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DAV Class 7 SST Chapter 19 Our State Government Solutions
Get complete, 100% authentic textbook solutions for DAV Class 7 Social Science (We and Our World – Civics) Chapter 19: Our State Government. This comprehensive study guide features detailed chapter summaries and core concepts (Federal system of India, State Legislature: Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan Parishad, powers and functions of the Governor, role of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, President’s Rule under Article 356, and state legislative procedure), complete textbook exercise solutions (Section A: Tick the Correct Option, Section B: Fill in the Blanks, Section C: True or False, Section D: Short Answer Questions, Section E: Detailed Explanations), Value Based Questions (VBQ), Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), and class activities strictly adhering to the DAV Education Board curriculum.
| Class | Subject | Prescribed Textbook | Chapter & Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 7 (कक्षा 7) | Social Science (SST) | We and Our World (Civics) | Chapter 19: Our State Government |
Quick Navigation Table of Contents
- Chapter Summary & Key Concepts
- Section A: Tick (✓) the Correct Option (MCQs)
- Section B: Fill in the Blanks
- Section C: State True or False
- Section D: Short Answer Questions (Brief Answers)
- Section E: Long Answer Questions (Detailed Answers)
- Value Based Question (VBQ)
- HOTS & Key Concepts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Related Class 7 Solutions Navigation
Chapter Summary & Key Concepts
India is a Sovereign Democratic Republic featuring a federal system of government with a strong Centre. The governance operates at three distinct tiers:
- Federal Structure: The Central Government manages matters of national importance (Union List), State Governments manage regional and state welfare (State List), and both collaborate on shared priorities (Concurrent List). Local administration operates through Municipalities in urban areas and Panchayati Raj institutions in rural areas.
- State Legislature:
- Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly): The Lower House directly elected by universal adult franchise. Its maximum membership is 500 and minimum is 60, with a normal tenure of 5 years. Members must be at least 25 years old. The house is presided over by the Speaker.
- Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council): The Upper House, present only in select larger states (bicameral legislature). It is a permanent house that cannot be dissolved; members serve a 6-year term, with one-third retiring every two years. Members must be at least 30 years old. Presided over by the Chairman.
- The Governor: The constitutional executive head of a state, appointed by the President of India for a term of 5 years. The Governor must be an Indian citizen of at least 35 years of age. Acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, holds legislative, financial, judicial, and discretionary powers, and reports on the constitutional functioning of the state.
- The Chief Minister & Council of Ministers: The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state government. The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party/coalition in the Vidhan Sabha as Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers formulates policies, guides legislation, manages state finances, and administers public welfare departments.
- President’s Rule (Article 356): Imposed when the constitutional machinery of a state breaks down or no party commands a legislative majority. During this period, the state government is suspended/dismissed, and the Governor administers the state on behalf of the President of India.
Section A: Tick (✓) the Correct Option
1. The Governor of a state is appointed by the-
- (a) Chief Minister
- (b) Prime Minister
- (c) President of India ✔
- (d) Vice-President of India
Explanation: Under Article 155 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of a state is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal, holding office during the pleasure of the President.
2. Vidhan Parishad is a permanent house because-
- (a) its members are elected for six years.
- (b) its two-third members retire after every two years.
- (c) it cannot be dissolved. ✔
- (d) it is an Upper House.
Explanation: The Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) is a permanent legislative body and is not subject to dissolution. One-third of its members retire every two years, and each elected member serves a term of six years.
3. The maximum strength of a State Legislative Assembly can be-
- (a) 300
- (b) 400
- (c) 500 ✔
- (d) 600
Explanation: Article 170 of the Indian Constitution specifies that the Legislative Assembly of any state shall consist of not more than 500 and not less than 60 members chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies.
4. The Union Territories are directly administered by the-
- (a) Governor
- (b) Chief Minister
- (c) State Government
- (d) Union Government ✔
Explanation: Union Territories are federal territories governed directly by the Central (Union) Government of India through administrators or Lieutenant Governors appointed by the President.
5. Which one of the following is NOT a Union Territory?
- (a) Chandigarh
- (b) Goa ✔
- (c) Delhi
- (d) Puducherry
Explanation: Goa attained full statehood on 30 May 1987, making it a state with its own Governor, Chief Minister, and Vidhan Sabha. Chandigarh, Delhi (NCT), and Puducherry are Union Territories.
Section B: Fill in the Blanks
- In case of constitutional breakdown in a state, the President’s rule is imposed.
- The Upper House in a state is called Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council).
- The government at State Level is called State Government.
- There are 28 states and 8 Union territories in India.
- The members of a Vidhan Sabha are elected by the people directly.
Section C: Write True or False for the Following Statements
- The State Government can make laws only on the Concurrent list. — False
(Correction: The State Government has exclusive power to enact laws on subjects in the State List, and shared power to legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List.) - The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party as the Chief Minister. — True
(The leader of the political party or alliance securing a clear majority of seats in the Vidhan Sabha is invited by the Governor to form the government.) - Delhi has an elected Legislative Assembly. — True
(Under the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act, the National Capital Territory of Delhi has an elected 70-member Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers.) - The Vidhan Sabha is a permanent House. — False
(Correction: The Vidhan Sabha has a normal 5-year tenure and can be dissolved earlier by the Governor; the Vidhan Parishad is the permanent house.) - The term of each member of the Legislative Council is six years. — True
(Members of the Vidhan Parishad are elected for a term of six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.)
Section D: Answer the Following Questions in Brief
Q1: What is the minimum age to be the Governor of a state?
Ans: The minimum age required for appointment as the Governor of a state is 35 years. In addition, the person must be a citizen of India and should not hold any office of profit.
Q2: What is the minimum age to be the Chief Minister of a state?
Ans: The minimum age to be the Chief Minister of a state is 25 years (if the candidate is a member of the Legislative Assembly/Vidhan Sabha). If the candidate is a member of the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad), the minimum age requirement is 30 years.
Q3: Who presides over the meetings of Legislative Assembly?
Ans: The Speaker (elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly from amongst themselves) presides over the meetings and maintains parliamentary order in the Legislative Assembly. In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker conducts the proceedings.
Q4: Who acts as a link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers?
Ans: The Chief Minister acts as the principal link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers. It is the duty of the Chief Minister to communicate to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to state administration and legislative proposals.
Q5: Who appoints the Chief Minister of a state?
Ans: The Governor of the state appoints the Chief Minister by formally inviting the elected leader of the political party or alliance commanding a clear working majority in the State Legislative Assembly.
Section E: Answer the Following Questions
Q1: Mention three functions of the State Legislature.
Ans: The three primary functions of the State Legislature are:
- Law-Making Function: The State Legislature makes laws for the entire state on all subjects listed in the State List (such as police, public health, local government, sanitation, agriculture, and prisons) as well as the Concurrent List (such as education, forests, and civil procedures).
- Financial Control & Passing the State Budget: It exercises complete authority over the finances of the state. No tax can be levied, altered, or public money spent from the State Consolidated Fund without the approval of the Legislative Assembly. It debates, discusses, and passes the state’s annual budget.
- Control Over the Executive: It keeps the Council of Ministers accountable through Question Hour, Calling Attention Motions, debates, cut motions, and can remove the government from office by passing a Vote of No-Confidence.
Q2: Describe the powers of the Governor of a state.
Ans: The Governor is the constitutional and executive head of the state. The powers of the Governor can be classified under the following heads:
- Executive Powers: Appoints the Chief Minister and, on the Chief Minister’s advice, appoints other ministers. Appoints the Advocate General, Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission, and senior civil officers. All formal government orders are issued in the name of the Governor.
- Legislative Powers: Summons, prorogues, and dissolves the State Legislative Assembly. Delivers the opening address to the newly elected assembly and the first session of each year. Every bill passed by the state legislature requires the Governor’s assent to become law. Promulgates Ordinances when the legislature is not in session.
- Financial Powers: Money bills cannot be introduced in the Vidhan Sabha without the prior recommendation of the Governor. The Governor ensures the state’s annual financial statement (budget) is laid before the house.
- Judicial Powers: Possesses the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment for offenses against state laws. The Governor is also consulted by the President of India during the appointment of judges to the State High Court.
- Discretionary Powers: In situations where no party secures a clear majority in assembly elections, the Governor exercises personal discretion in choosing whom to invite to prove majority, and can recommend President’s Rule under Article 356 if constitutional governance breaks down.
Q3: When is the President’s rule imposed in a state?
Ans: President’s Rule (also known as State Emergency) is promulgated under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution under the following conditions:
- Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery: When the Governor sends a report to the President, or the President is convinced, that the governance of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with constitutional provisions.
- Hung Assembly or Loss of Majority: When no political party or coalition is able to demonstrate a working majority after assembly elections, or when a ruling coalition collapses and no alternate government can be formed.
- Non-Compliance with Central Directives: Under Article 365, if a state government fails to comply with or give effect to lawful executive directives issued by the Central Government.
Effects: Upon imposition of President’s Rule, the Council of Ministers is dismissed, the Vidhan Sabha is either suspended or dissolved, and the Governor administers the state on behalf of the President with the assistance of civil advisors.
Q4: Enlist five functions of the Council of Ministers of a state.
Ans: The Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister forms the real executive of the state. Its five key functions include:
- Formulating State Policies: Decides all major administrative, socio-economic, industrial, educational, and welfare policies of the state.
- Introducing and Guiding Legislation: Drafts, prepares, and introduces important government bills in the State Legislature and steers them to passage.
- Financial Management & Budget: Finalizes the state’s annual budget, manages state tax revenues, and determines expenditure across public welfare departments.
- Maintaining Public Order & Law: Oversees the police administration, ensures safety, public order, and communal harmony throughout the districts.
- Implementing Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Coordinates with Union ministries to successfully implement national development and welfare programs across the state.
Q5: Why should the State Governments be given more powers?
Ans: Granting greater autonomy, administrative jurisdiction, and fiscal resources to State Governments (strengthening cooperative federalism) is vital for the following reasons:
- Vast Regional Diversity: India has immense geographical, cultural, and socio-economic diversity. State governments understand grassroots problems, local languages, and local needs far better than a centralized administration in New Delhi.
- Faster Grassroots Development: Critical public welfare subjects like primary education, healthcare, rural irrigation, drinking water, and agriculture are administered by states. More financial resources enable states to execute development projects without endless bureaucratic delays.
- Strengthening Democratic Decentralization: Empowering states promotes genuine democracy by bringing power closer to citizens, reducing friction between the Centre and states, and fostering healthy developmental competition among states.
Value Based Question (VBQ)
Value Based Case Study:
“Khushi is a Class-VII student. Her mother is a teacher. Both leave for the school together. Every day they see Munni (who is of Khushi’s age) and her mother who work in their society as a maid (domestic help). Khushi is always confused and surprised to see Munni working at this age and not going to school.”
1. What is wrong if Munni is not going to school?
Answer: Every child has a fundamental right to education under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. By not going to school, Munni is denied foundational literacy, mental growth, personal dignity, and future opportunities, trapping her permanently in the cycle of child labor and intergenerational poverty.
2. How does it become an offence if a 12 year old is helping her family by working?
Answer: Under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, employing any child below 14 years of age as domestic help or in commercial establishments is an illegal and cognizable criminal offense. Working at age 12 deprives the child of childhood, compromises physical and emotional health, and denies mandatory basic schooling.
3. Should Munni’s parents be taken to task? Justify your answer.
Answer: Rather than punishing Munni’s parents with criminal prosecution, the administration should treat their situation with empathy because extreme poverty, illiteracy, and lack of livelihood forced them into this desperate choice. They need counseling, social security support, and guidance on free government welfare and schooling facilities available for their child.
4. What should the government do for such children?
Answer: The government should:
• Actively identify and enroll out-of-school working children into free residential government schools (such as Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas) under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
• Provide free books, uniforms, and nutritious mid-day meals.
• Extend livelihood assistance and skill-training schemes to the parents to eliminate the financial compulsion of relying on child earnings.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) & Key Concepts
HOTS Question: Why do only a few Indian states have a bicameral legislature (Vidhan Parishad), while most have a unicameral system?
Answer: Maintaining a bicameral legislature (an Upper House/Vidhan Parishad) requires significant public funds for salaries, allowances, and infrastructure, and can often delay administrative decision-making. Most states find a single house (Vidhan Sabha) sufficient and cost-effective. Only large, populous states (like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana) choose to have a Vidhan Parishad to ensure representation for teachers, local bodies, graduates, and eminent specialists whose expertise enhances legislative review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the tenure of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)?
Ans: An MLA is elected for a normal tenure of 5 years. However, the Legislative Assembly may be dissolved earlier by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister or under Article 356.
Q2: What is an Ordinance in state governance?
Ans: An Ordinance is a temporary law promulgated by the Governor under Article 213 when the State Legislature is not in session and urgent legislative action is required. It must be approved by the legislature within six weeks of its reassembly.
Q3: Who resolves disputes between two state governments?
Ans: Under Article 131 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court of India holds exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and decide legal disputes between two or more states, or between the Centre and states.
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