrage movement was a historical struggle, primarily by women in Europe and the USA, to gain the right to vote and participate in government.

Should everyone have the right to vote?

Yes, ideally, every adult citizen should have the right to vote, as denying this right based on factors like illiteracy or poverty would be a form of discrimination, contradicting the principles of equality and human dignity.

How does the government affect my daily life?

The government affects daily life by providing essential services like roads, water, and electricity, ensuring safety through police and law enforcement, regulating prices, providing education, and protecting citizens' rights.

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