Chapter 3: How the State Government Works

Q1Written answer

Use the terms ‘constituency’ and ‘represent’ to explain who an MLA is and how the person is elected.

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Solution: In accordance with the population, a state is divided into constituencies. For representation in the Legislative Assembly, every constituency elects one representative who shoulders the responsibility of representing his/her constituency at the national level. These representatives are called MLAs or Members of Legislative Assembly, and are elected through a general election. They could be part of a political party or can also be independent candidates. They also have the additional responsibility of presenting the needs and demands of their constituency at the Legislative Assembly.

Q2Written answer

How do some MLAs become Ministers? Explain.

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Solution: The party, which gets the majority votes in the general elections, forms the government. As per constitutional norms, the ruling party elects its leader as the Chief Minister of the respective state. Upon the election of a Chief Minister, he/she constitutes a cabinet with members of his/her party included. This is done in consultation with the Governor of the state. Once the MLAs are ordained as ministers through the formation of the cabinet, they are allotted portfolios such as health, law, education, etc. Thus, they become responsible for the portfolio allotted to him/her.

Q3Written answer

Why should the decisions taken by the Chief Ministers and other ministers be debated in the Legislative Assembly?

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Solution: Every decision taken by the Chief Minister and his/her cabinet, must be debated upon in the Legislative Assembly to ensure that the decision being taken is in the best interest of the people at large. Also discussed is the level of priority the said decision must be given, the subsequent cost of implementing it and whether such a decision will earn the objections of any particular community.

Q4Written answer

What was the problem in Patalpuram? What discussions/actions were taken by the following? Fill in the table.

Public meeting

Legislative Assembly

Press conference

Chief Minister

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Public meeting	Condemned the government, carried out protests and put forth their demand
Legislative Assembly	Discussed the issue and decided the course of action
Press Conference	The health minister presented the plan of action initiated by the Government
Chief Minister	Visited the village of Patalpuram, announced compensation to the affected families, also clarified the future action that will be taken to solve the problem

Q5Written answer

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

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Solution: The core difference between the work done by MLAs in the assembly and the government departments is that every government 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 completion of the work, while the MLAs coordinate between the Legislative Assembly and the various government machinery that will be involved in the completion of any projects undertaken.

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