How India Is Governed: Class 5 Study Guide
A country needs rules and leaders. In India the people choose their government by voting.
India is a democracy, which means that people choose their government. The Constitution is the highest law. It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950, so we celebrate Republic Day on that date. Dr B. R. Ambedkar chaired the committee that drafted it.
Government works at three levels: the village or town, the state and the Union (the whole country).
Three levels of government
| Level | Led by | Looks after |
|---|---|---|
| Village | Gram Panchayat, led by a Sarpanch | Village roads, wells, schools |
| State | Chief Minister and the state government | Education, health, police and more in the state |
| Union | Prime Minister and the Union government | Defence, railways, foreign affairs |
Parliament and elections
Parliament has two houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. People elect the members of the Lok Sabha, usually every five years. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister leads the government. Every citizen who is 18 or older can vote, and the Election Commission of India runs elections.
In each area.
In secret.
Fairly.
From the winners.
Our duties as citizens
A good citizen follows the law, respects others, takes care of public places and, when old enough, votes. Children can help by keeping their school clean and being fair to everyone.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Who leads a village government? The Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat. Example: At what age can an Indian citizen vote? 18. Common mistakes: mixing up the President and the Prime Minister, and thinking the Constitution came into force on 26 November. It came into force on 26 January 1950.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. A Sarpanch. 2. The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. 3. So that people can choose freely without pressure.
✨ Key Takeaways
- India is a democracy and the Constitution is its highest law.
- There are village, state and Union governments.
- Citizens aged 18 or more can vote.
- Good citizens follow rules and help others.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Who leads a Gram Panchayat?
- Name the two houses of Parliament.
- Why is voting in secret important?