How the State Government Works – Detailed Summary | Samacheer Kalvi 8th Social Science | Civics

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How the State Government Works – Detailed Summary

Book: Samacheer Kalvi 8th Social Science

Subject: Civics

Unit: Unit 1

Lesson Name: How the State Government Works

About the Lesson

“How the State Government Works” is an important Civics lesson in the Samacheer Kalvi 8th Social Science book. This lesson explains the structure and functions of the state government in India.

India has two levels of government: the Central Government and the State Governments. Each state has its own executive, legislature and judiciary. The state government looks after the administration of the state and works for the welfare of the people.

Updated GK Note: At present, India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Some older textbook-back keys may show 29 states because they were prepared before later administrative changes.

Learning Objectives

To understand the meaning of state government.
To know the three organs of the state government.
To learn about the State Executive.
To understand the powers and functions of the Governor.
To learn about the powers and functions of the Chief Minister.
To understand the Council of Ministers.
To learn about the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
To understand the role of MLAs.
To know about the State Judiciary.
To understand the powers and functions of the High Court.

Detailed Summary of the Lesson

1. Introduction

India is a federal country. This means powers are divided between the Central Government and the State Governments.

The Central Government looks after the whole country, while the State Government looks after the administration of a particular state.

2. State Government

Every state has a government to run its own administration.

The State Government makes laws, executes laws and provides justice within the state. It deals with important areas such as law and order, public health, agriculture, education, transport and local administration.

3. Three Organs of State Government

The State Government has three important organs:

Executive
Legislature
Judiciary

4. Executive

The Executive implements the laws and policies of the government.

In a state, the executive consists of the Governor and the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.

5. Legislature

The Legislature makes laws for the state.

The State Legislature may consist of the Legislative Assembly alone or both Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.

6. Judiciary

The Judiciary gives justice and interprets the laws.

The High Court is the highest court at the state level. District Courts and other subordinate courts function under the High Court.

The State Executive

7. Meaning of State Executive

The State Executive is the organ of the state government that carries out the laws and policies.

It consists of the Governor and the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.

8. Governor

The Governor is the constitutional head of the state.

The Governor is appointed by the President of India. Normally, the Governor holds office for a period of five years.

9. Governor as Constitutional Head

The Governor is called the constitutional head because all executive actions of the state are taken in his or her name.

However, in actual practice, the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers run the government.

10. Qualification of Governor

To become the Governor of a state, a person must:

Be a citizen of India.
Have completed 35 years of age.
Not be a member of Parliament or State Legislature at the time of appointment.
Not hold any office of profit.

11. Appointment of Governor

The Governor is appointed by the President of India.

Generally, a person is not appointed as Governor in his or her own state. The President may also remove the Governor before the completion of the term.

12. Governor as Link between Centre and State

The Governor acts as a link between the Central Government and the State Government.

The Governor sends reports to the President and helps maintain constitutional administration in the state.

Powers and Functions of the Governor

13. Executive Powers

The Governor is the executive head of the state.

The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and, on the advice of the Chief Minister, appoints other ministers.

14. Appointment Powers

The Governor appoints important officials of the state.

District Judges are appointed by the Governor. The Governor also makes appointments to certain important posts according to constitutional provisions.

15. Legislative Powers

The Governor is an integral part of the State Legislature.

The Governor can summon and prorogue the sessions of the State Legislature. The Governor also addresses the first session of the Legislature after general elections and at the beginning of the first session every year.

16. Assent to Bills

A bill passed by the State Legislature becomes a law only after receiving the assent of the Governor.

The Governor may give assent, withhold assent, return the bill for reconsideration or reserve it for the consideration of the President.

17. Financial Powers

The Governor has important financial powers.

A money bill can be introduced in the Legislative Assembly only with the recommendation of the Governor.

18. Discretionary Powers

In some special situations, the Governor may act according to his or her discretion.

For example, when no party gets a clear majority, the Governor decides whom to invite to form the government.

19. Emergency-Related Role

If the constitutional machinery in a state fails, the Governor sends a report to the President.

Based on the Governor’s report, the President may declare President’s Rule in the state.

Chief Minister and Council of Ministers

20. Chief Minister

The Chief Minister is the real head of the State Government.

The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly as the Chief Minister.

21. Head of Council of Ministers

The State Council of Ministers is headed by the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister chooses ministers from the MLAs of the ruling party. On the advice of the Chief Minister, the Governor appoints the other ministers.

22. Formation of Council of Ministers

After the election, the party or alliance which gets majority seats forms the government.

The leader of the majority party becomes the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister selects ministers, and the Governor appoints them.

23. Collective Responsibility

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.

This means the ministers remain in office as long as they enjoy the confidence of the majority of the members of the Legislative Assembly.

24. Powers and Functions of Chief Minister

The Chief Minister is the chief administrator of the state.
He or she leads the Council of Ministers.
He or she advises the Governor in appointing ministers.
He or she distributes portfolios among ministers.
He or she supervises and coordinates the work of different ministries.
He or she plays an important role in framing state policies.
He or she maintains the relationship between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
He or she represents the state in important meetings.

25. Importance of the Chief Minister

The Chief Minister has a very important role in the State Government.

Most major decisions of the State Government are taken under the leadership of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister ensures that government policies favour the public interest.

The State Legislature

26. Meaning of State Legislature

The State Legislature is the law-making body of the state.

The State Legislature makes laws on subjects included in the State List and Concurrent List.

27. Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature

Some states have only one house, called the Legislative Assembly. This is called a unicameral legislature.

Some states have two houses, the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. This is called a bicameral legislature.

28. Two Houses of State Legislature

The two houses of the State Legislature are:

Legislative Assembly – Lower House
Legislative Council – Upper House

29. Legislative Assembly

The Legislative Assembly is the lower house of the State Legislature.

Members of the Legislative Assembly are directly elected by the people. They are called MLAs.

30. MLA

MLA means Member of Legislative Assembly.

MLAs are elected by the people from different constituencies. They discuss public problems, ask questions to ministers and take part in law-making.

31. Qualification of MLA

To become a member of the Legislative Assembly, a person must:

Be a citizen of India.
Have completed 25 years of age.
Be of sound mind.
Be an elector in any constituency of the state.

32. Tenure of Legislative Assembly

The normal term of the Legislative Assembly is five years.

It may be dissolved earlier if the government loses majority or under special constitutional conditions.

33. Speaker

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker conducts the meetings of the Assembly and maintains order during debates.

34. Legislative Council

The Legislative Council is the upper house of the State Legislature.

Its members are elected indirectly. Some members are also nominated by the Governor.

35. Tenure of Legislative Council Members

Members of the Legislative Council are elected for a term of six years.

One-third of its members retire every two years. Therefore, the Legislative Council is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved.

36. Chairman of Legislative Council

The Chairman is the presiding officer of the Legislative Council.

The Chairman conducts the proceedings of the Legislative Council.

Powers and Functions of Legislative Assembly

37. Law-Making Power

The main duty of the Legislative Assembly is to make laws for the state.

It makes laws on subjects included in the State List and Concurrent List.

38. Control over Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Legislative Assembly.

If the Assembly is not satisfied with the performance of the Council of Ministers, it may pass a no-confidence motion.

39. Financial Control

The Legislative Assembly controls the finances of the state.

A money bill can be introduced only in the Legislative Assembly. The government cannot impose, increase, reduce or withdraw any tax without the approval of the Assembly.

40. Electoral Functions

The elected members of the Legislative Assembly take part in the election of the President of India.

They also take part in the election of Rajya Sabha members from the state and members of the Legislative Council of the state.

41. Constitutional Functions

The Legislative Assembly also takes part in constitutional amendment matters where state approval is required.

Thus, the Legislative Assembly has law-making, financial, control, electoral and constitutional functions.

State Judiciary

42. Meaning of Judiciary

Judiciary is the organ of government that interprets laws and gives justice.

The State Judiciary protects the rights of people and ensures that laws are properly followed.

43. High Court

The High Court is the highest court in a state.

Every state has a High Court. Some High Courts may have jurisdiction over more than one state or Union Territory.

44. Appointment of High Court Judges

High Court judges are appointed by the President of India.

The President consults important constitutional authorities while appointing High Court judges. The Chief Minister does not participate in the appointment of High Court judges.

45. Retirement Age of High Court Judges

The judges of the High Court retire at the age of 62 years.

This is an important textbook-back one-mark question.

46. District Courts

District Courts function below the High Court.

District Judges are appointed by the Governor. District Courts deal with civil and criminal cases at the district level.

47. Subordinate Courts

Subordinate courts work under the control and supervision of the High Court.

They help people get justice at the local and district levels.

Powers and Functions of the High Court

48. Writ Jurisdiction

The High Court has the power to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and for other purposes.

The important writs are Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto.

49. Superintendence over Lower Courts

Every High Court has the power of superintendence over all lower courts and tribunals within its jurisdiction.

However, this does not include military courts and tribunals.

50. Control over Subordinate Courts

The High Court controls the subordinate courts in the state.

This ensures proper administration of justice at all levels.

51. Court of Record

Like the Supreme Court, the High Court also acts as a Court of Record.

Its judgments and records are preserved and can be used as legal evidence.

52. Independence of High Court

The Constitution gives safeguards to ensure the independent working of the High Court.

Independence of judiciary is necessary for fair justice and protection of citizens’ rights.

Central Idea of the Lesson

The central idea of the lesson is that the State Government works through three organs: executive, legislature and judiciary. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, while the Chief Minister is the real head of the State Government. The State Legislature makes laws, and the State Judiciary gives justice. The Legislative Assembly, Council of Ministers and High Court play important roles in the proper functioning of the state.

State Government – Quick Table

Organ	Main Function
Executive	Implements laws and policies.
Legislature	Makes laws for the state.
Judiciary	Interprets laws and gives justice.

State Executive – Quick Table

Post / Body	Important Point
Governor	Constitutional head of the state.
Chief Minister	Real head and chief administrator of the state.
Council of Ministers	Headed by the Chief Minister.
Governor’s Term	Normally five years.
Governor Appointed By	President of India.
District Judges Appointed By	Governor.

Governor and Chief Minister – Difference

Governor	Chief Minister
Constitutional head of the state.	Real head of the State Government.
Appointed by the President of India.	Appointed by the Governor as the leader of the majority party.
Normally holds office for five years.	Remains in office as long as he or she enjoys majority support in the Assembly.
Acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers in normal situations.	Heads the Council of Ministers and guides the administration.

State Legislature – Quick Table

House	Type	Members
Legislative Assembly	Lower House	Members are directly elected by the people.
Legislative Council	Upper House	Members are elected indirectly; some are nominated.

Qualifications of MLA

Qualification	Detail
Citizenship	Must be a citizen of India.
Age	Must be 25 years and above.
Mental Condition	Must be of sound mind.
Elector	Must be an elector for any constituency in the state.

Powers of Legislative Assembly

Power	Explanation
Law-Making Power	Makes laws for the state on State List and Concurrent List subjects.
Control over Ministers	Council of Ministers is answerable to the Assembly.
Financial Power	Money bill can be introduced only in the Assembly.
Electoral Function	Elected MLAs take part in the election of the President and Rajya Sabha members.
Constitutional Function	Takes part in some constitutional amendment matters.

State Judiciary – Quick Table

Court	Important Point
High Court	Highest court in the state.
District Court	Functions at district level below the High Court.
Subordinate Courts	Work under the control of the High Court.

High Court – Important Points

Topic	Answer
Highest Court in State	High Court.
High Court Judges Appointed By	President of India.
Chief Minister in High Court Judge Appointment	Does not participate.
Retirement Age	62 years.
Writs	Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto.
Court of Record	The High Court acts as a Court of Record.

Important Exam Points from the Lesson

Question Focus	Answer
The Governor of a state is appointed by	President of India.
The State Council of Ministers is headed by	Chief Minister.
Who can summon and prorogue the sessions of the State Legislature?	Governor.
Who does not participate in the appointment of High Court Judge?	Chief Minister.
Retirement age of High Court judges	62 years.
Tenure of Governor	Normally five years.
District Judges are appointed by	Governor.
Governor is the	Constitutional head of the state.
Minimum age for election as MLA	25 years.
Chief Minister is the	Chief administrator of the state.
Governor acts as agent / link of	Central Government in the state.
Members of Legislative Council are elected	Indirectly.
Members of Legislative Council term	Six years.
One-third of Legislative Council members retire	Every two years.
Presiding officer of Legislative Assembly	Speaker.
Presiding officer of Legislative Council	Chairman.
People who make laws in the state are called	Members of Legislative Assembly.
Political parties compete in	Elections to the Legislative Assembly.

Vocabulary to Remember

Government – system or body that administers a country or state.
Federal System – system in which powers are divided between central and state governments.
State Government – government that administers a state.
Executive – organ that implements laws and policies.
Legislature – organ that makes laws.
Judiciary – organ that interprets laws and gives justice.
Governor – constitutional head of the state.
Chief Minister – real head of the State Government.
Council of Ministers – group of ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
Legislative Assembly – lower house of the State Legislature.
Legislative Council – upper house of the State Legislature.
MLA – Member of Legislative Assembly.
Constituency – area from which a representative is elected.
Speaker – presiding officer of the Legislative Assembly.
Chairman – presiding officer of the Legislative Council.
Money Bill – bill related to government income and expenditure.
No-Confidence Motion – motion showing that the Assembly no longer supports the Council of Ministers.
High Court – highest court in a state.
District Court – court that functions at district level.
Writ – order issued by a court to protect rights or ensure lawful action.
Court of Record – court whose judgments and records are preserved as evidence.
Prorogue – to end a session of the legislature.
Summon – to call the legislature to meet.
Assent – approval given to a bill.

TET / Exam Focus Areas

Very Important Focus: These are the most expected textbook-based areas from this lesson.

What are the three organs of the State Government?
What does the State Executive consist of?
How is the Governor appointed?
Write a short note on the Governor of a state.
Explain the powers and functions of the Governor.
How is the Chief Minister appointed?
How is the Council of Ministers formed?
Discuss the powers and functions of the Chief Minister.
Name the two houses of the State Legislature.
Write the qualifications of the members of the Legislative Assembly.
Discuss the powers and functions of the Legislative Assembly.
Write about the State Judiciary.
Write about the powers and functions of the High Court.
Differentiate Governor and Chief Minister.
Differentiate Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.

Short Answer Questions and Answers

1. What are the two sets of government in India?

The two sets of government in India are the Central Government and the State Government.

2. What are the three organs of the State Government?

The three organs of the State Government are Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

3. What does the State Executive consist of?

The State Executive consists of the Governor and the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.

4. Who is the constitutional head of the state?

The Governor is the constitutional head of the state.

5. How is the Governor appointed?

The Governor is appointed by the President of India. Normally, the Governor holds office for five years.

6. What is the minimum age to become Governor?

A person must have completed 35 years of age to become the Governor of a state.

7. Who can summon and prorogue the sessions of the State Legislature?

The Governor can summon and prorogue the sessions of the State Legislature.

8. Who appoints the Chief Minister?

The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party in the State Legislative Assembly as the Chief Minister.

9. Who heads the State Council of Ministers?

The Chief Minister heads the State Council of Ministers.

10. How is the Council of Ministers formed?

The Chief Minister chooses ministers from the MLAs of the ruling party. On the advice of the Chief Minister, the Governor appoints the other ministers.

11. Why is the Chief Minister important?

The Chief Minister is the real head and chief administrator of the state. Major decisions of the State Government are taken under his or her leadership.

12. Name the two houses of the State Legislature.

The two houses of the State Legislature are the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.

13. What is Legislative Assembly?

Legislative Assembly is the lower house of the State Legislature. Its members are directly elected by the people.

14. Who is an MLA?

MLA means Member of Legislative Assembly. MLAs are elected by the people from constituencies.

15. Write the qualifications of MLA.

An MLA must be a citizen of India, must be 25 years and above, must be of sound mind and must be an elector in any constituency of the state.

16. What is the normal term of the Legislative Assembly?

The normal term of the Legislative Assembly is five years.

17. Who is the presiding officer of the Legislative Assembly?

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Legislative Assembly.

18. What is Legislative Council?

Legislative Council is the upper house of the State Legislature. Its members are elected indirectly, and some are nominated.

19. What is the term of Legislative Council members?

Members of the Legislative Council are elected for a term of six years. One-third of the members retire every two years.

20. What is the main duty of the Legislative Assembly?

The main duty of the Legislative Assembly is to make laws for the state.

21. What is a money bill?

A money bill is a bill related to government income, expenditure, taxation or financial matters. It can be introduced only in the Legislative Assembly.

22. What is State Judiciary?

State Judiciary is the judicial system of the state. It includes the High Court, District Courts and subordinate courts.

23. Which is the highest court in a state?

The High Court is the highest court in a state.

24. Who appoints High Court judges?

High Court judges are appointed by the President of India.

25. Who does not participate in the appointment of High Court judges?

The Chief Minister does not participate in the appointment of High Court judges.

26. What is the retirement age of High Court judges?

The retirement age of High Court judges is 62 years.

27. Who appoints District Judges?

District Judges are appointed by the Governor.

28. Name the writs issued by the High Court.

The High Court can issue writs such as Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto.

29. What is Court of Record?

A Court of Record is a court whose judgments and records are preserved and can be used as legal evidence.

30. What are the three basic functions of government?

The three basic functions of government are making laws, executing laws and ensuring justice.

How to Write This in Exam

For a short answer, write the direct textbook point first. For example, if the question asks “Who appoints the Governor?”, write “The Governor is appointed by the President of India.”

For a paragraph answer, divide the answer into headings such as State Executive, Governor, Chief Minister, Legislature and Judiciary.

Sample Exam Answer

“How the State Government Works” is an important Civics lesson in 8th Social Science. India has two levels of government: the Central Government and the State Governments. Every state has a government to run its own administration. The State Government has three organs: Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

The State Executive consists of the Governor and the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state. He or she is appointed by the President of India for a normal term of five years. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and, on the advice of the Chief Minister, appoints other ministers.

The Chief Minister is the real head and chief administrator of the state. The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly as the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister heads the Council of Ministers, supervises different ministries, frames policies and guides the State Government.

The State Legislature makes laws for the state. It may have one house or two houses. The Legislative Assembly is the lower house, and the Legislative Council is the upper house. Members of the Legislative Assembly are directly elected by the people and are called MLAs. The main duty of the Assembly is to make laws. It also controls the Council of Ministers and state finances.

The State Judiciary gives justice and interprets laws. The High Court is the highest court in a state. High Court judges are appointed by the President of India and retire at the age of 62 years. The High Court issues writs, supervises lower courts, controls subordinate courts and acts as a Court of Record. Thus, the State Government works through executive, legislature and judiciary.

One Mark Important Points

Chapter Name – How the State Government Works
Subject – Civics
Two Levels of Government – Central Government and State Government
Three Organs of State Government – Executive, Legislature and Judiciary
State Executive Consists Of – Governor and Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister
Governor Appointed By – President of India
Governor Tenure – Normally five years
Governor Is – Constitutional head of the state
Minimum Age for Governor – 35 years
Governor Can Summon and Prorogue – State Legislature sessions
Chief Minister Appointed By – Governor
Chief Minister Is – Chief administrator / real head of the state
State Council of Ministers Headed By – Chief Minister
Legislative Assembly – Lower House of State Legislature
Legislative Council – Upper House of State Legislature
MLA – Member of Legislative Assembly
Minimum Age for MLA – 25 years
Speaker – Presiding officer of Legislative Assembly
Chairman – Presiding officer of Legislative Council
Legislative Council Members Term – Six years
One-third of Legislative Council Members Retire – Every two years
Main Duty of Legislative Assembly – Making laws for the state
Money Bill Introduced In – Legislative Assembly
Highest Court in State – High Court
High Court Judges Appointed By – President of India
Chief Minister in High Court Judge Appointment – Does not participate
High Court Judges Retirement Age – 62 years
District Judges Appointed By – Governor
High Court Writs – Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto
High Court Acts As – Court of Record
Three Basic Functions of Government – Making laws, executing laws and ensuring justice

Short Conclusion

“How the State Government Works” teaches us about the structure and functions of the State Government. The State Government works through the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, while the Chief Minister is the real head of the government. The Legislative Assembly makes laws and controls the Council of Ministers. The High Court is the highest court in the state and protects justice. This lesson is important for exams because many direct questions can be asked from Governor, Chief Minister, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, MLA qualification and High Court.