SUBJECT: Political Science GRADE: 7 CBSE
NAME: __________________ Topic: How the State Government Works
Answer the following:
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 an
independent candidate who represents a constituency or an area.
The person is elected in the following manner:
o A specific area for election purpose is called a constituency.
o All the adults above 18 years of age are the voters.
o They vote for the candidate of their choice.
o The candidate who gets the maximum number of votes is declared elected.
o The elected representative is called an MLA.
2. How did some MLAs become Ministers? Explain.
o The party which is elected in the majority for the Legislative Assembly forms the government.
o The ruling party elects its leader who is called the Chief Minister, as the head of the government.
o The Chief Minister, in consultation with the Governor, constitutes a cabinet which includes members
of his/her party as ministers.
o The MLAs who become ministers are allotted a portfolio.
o Here the MLAs turned ministers become accountable for the entire state for that particular portfolio.
3. Why should decisions 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:
o It is not necessary that the decisions, taken by the Chief Ministers and ministers are beneficial to
one and all.
o All the MLAs should know about them.
o Important suggestions may be incorporated in the final decisions.
o The decisions so taken are the decisions of all the members and hence of the people.
4. What was the problem in Patalpuram? What discussion/actions were taken by the following? Fill in the
table.
Patalpuram was facing an acute crisis of water
Public meeting Condemned the government policies, protested and put forward
demands to the government.
Legislative Assembly Discussed the issue and decided the course of action.
Press conference The health minister presented the plan of action initiated by
government.
Chief Minister Visited the village of Patalpuram, announced compensation to the
affected families, also clarified the future action to solve the problem.
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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 MLA. The minister approves
any work done or proposed by the department. The department is responsible for the implementation and
completion of the work where as MLAs or ministers coordinate between the Assembly and the
departments.
o This is for reference.
o Keep this sheet safely.
o For accurate spellings refer text book.
Page 2 of 2 Gr – 7 CBSE – Political Science - 2023-24 Property of Pupil Tree, Ballari.
