The State, the Government, and You Class 7 Questions and Answers SST Part 2 Chapter 6

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The State, the Government, and You Class 7 Questions and Answers SST Part 2 Chapter 6

The Big Questions (Page 143)

Question 1.
What is the difference between a state and a government?
Answer:

• A state is a political organisation that has the authority to govern a defined territory and its population.
• The government is a group of people or a system that runs the country.
• A state has four features-a defined territory, a permanent population, a government and sovereignty.
• The government includes leaders, ministers, and officials.

Question 2.
What is the difference between a democracy and a republic? What makes India a democratic republic?
Answer:
Difference between a Democracy and a Republic :

Democracy

• Power lies with the people.
• Rulers are elected by the people.
• People participate directly or indirectly in decision-making.
• The government works according to the will of the people.

Republic

• The head of the state is an elected person, not a hereditary ruler.
• No king or queen rules the country.
• The head of state holds office for a fixed term.
• Equality before law is ensured.

Why is India a Democratic Republic?

• India is a democracy because the government is elected by the people through elections.
• India is a republic because the President, the head of the state, is elected, not a hereditary ruler.
• Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens.
• Ultimate power rests with the people of India.

Question 3.
How do citizens engage with the government in day-to-day life? How can one make government work for the people?
Answer:
1. Citizens engage with the government in day-to-day life by-

• Using public services such as schools, roads, hospitals, water supply and transport.
• Paying taxes and utility bills.
• Following rules, regulations made by the government.

2. Making government to work for people-

• By lodging complaints on the public grievances portal.
• By asking the government for information about its policies and actions.
• By using media.

Let’s Explore (Page 148)

Question 1.
Make lists of different government departments you are familiar with, or whose names you may have seen on boards around your home or on your way to school. What functions do you think they perform?
Answer:
Different government departments and their functions :
Municipal Corporation :

• Maintains roads and streets.
• Manages garbage collection and cleanliness.

Water supply department :

• Supplies drinking water.
• Maintains water pipelines.

Police department :

• Maintains law and order.
• Controls traffic and ensures public safety.

Think About It (Page 162)

Question 1.
If a streetlamp in your neighbourhood is broken, who would you contact to fix it? If a village road needs to be repaired, would the local people reach out to the Central Government?
Answer:

• If a streetlamp in the neighbourhood is broken, one should contact the local government/municipal authority.
• If a village road needs repair, the Gram Panchayat or local body should be approached. Local people will not reach out the Central Government.

 Let’s Explore (Page 162)

Question  1.
What might be the reasons that decisions regarding local concerns should be taken locally to the extent possible?

Answer:

• Local people know their problems best. Decisions taken locally can be implemented faster.
• It reduces the burden on State and Central Governments.
• It helps to encourage people’s participation in decision-making process.

Let’s Explore (Page 165)

Question 1.

List five major achievements of our country in improving the lives of ordinary people in your village, town or city. Which level of government made this possible and how?
Answer:
1. Better basic amenities (water, electricity, sanitation):

• Level: Local and State Governments.
• Drinking water supply and sanitation facilities are improved.

2. Development of communication systems (Telephone, Internet) :

• Level: Central Government.
• Now telecom networks, digital services, internet access is available in rural areas.

3. Improvement in healthcare services :

• Level: Central and State Governments.
• Government hospital, healthcare schemes like insurance, free treatment for the poor etc. are available now.

4. Growth of education facilities :

• Level: Central, State and Local Governments.
• Opening of government schools, colleges, mid-day meal scheme, scholarships etc.

5. Expansion of road and transport network:

• Level: Central and State Governments.
• National Highways, State Highways, rural roads are improved for better connectivity.

Question 2.
List five problems that ordinary people face frequently. At which level of government should these be addressed and how?
Answer:
Five problems faced frequently by ordinary people :

• Sanitation problem, garbage disposal. These problems will be solved by local government by regular waste collection and sanitation drives.
• Problem of stray animals (dogs, monkeys)-It will be solved by local government by capturing these animals and providing them another habitats.
• Lack of proper healthcare facilities-It will be solved by state government by appointing more healthcare workers.
• Unemployment-It will be solved by central and state governments by introducing skill development programmes, employment schemes.
•  Irregular water supply-Local government will solve the problem by fixing pipelines and ensuring regular water distribution.

The State, the Government, and You Class 7 Solutions

Question 1.
“Every democracy is a republic.” Is this statement true or false? Explain.
Answer:
“Every democracy is a republic.” It is a false statement, because-

• In a republic the head of state is elected (directly or indirectly) by the people, rather than being a king or queen who inherits power.
• Few countries such as the UK, Canada and Sweden are democracies but not republics as they have a monarch.

Question 2.
Give two reasons why decentralisation is important in India.
Answer:
Decentralisation is important in India because-

• It provides poeple a chiance to be more involved in decisions that affect their daily lives.
• Local issues can be discussed and solved by people who face them everyday.

Question 3.
Imagine you are part of your school’s student council. The council works like a mini-parliament-it has members elected by students, debates issues and makes decisions. In this context, do you think it would be better if only the council president makes all the decisions or if power is to be shared among all members?

• Should the student council have the power to make rules about the food you eat, or the language you speak?
• What can go wrong if the student council is the most powerful body in your school and no one questions its decisions?

Answer:

• No, it would not be better if only the council president makes all the decisions. It is better that power is to be shared among all members.
• No, student council should not have the power to make rules about the food you eat, or the language you speak.
• If the student council is the most powerful body in our school then decisions may become unfair. Rights of students may be ignored and council members can misuse the powers.

Question 4.
Think about these real-life situations in relation to India’s democracy :

• Should the Parliament be the most powerful institution in the country? Why or why not?
• Should the Parliament have the power to make any law it wants, even if it affects your rights?
• What could go wrong if lawmaking has no limits? Can it lead to unfair or unjust laws?
• Who is more powerful in India, the Parliament or the Supreme Court? Give your reasons.

Answer:

• No, the Parliament should not be the most powerful institution in the country. Parliament is powerful but not the most powerful. Its power is also limited by the Constitution.
• No, Parliment should not make laws that violate rights.
• If lawmaking has no limits then laws could become unfair or unjust. Rights of minorities could be harmed.
• Both are powerful, but the Supreme Court can strike down any law passed by the Parliament if it violates the fundamental provisions of the Constitution.

Question 5.
Ask you parents/guardians how they engaged with the government over the past year. Make a list and classify the items based on the level of government they had to work with. What challenges did they face?
Answer:
Our parents gave us the following informations :

• Health Services: Hospitals, vaccination, public health schemes.
• Welfare Schemes: Ration distribution, pension, subsidies.
• Law and Order: Public safety, police services.
• Education: Schools, online classes, scholarships.

Challenges faced :

• Limited financial resources to meet growing needs.
• Issue of proper implementation of schemes due to lack of staff.
• Corruption and delays in delivery of services.
• Large population but limited resources with diverse needs.