SOCIAL AND POLITICAL LIFE – GRADE 6

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE KEY ELEMENTS OF A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT - CLASS NOTES

Fill in the blanks:

1. Universal Adult Suffrage is an important device of democracy.
2. The government in India works at three levels.
3. Democracy means that all the citizens are free to express their opinions.
4. In India the system of democracy followed is representative.
5. In an absolute monarchy ,all the powers lie with the King/queen.
6. Elections in India are held on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise.
7. In a democracy, government is run by the representatives of the people.
8. Participation of people in the government is a key principle of a democracy.
9. The African National Congress led the struggle against apartheid.
10.Judiciary , the organ of the government that protects and guards the laws of the
country.
11.The suffragettes demanded the right to vote for all women.
12.Apartheid means separation on the basis of race.

State whether the following statements are true or false. If false, rewrite the correct
statement:
1. Women Suffrage Movement was a struggle to gain voting rights. True
2. UAE is a democratic form of government. False
UAE is a federal form of government.
3. The citizens of a country should be aware of the problems of their own region only. False
The citizens of the country should be aware of the problems of their region along with
other areas too. This will help them gain a broader perspective and choose their
government in the same manner.

4. In a democracy, citizens can freely express their opinion in public. True

 5. Independent candidates cannot contest any elections. False
Citizens can contest elections either by taking ticket from any political party or as an
independent candidate. They can be affiliated to some party or can contest
independently.

6. In representative democracies, people do not participate directly but choose their

representatives through an election process. True
7. The laws of the state are put into force by the executive. True
8. The state government takes the decision on introduction of a new 1000 rupee note.
False
The central government takes the decision on introduction of a new 1000 rupee note.
9. Nelson Mandela fought the apartheid system for several years. True
10.The key idea of a democratic government is its commitment to equality and justice. True
11.In their earliest forms governments allowed only women who owned property and were
educated, to vote. False
In their earliest forms governments allowed only men who owned property and were
educated, to vote.

Answer the following questions in about 40-50 words.

Q.1 What system of government does India follow? What does it mean?
a) India follows a representative democratic form of government.
b) This implies that the people who run the government are elected by the people as
their representatives.
c) In such a system, political parties are formed on the basis of several ideologies. These
parties select their candidates to contest the elections and the elected candidates run
the government.

Q.2 What do you understand by the word 'government’? List five ways in which you think the
government affects your daily life.
Government is a set of institutions that have the power to make, implement and interpret
laws so as to ensure an orderly life. Government consists of group of people who are
assigned the task of administering and managing the affairs of the nation.
Five ways in which the government affects our daily life are as follows:
 a) It ensures proper supply of drinking water.
b) It ensures proper supply of electricity.
c) It makes schools so that most of the children can study. The government also
regulates the functioning of private schools.
d) It makes hospitals which treat patients either free of cost or at nominal cost.
e) In case of natural calamity, government provides relief to affected people.

Q.3. Why do you think the government needs to make rules for everyone in the form of laws?
The law serves many purposes and functions in society.
a) It prevents the misuse of their powers.
b) It measures the security of the nations.
c) To avoid disorder, confusion, and anarchy in a country.
d) To protect liberties and rights.
e) It helps in proper functioning and decision making of the government.

Q.4 Enumerate the ways in which people participate in the process of government?
Ans: Various ways in which people participate in the process of government:
a) By participating in the election.
b) By casting their vote to choose their government.
c) By mass protest like rallies, strikes, signature compaigns etc.
d) Limiting the power by regular election.
e) By expressing their view and criticizing the government on social media, televisions,
newspapers etc.
f) Keep on track and informed with government works and decisions.

Q.5 “The role of a citizen is very important in a democracy”.

a) Democracy means government by the people. The role of the citizens is very
important in a democracy.
b) The citizens have to be aware of their rights as well as their duties. They must have
the capability and sincerity to elect their representatives. They should be able to
understand whether the government is taking the right steps regarding their welfare.
c) For this reason it is important to acquire knowledge about current events and policy
making through newspaper, radio and television, as well as public meetings. In a
democracy all citizen are free to express their opinions.
d) They can criticize and question the government, if they feel that it is not discharging
its duties properly.
 e) They can also oppose its policies, without resorting to violence or breaking the law.
Eg. Voting is the right as well the duty of a citizen in a democracy.

Q.6 “We need the government to find solutions to many disputes or conflicts”? Justfy the
statement.
We need the government to find solutions too many disputes or conflicts:
a) It can turn into outrageous or violent movement in future if not solved.
b) Government is accountable to its people and thus take care of them.
c) It is necessary to maintain peace and laws in the nation.
d) To maintain the trust of its people for the maintainance of laws and justice.