Equality and the State Government: Class 7 Study Guide
Every person deserves equal respect. A state government makes and carries out decisions for its state.
Equality means that every person is of equal worth and has equal rights, whatever their religion, caste, gender, language or income. The Constitution says that all are equal before the law, and every adult citizen has one vote. Equality also means dignity: everyone should be treated with respect.
Even so, many people face unfair treatment, and laws and schemes such as free school meals and equal pay try to reduce this. Everyone can help by treating others fairly.
How a state government works
Each state is divided into constituencies, and each elects a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). The party or group with the most MLAs forms the government. Its leader becomes the Chief Minister, who chooses other ministers. The Governor is the head of the state, appointed by the President.
| Role | Who |
|---|---|
| Voter | Every citizen aged 18 or over |
| MLA | Elected by a constituency |
| Chief Minister | Leader of the government |
| Governor | Head of the state |
| Opposition | MLAs who are not in the government and question it |
What do state governments do?
States look after matters such as health, school education, police, local roads and water. Departments such as health and education carry out the decisions. The Assembly debates laws and spending, and the opposition asks questions to hold the government to account.
Elect MLAs.
Chief Minister leads.
Laws and budget.
Hospitals, schools, roads.
Be an active citizen
Learn who your MLA is, read the news, vote when old enough and raise issues politely. Speak up when someone is treated unfairly at school.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Who leads the state government? The Chief Minister. Example: How is the Governor chosen? Appointed by the President. Common mistakes: thinking that the Governor is elected, and thinking that equality means that everyone is the same. It means equal worth and rights.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. The voters of a constituency. 2. It questions and checks the government. 3. For example health, education or police.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Equality means equal worth, rights and dignity.
- MLAs are elected from constituencies.
- The Chief Minister leads the state government.
- The opposition holds the government to account.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Who elects an MLA?
- What does the opposition do?
- Name one area states look after.