CBSE Notes Class 7 Social Science Civics Chapter 3 - How the State Government Works

Who is an MLA?

An MLA stands for Member of Legislative Assembly. An MLA is an elected representative who serves in the legislative assembly of a state or union territory in India. MLAs are elected by the people of their respective constituencies in state elections, which are held every few years.

The primary role of an MLA is to represent and serve the interests of the people within their constituency. They participate in the law-making process, debate and discuss legislative proposals, and vote on bills and policies. MLAs also raise issues and concerns of their constituents, ask questions to the government, and contribute to the development and governance of the state

 How do people who are MLAs become ministers or chief ministers?

A political party is said to be in a majority if its MLAs have won more than half of the state's constituencies. The dominant political party is referred to as the ruling party, and the other members are referred to as the opposition. Following the elections, the ruling party's MLAs choose a chief minister-designate as their leader. The chief minister and other ministers are in charge of overseeing a number of government agencies or ministries.

A debate in the Legislative Assembly

All MLAs convene in a legislative assembly, whether they are members of the governing party or the opposition, to discuss a variety of issues. As a result, some MLAs are also ministers in addition to being an MLA.

In a debate taking place in the Legislative Assembly, MLAs are free to voice their opinions, pose questions concerning the subject, and offer recommendations for what the government should do. The minister responds to the inquiries after that and makes an effort to reassure the Assembly that appropriate action is being done. Decisions must be made and the government must be governed by the chief minister and other ministers. The legislative assembly's members must, however, give their consent to any decisions that are made.

• State Government: The state government is the governing body at the state level in India. Each state has its own government, headed by the Chief Minister and consisting of various ministers and departments.

• State Legislature: The state legislature is the law-making body at the state level. It consists of two houses: the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) in some states. Members of the legislature are elected by the people through elections.

Working of the Government

• State Government: The state government is the governing body at the state level in India. Each state has its own government, headed by the Chief Minister and consisting of various ministers and departments.

• State Legislature: The state legislature is the law-making body at the state level. It consists of two houses: the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) in some states. Members of the legislature are elected by the people through elections.

• Functions of the State Government: The state government is responsible for various functions, including law-making, maintaining law and order, providing healthcare and education, infrastructure development, agriculture, and welfare schemes for the citizens of the state..

• Role of the Chief Minister: The Chief Minister is the political head of the state government. They are responsible for leading the state government, making policy decisions, and coordinating the functioning of various departments. The Chief Minister is also accountable to the state legislature.

• State Judiciary: The state government has its own judiciary, headed by the High Court of the respective state. The state judiciary ensures justice, interprets laws, and resolves disputes at the state level.

• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): The state government plays a crucial role in empowering and strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions, which are local self-government bodies at the village, block, and district levels. The state government