How does state government works?

Q.1.Use the terms ‘constituency’ and ‘represent’ to explain who an MLA and how is the person
elected?
ANSWER:

An MLA is a member of the Legislative Assembly. They are elected by the people of their constituency.
The MLAs represent the people in their constituency in the Legislative Assembly.

Q.2.How did some MLAs becomes Ministers? Explain ?

ANSWER:

Some MLAs become ministers when their party wins more than half the number of constituencies in a
state and thus is in majority. The party which is in majority then makes a cabinet whose members are
called ministers

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

Answer:

Decisions taken by the chief minister and other ministers should be debated in the Legislative Assembly
because these decisions have to be approved by the members of the legislative assembly. The MLAs are
collectively responsible for the work that the government does.

Q.4What 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
ANSWER:

The problem in Patalpuram was that there was a shortage of clean drinking water and lack of proper
sanitation. Added to this, the people were dying of diseases while there was a shortage of proper medical
facilities.

Public meeting − The people decided that the MLA must take responsibility for the deteriorating
healthcare and sanitation conditions.

Legislative Assembly − The MLAs discussed the need for proper sanitation and healthcare facilities
and asked the government about the steps it had taken to ensure the same.

Press Conference − The minister explained the steps taken to improve medical facilities and provide
tankers which would supply clean drinking water.

Chief minister − He promised funds for the measures which the health minister suggested and said
that the problem of garbage would be looked after too.

Q 5.What is the difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by
government departments?
ANSWER:

MLAs make and debate decisions in the assembly. The government departments implement the
decisions made by the Legislative Assembly.

Extra questions:-

Q.1How does the press conference help you get information on what the government is
doing?

Answer: Government also organizes press conference to present information to members of the mass
media. Reporters ask many questions at this meeting. These discussions are then reported in different
newspapers. Through newspaper we come to know about different issues and about the government
plans.
Q 2.How does a government function in a state?

Answer: In a democracy, it is the people who elect their representatives as Members of the Legislative
Assembly (MLAs) and, thus, it is the people who have the main authority. The ruling party members
then form the government and some members are appointed as ministers. These ministers are in charge
of various departments of the government such as health. Whatever work is done by these departments
has to be approved by the members of the legislativeAssembly m,,

Q.3.What is the difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and
the work done by government departments?

Answer: Difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by government
departments are:

Act of making laws on certain issues is done by MLAs in the Legislative Assembly of each state while
these laws are implemented by the various government departments.Whatever work is done by these
government departments has to be approved by the members of the legislative assembly (i.e. MLAs).

Q.4.How did some MLAs become Ministers? Explain.

Answer: After the elections, a political party whose MLAs have won more than half the number of
constituencies in a state can be said to be in a majority. The political party that has the majority is called
the ruling party and all other members are called the opposition. The MLAs belonging to the ruling party
will elect their leader who will become the chief minister. The chief minister then selects other people as
ministers. After the elections, it is the Governor of the state who appoints the chief minister and other
ministers..

Q.5.In the working of the government, explain the difference between being an
MLA and an MLA who is also a minister?
Answer: The chief minister and other ministers have the responsibility of running various government
departments or ministries. They have separate offices. A Legislative Assembly is a place where all the
MLAs, whether from the ruling party or from the opposition meet to discuss various things. Hence, some
MLAs have dual responsibilities: one as an MLA and the other as a minister.
Q.6.Why should decisions taken by the Chief Minister and other ministers be
debated in the Legislative Assembly?
Answer: Whatever decisions are being taken have to be approved by the members of the legislative
assembly. In a democracy, these members can ask questions, debate an important issue, decide where
money should be spent, etc. They have the main authority to finalize the decisions.