Class 7 Social Science Questions Answer Chapter 6 NCERT – Part II

The State, the Government, and You

Questions and activities

1. “Every democracy is a republic.” Is this statement true or false? Explain.

Answer: False.

Not every democracy is a republic.

• A democracy means rule by the people. People elect their representatives through free and fair elections.
• A republic is a country where the head of state is elected (directly or indirectly) and not a hereditary monarch (king or queen).

Some countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden are democracies but not republics because they have a monarch as the head of state.

India is both a democracy and a republic because:

• Leaders are elected by the people.
• The President is elected and not hereditary.

2. Give two reasons why decentralisation is important in India.

Answer:

1. India is a large and diverse country
With many states, languages, and cultures, one central government cannot manage everything effectively. Local governments understand local needs better.

2. It increases people’s participation and accountability
When power is given to local governments (panchayats and municipalities), people can directly participate in decision-making. Leaders are closer to the people, so they are more accountable.

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?

Answer: If I were part of the student council, I would say that power should be shared among all members, not only the council president.

In a democracy, decisions are taken after discussion and debate. If only the president makes all the decisions, it would be unfair and similar to a dictatorship. Sharing power:

• Allows different opinions to be heard
• Protects minority views
• Makes decisions more balanced and democratic

(a) Should the student council have the power to make rules about the food you eat, or the language you speak?

Answer: No, the student council should not have such powers.

Just like in India’s democratic republic, certain rights are protected. Personal choices such as food habits or language are individual freedoms. Rules should not violate basic rights. The council can make rules for discipline and smooth functioning of the school, but not interfere in personal freedoms.

(b) What can go wrong if the student council is the most powerful body in your school and no one questions its decisions?

Answer: If no one questions the council:

• It may misuse its power.
• It may ignore minority opinions.
• It may make unfair or unreasonable rules.
• Students’ rights may be violated.

This is why in a democracy there are checks and balances to prevent any one body from becoming too powerful.

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

(a) Should the Parliament be the most powerful institution in the country? Why or why not?

Answer: No, the Parliament should not be the most powerful institution.

In India, power is divided among three organs — the Legislature (Parliament), the Executive, and the Judiciary. This system ensures checks and balances. If Parliament becomes too powerful, it may misuse its authority. The Constitution is supreme, and all institutions must work within its limits.

(b) Should the Parliament have the power to make any law it wants, even if it affects your rights?

Answer: No.

Parliament cannot make laws that violate Fundamental Rights given by the Constitution. If a law affects people’s rights unfairly, it can be challenged in court.

(c) What could go wrong if lawmaking has no limits? Can it lead to unfair or unjust laws?

Answer: If lawmaking has no limits:

• The majority may ignore minority rights.
• Freedom of speech and equality may be restricted.
• Unfair and unjust laws may be passed.
• The country may move towards dictatorship.

Yes, it can definitely lead to unfair or unjust laws if there are no constitutional limits.

(d) Who is more powerful in India, the Parliament or the Supreme Court? Give your reasons.

Answer: Neither is absolutely more powerful.

• Parliament makes laws.
• The Supreme Court of India has the power of judicial review. It can declare a law unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution.

Both work within the framework of the Constitution. The Constitution is supreme, and it ensures balance between them.

5. Ask your 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: Over the past year, my parents/guardians engaged with different levels of government in the following ways: