How the State Government Works — Class 7 Social Science

Every state in India has a Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly is central to how a state government functions.

Constituencies and Elections:

• Constituencies: Each state is divided into different areas or constituencies
• Election of MLAs: From each constituency, people elect one representative who becomes a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
• Political Parties: These MLAs belong to different political parties
• Universal Adult Suffrage: All adults (18 years and above) in a constituency have the right to vote for their MLA

The Legislative Assembly Building:

• The Legislative Assembly is a building situated in the capital city of the state
• All the MLAs from ruling and opposition parties meet here to discuss and debate issues
• It is the place where laws are made and government decisions are discussed

What is the Legislature?

• All the MLAs who gather together in the Legislative Assembly are collectively called the Legislature
• The Legislature is the law-making body of the state
• It holds the government accountable for its actions and decisions

After elections, the political parties that have won seats form the ruling government or become the opposition based on the number of seats won.

What is Majority?

• A political party whose MLAs have won more than half the number of constituencies in a state is said to be in a majority
• For example, if a state has 100 constituencies, a party needs to win at least 51 seats to have a majority
• Majority means the party has enough members to pass laws and make decisions in the assembly

Ruling Party:

• The political party that has the majority is called the ruling party
• It forms the government of the state
• It has the responsibility of governing the state and implementing policies

Opposition:

• All other members (MLAs from parties that did not get a majority) are called the opposition
• The opposition plays a crucial role in a democracy by questioning the government
• They point out problems with government policies and suggest alternatives
• A strong opposition ensures that the ruling party works for the welfare of the people

The process of forming a state government begins after the election results are declared.

How the Chief Minister is Chosen:

• After the elections, the MLAs belonging to the ruling party (the party with the majority) elect their leader
• This elected leader becomes the Chief Minister of the state
• The Chief Minister is the head of the state government
• The Governor of the state formally appoints the Chief Minister

Selection of Ministers:

• The Chief Minister then selects other people as ministers
• Together, the Chief Minister and the ministers form the Council of Ministers
• Each minister is given charge of a specific department or area of governance
• The Chief Minister and ministers take decisions and run the government

Responsibilities:

• The Chief Minister leads the state government and coordinates the work of all departments
• Ministers head their respective departments and are responsible for the working of those departments
• They must answer questions in the Legislative Assembly about their departments
• Whatever decisions are taken by the government have to be approved by the members of the Legislative Assembly

The Legislative Assembly is not just a building but a space where important discussions and debates take place that affect the lives of all people in the state.

What Happens During Debates:

• MLAs from both ruling and opposition parties meet in the assembly to discuss and debate issues
• During debate time, MLAs can express their opinions on various issues
• They can ask questions related to the issue being discussed
• They can give suggestions about what should be done by the government
• Those who wish to can respond to the points raised by other members

Role of Ministers in Debates:

• The minister concerned replies to the questions raised by MLAs
• The minister tries to assure the Assembly that adequate steps are being taken
• Ministers explain government policies and defend government decisions
• This process ensures transparency and accountability

Approval by the Legislative Assembly:

• Whatever decisions are taken by the government have to be approved by the members of the Legislative Assembly
• This means the government cannot act on its own without the consent of the legislature
• This is a key feature of democracy - the government is answerable to the elected representatives

The state government carries out its work through various departments, each responsible for a specific area of governance.

Government Departments:

• Education Department: Manages schools, colleges, curricula, teacher recruitment, and educational policies
• Public Works Department (PWD): Handles construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, government buildings, and public infrastructure
• Health Department: Responsible for hospitals, health centres, disease prevention, and public health programmes
• There are many other departments such as Agriculture, Revenue, Police, Transport, etc.

How Departments Function:

• Each department is headed by a minister who is responsible for its working
• The Chief Minister and the ministers take action through these departments
• Government employees (bureaucrats and officials) carry out the day-to-day work of the departments
• Whatever work is done by these departments has to be approved by the members of the Legislative Assembly

Democratic Accountability:

• There are various newspapers, TV channels, and other organisations that regularly talk about the government and its work
• In a democracy, there are various ways through which people express their views and also take action
• Media plays a watchdog role by reporting on government activities
• Citizens can raise issues through protests, petitions, and public forums
• This ensures the government remains accountable to the people