Samacheer Kalvi Class 8 Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 How the State Government Works

I. Choose The Correct Answer:

Question 1. The Governor of a state is appointed by
(a) President
(b) Vice President
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Chief Minister
Answer: (a) President
In simple words: The President of India chooses and appoints the Governor for each state. The Governor acts as the head of the state.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the Governor is a key link between the central government (President) and the state government, hence the appointment by the President.

Question 2. The State Council of Ministers is headed by
(a) The Governor
(b) Chief Minister
(c) Speaker
(d) Home Minister
Answer: (b) Chief Minister
In simple words: The Chief Minister leads the group of ministers in a state government. The Chief Minister is like the main leader who makes important decisions for the state.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always associate the Chief Minister with leading the Council of Ministers, similar to how a Prime Minister leads at the national level.

Question 3. Who can summon and prorogue the sessions of the State legislature?
(a) Home Minister
(b) President
(c) Speaker
(d) The Governor
Answer: (d) The Governor
In simple words: The Governor has the power to call for legislative meetings and to officially end them. This ensures proper functioning of the state legislature.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Governor's role is ceremonial but includes important administrative powers like summoning and proroguing legislative sessions.

Question 4. Who does not participate in the appointment of the High Court Judge?
(a) Governor
(b) Chief Minister
(c) Chief Justice of the High Court
(d) President of India
Answer: (b) Chief Minister
In simple words: The Chief Minister does not take part in choosing High Court Judges. The Governor, President, and Chief Justice of the High Court are involved in this process.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the clear separation of powers; the Chief Minister, as head of the executive, is typically not involved in judicial appointments to maintain judicial independence.

Question 5. The age of retirement of the Judges of the High Court is
(a) 62
(b) 64
(c) 65
(d) 58
Answer: (a) 62
In simple words: High Court Judges serve until they reach the age of 62 years. This retirement age helps ensure new talent joins the judiciary.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the specific retirement age for High Court Judges (62) to differentiate it from other judicial positions.

II. Fill In The Blanks.

Question 1. States are there in India at present.
Answer: 29
In simple words: India currently has 29 states. These states each have their own government.

🎯 Exam Tip: This number changes sometimes, so it's good to be aware of the most recent official count of states in India.

Question 2. The tenure of the Governor is normally years.
Answer: Five
In simple words: A Governor usually serves for five years in their position. This is their normal term unless their appointment is changed by the President.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Governor serves at the pleasure of the President, but their typical term is five years, like many other elected or appointed positions.

Question 3. The District Judges are appointed by
Answer: The Governor
In simple words: The Governor of the state appoints the District Judges. They are appointed after consultation with the High Court.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note that the Governor appoints District Judges in consultation with the High Court, showing a link between the executive and judiciary at the state level.

Question 4. The Governor is the Head of the State.
Answer: Real
In simple words: The Governor is the real head of the state, but in a ceremonial way. The Chief Minister and Council of Ministers hold the actual executive power.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the difference between the 'nominal' (titular) head, who is the Governor, and the 'real' (executive) head, who is the Chief Minister.

Question 5. Minimum age to become an MLA is ................ years.
Answer: 25
In simple words: To become a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), a person must be at least 25 years old. This age requirement ensures a certain level of maturity for holding public office.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the minimum age of 25 for MLAs and MPs in the Lok Sabha, which is important for understanding eligibility for public service.

III. Match The Following

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly understand the roles of the Governor and Chief Minister, as well as the terms for the two houses of the state legislature, as these are fundamental concepts.

IV. State True Or False:

Question 1. Chief Minister is the chief administrator of the State.
Answer: True
In simple words: The Chief Minister is indeed the main person who manages the state's administration. They lead the government and make key decisions.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Chief Minister leads the executive branch of the state, making them the actual administrative head.

Question 2. The Governor nominates two members of the Anglo-Indian Community to the Legislative Assembly.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false. The Governor can nominate one member from the Anglo-Indian community, not two, if their community is not properly represented. However, this provision has been discontinued.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be precise with numbers in constitutional provisions; often, a single word or number can change the truthfulness of a statement. This provision has also been removed by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2019.

Question 3. The number of judges in the High Courts is not uniform and fixed.
Answer: True
In simple words: The number of judges in different High Courts can vary. It is decided based on the size of the state and how much work the court has.

🎯 Exam Tip: Unlike the Supreme Court, the strength of High Courts is not fixed and can be adjusted by the President based on workload and population.

V. Choose The Correct Statement

Question 1. The State Legislative Assembly participates in the election of
(i) President
(ii) Vice-President
(iii) Rajya Sabha Members
(iv) Members of Legislative Council of the State
a) i, ii & iii are correct
b) i and iii are correct
c) i, iii, & iv are correct
d) i, ii, iii, & iv are correct
Answer: (d) i, ii, iii, & iv are correct
In simple words: Members of the State Legislative Assembly (MLAs) vote in the elections for the President, Rajya Sabha Members, and Members of the Legislative Council (where it exists). They also vote for the Vice-President if the electoral college includes them. This shows their role in various levels of government.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the electoral college for each major election. MLAs play a role in electing the President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha members, and members of their state's Legislative Council.

VI. Answer The Following In One Or Two Sentences.

Question 1. Name the two houses of the State legislature?
Answer: The State Legislature has a Governor and either one or two houses. The upper house is known as the Legislative Council, and the lower house is called the Legislative Assembly. Some states have both, while others only have the Assembly.
In simple words: The two houses of the state legislature are the Legislative Assembly (lower house) and the Legislative Council (upper house).

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that not all states have a Legislative Council; some states only have a Legislative Assembly.

Question 2. Write the qualifications of the members of the Legislative Assembly?
Answer: To become a member of the Legislative Assembly, a person must be at least 25 years old. Additionally, even if a person does not belong to any political party, they can still run for election as an independent candidate. This allows for broader participation in democracy.
In simple words: A person must be 25 years old to become an MLA. They can also run as an independent candidate without joining a political party.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the age requirement and the provision for independent candidates as key qualifications for an MLA.

Question 3. How is the Chief Minister appointed?
Answer: The Governor appoints the leader of the political party that wins the majority of seats in the State Legislative Assembly as the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister then becomes the head of the State Council of Ministers. This ensures that the leader with the support of the majority forms the government.
In simple words: The Governor appoints the leader of the winning party in the state election as the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister then leads the state's ministers.

🎯 Exam Tip: The appointment of the Chief Minister by the Governor is based on the majority party's leader, a crucial step in government formation.

Question 4. How is the Council of Ministers formed?
Answer: In Tamil Nadu, there are 234 areas represented in the legislature, called legislative constituencies. The political party that wins more than 118 elected candidates (MLAs) is then invited by the Governor to form the Government. These elected members then form the Council of Ministers under the Chief Minister.
In simple words: The party that wins more than half of the seats (118+ in Tamil Nadu's 234 seats) is asked by the Governor to form the government. The Chief Minister then chooses other ministers to form the Council.

🎯 Exam Tip: The formation of the Council of Ministers depends on a party securing a simple majority in the state election, a fundamental aspect of parliamentary democracy.

VII. Answer The Following In Detail.

Question 1. Discuss the powers and functions of the Chief Minister.
Answer: The Chief Minister is the main administrator of the state. All major decisions of the State Government are made under their direction. The Chief Minister also plays a very important part in choosing the Council of Ministers; the Governor appoints other ministers based on the Chief Minister's advice. Moreover, the Chief Minister oversees all the different government departments, giving them advice and making sure they work well together. They also guide the state's policy-making, ensuring public interest, and their word is final in key decisions. Finally, the Governor appoints many high-ranking state officials based on the Chief Minister's and the Council of Ministers' advice.
In simple words: The Chief Minister leads the state government, makes big decisions, helps form the team of ministers, and guides all departments. They ensure the state's policies are for the public good.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the Chief Minister's role, focus on their leadership in administration, policy-making, and guidance of the Council of Ministers.

Question 2. Discuss the powers and functions of the Legislative Assembly.
Answer: The Legislative Assembly is the lower house of the state legislature. The people who make laws for a state government are called 'Members of the Legislative Assembly' (MLAs). These MLAs are chosen from different areas called constituencies. For the election of MLAs, the whole state is divided into many such constituencies. Each legislative constituency chooses one MLA to represent it in the Assembly. During elections, various political parties put forward candidates. Anyone can also run as an independent candidate. Every party has its own unique symbol. People who are 18 years or older can vote in the election. The Speaker leads the meetings of the Assembly, and if the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker takes charge. The Assembly's primary role is to create and pass laws for the state.
In simple words: The Legislative Assembly makes laws for the state. MLAs are chosen by people aged 18 and above. The Speaker leads the meetings. Parties and independent candidates can compete in elections using their symbols.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the democratic nature of the Legislative Assembly, emphasizing its role in law-making, representation, and electoral processes.

Question 3. Write about the powers and functions of the High Court.
Answer: The High Court has the power to issue various special orders (called writs like Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto). These writs are used to protect fundamental rights and for other legal purposes. Every High Court also supervises all the smaller courts and tribunals within its state. If a case is ongoing in a lower court and involves a major question of constitutional law, the High Court can take over that case and decide it itself. Furthermore, the High Court oversees all the subordinate courts in the state. Just like the Supreme Court, the High Court also keeps records of its own decisions, which are then used as examples for future cases.
In simple words: The High Court protects people's rights by issuing special orders. It also supervises all the smaller courts below it. If a case needs a big legal decision, the High Court can handle it. Its decisions are recorded and used as guides for future cases.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the High Court's jurisdiction over writs, its supervisory role over lower courts, and its status as a Court of Record.

I. Choose The Correct Answer.

Question 1. is a permanent house of the state legislative.
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Legislative assembly
(c) Legislative council
(d) RajyaSabha
Answer: (c) Legislative council
In simple words: The Legislative Council is a permanent part of the state legislature, meaning it cannot be fully dissolved. Members serve for a fixed term, but only a portion retire at a time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between permanent houses (like Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha) and temporary houses (like Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha) that can be dissolved.

Question 2. is the eligible age to cast a vote.
(a) 30
(b) 25
(c) 21
(d) 18
Answer: (d) 18
In simple words: In India, if you are 18 years old or older, you have the right to vote in elections. This is called universal adult suffrage.

🎯 Exam Tip: The voting age is a fundamental democratic right; remember it is 18 years for all elections in India.

Question 3. cannot remove the governor from his post.
(a) Prime minister
(b) State Government
(c) Supreme court
(d) President
Answer: (b) State Government
In simple words: The State Government, led by the Chief Minister, does not have the power to remove the Governor. The Governor serves at the pleasure of the President.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that the Governor is appointed by and can be removed by the President, not by the state government, highlighting their link to the central authority.

Question 4. Who presides over The Assembly by meeting?
(a) Governor
(b) Chief minister
(c) Speaker
(d) Law minister
Answer: (c) Speaker
In simple words: The Speaker is the person who leads and manages the meetings of the Legislative Assembly. They make sure the discussions follow the rules.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Speaker maintains order and decorum in the legislative assembly, ensuring smooth functioning of debates and legislative work.

Question 5. If the chief minister is not a member of the state Legislative, he must be so within a period of month.
(a) 3
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 10
Answer: (c) 6
In simple words: If a Chief Minister is not already an elected member of the state legislature, they must become one within six months. If not, they lose their position.

🎯 Exam Tip: This six-month rule applies to any minister, including the Chief Minister, who is not a member of the legislature at the time of their appointment.

Question 6. stands at the apex of the State Judiciary.
(a) District court
(b) High court
(c) Mobile court
(d) Family court
Answer: (b) High court
In simple words: The High Court is the highest court in a state. It is at the top of the state's judicial system, overseeing all other courts within that state.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the hierarchy of courts: Supreme Court at the top for the whole country, then High Courts for individual states, followed by subordinate courts.

Question 7. The marriage age for a woman is
(a) 16
(b) 18
(c) 21
(d) 23
Answer: (b) 18
In simple words: The legal age for a woman to get married in India is 18 years old. This is a law to protect young women.

🎯 Exam Tip: While the legal marriage age for women is 18, there have been discussions and proposals to raise it to 21, so stay updated on current laws.

Question 8. Only states in India have a legislative council.
(a) 2
(b) 4
(c) 6
(d) 16
Answer: (c) 6
In simple words: Only six states in India currently have two houses in their legislature, including a Legislative Council. Most states have only one house, the Legislative Assembly.

🎯 Exam Tip: It's useful to know the names of the states that have a bicameral (two-house) legislature, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Question 9. A Judge of the high court must have at least years of experience as an advocate.
(a) 10
(b) 5
(c) 4
(d) 3
Answer: (a) 10
In simple words: To become a High Court Judge, a person needs to have worked as a lawyer (advocate) for at least 10 years. This ensures they have enough legal experience.

🎯 Exam Tip: The minimum experience as an advocate is a key qualification for appointment as a High Court Judge, emphasizing practical legal knowledge.

Question 10. Who plays an important role in making appointments for the state Governments?
(a) Governor
(b) Chief minister
(c) Central Minister
(d) MLAs
Answer: (b) Chief minister
In simple words: The Chief Minister plays a vital role in deciding who gets appointed to important positions in the state government. They advise the Governor on these appointments.

🎯 Exam Tip: While the Governor makes formal appointments, the Chief Minister's advice is crucial in the selection process for state government positions.

II. Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. The two sets of the government of India are
Answer: Central government, State government
In simple words: India has two main levels of government: the central government, which governs the whole country, and state governments, which govern individual states.

🎯 Exam Tip: This reflects India's federal structure, where power is divided between the central and state levels of government.

Question 2. There are state Governments in our country.
Answer: 29
In simple words: India is made up of 29 different states, each with its own government. This organization helps manage the diverse country effectively.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep up-to-date with the current number of states and union territories, as this can sometimes change due to reorganizations.

Question 3. is a chief executive in a state.
Answer: Governor
In simple words: The Governor is the ceremonial chief executive of a state. The actual power is exercised by the Chief Minister and their Council of Ministers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the Governor as the 'nominal' or 'constitutional' chief executive, representing the President at the state level.

Question 4. The age of Governor completed years.
Answer: 35
In simple words: To become a Governor, a person must be at least 35 years old. This age requirement ensures that the person has a certain level of maturity and experience.

🎯 Exam Tip: The minimum age for a Governor (35) is the same as for the President and Vice-President, indicating a senior constitutional post.

Question 5. President impose emergency in the state through article.
Answer: 356
In simple words: The President can declare an emergency in a state using Article 356 of the Constitution. This happens when the state government cannot function according to constitutional rules.

🎯 Exam Tip: Article 356 is crucial for understanding the President's rule in states, which can suspend normal state governance.

Question 6. acts as the chancellor of State Universities.
Answer: Governor
In simple words: The Governor of a state also serves as the Chancellor of most state universities. In this role, they oversee the functioning and policies of these educational institutions.

🎯 Exam Tip: This role as Chancellor highlights the Governor's involvement in the state's education system, linking governance with academic administration.

Question 7. State laws derived by
Answer: members of the legislative assembly
In simple words: Laws for a state are primarily made by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly. They debate and vote on new laws.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Legislative Assembly holds primary legislative power at the state level, as its members directly represent the people.

Question 8. There are constituency in Tamil Nadu.
Answer: 234
In simple words: Tamil Nadu has 234 different areas, called constituencies, from which people elect their representatives (MLAs). Each constituency elects one MLA.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the number of constituencies helps understand the scale of elections and representation in a specific state like Tamil Nadu.

Question 9. The leader of the majority party in the election is chosen as
Answer: chief minister
In simple words: The person who leads the political party that wins the most seats in a state election becomes the Chief Minister. This is how the government leader is selected.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Chief Minister is almost always the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the Legislative Assembly.

Question 10. The legislative assembly meets times in a year
Answer: 2 or 3
In simple words: The Legislative Assembly usually holds two or three sessions in a year. These meetings are where they discuss laws and state issues.

🎯 Exam Tip: The number of sessions varies but typically includes a budget session, a monsoon session, and a winter session to cover all legislative work.

Question 11. The has control over the state council of ministers.
Answer: assembly
In simple words: The Legislative Assembly keeps a check on the state's Council of Ministers. The ministers are accountable to the Assembly.

🎯 Exam Tip: In a parliamentary system, the executive (Council of Ministers) is responsible to the legislature (Legislative Assembly).

Question 12. is the job of the state's council of ministers
Answer: Executing
In simple words: The main job of the state's Council of Ministers is to carry out or 'execute' the laws. They ensure that policies and laws are put into action.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Council of Ministers forms the executive branch, responsible for implementing the laws made by the legislature.

Question 13. The legislative assembly of TamilNadu is located at
Answer: Chennai
In simple words: The Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu is located in Chennai, which is the capital city of the state. This is where all legislative decisions are made.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the location of state legislative assemblies helps connect political geography with administrative centers.

Question 14. The High court stands as the match of the
Answer: State Judiciary
In simple words: The High Court is the highest court in the State Judiciary. It is the top judicial body at the state level.

🎯 Exam Tip: The High Court is the apex body of the judicial system within a state, distinct from the national Supreme Court.

Question 15. The Chief Justice was appointed by
Answer: President
In simple words: The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President of India. The President consults with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the concerned state.

🎯 Exam Tip: The appointment of High Court judges, including the Chief Justice, involves the President, emphasizing the central government's role in the judiciary.

III. Match The Following

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the key age criteria for voting, candidacy for legislative bodies, and judicial retirement, as these are common facts in civics questions.

IV. State True Or False

Question 1. The state governor appoints the chief justice of the high court.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false. The President of India appoints the Chief Justice of the High Court, not the state Governor. The Governor is consulted during this process.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between the appointing authority (President) and the consulting authority (Governor) for High Court Chief Justices.

Question 2. Executing laws is the job of the state's council of ministers
Answer: True
In simple words: The Council of Ministers is responsible for putting the state's laws into action. They ensure that government policies are carried out.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Council of Ministers forms the executive branch, and its primary function is the implementation and execution of laws and policies.

Question 3. The Governor can nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian community.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false. The Governor could nominate one member from the Anglo-Indian community if they were not adequately represented. However, this provision has now been removed from the Constitution.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware that constitutional provisions can change, such as the discontinuation of the Anglo-Indian nomination in legislatures.

Question 4. The party which got majority seats in the election forms the government.
Answer: True
In simple words: In a democratic election, the political party that wins more than half of the seats gets to form the government. This is a basic rule of forming a government.

🎯 Exam Tip: The principle of majority rule is fundamental in parliamentary democracy for government formation at both central and state levels.

Question 5. Two houses of state legislature is present in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar.
Answer: True
In simple words: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are indeed two of the states in India that have a bicameral legislature, meaning they have both a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council. This allows for more thorough legislative review.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember specific examples of states with bicameral legislatures to illustrate your understanding of the state legislative structure.

V. Consider The Following Statements. Tick The Appropriate Answer:

Question 1.
1. The Governor maintaining the relationship between the central government and the state government.
2. Court act as an agent of the central government.
3. The Governor is the Nominal Executive in a State.
4. Chief minister is the head of the state council of Ministers.
a) 1 and 2 c) 2,4
Answer: (d) 3, 4 correct
In simple words: The Governor acts as the formal head of the state, and the Chief Minister actually leads the Council of Ministers. These two statements accurately describe their roles in the state government.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between the Governor's nominal role and the Chief Minister's real executive power. The Governor is a link to the central government, not an agent of it.

VI. Answer The Following In One Or Two Sentences.

Question 1. How the Governor was appointed?
Answer: The Indian Constitution creates the role of the Governor, who leads a state. The President of India is responsible for appointing the Governor. This ensures the central government has a representative in each state.
In simple words: The Governor is appointed by the President of India. The Constitution sets up this role as the state head.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always mention both the appointing authority and the foundational document for such roles to score full marks.

Question 2. Who are the Members of the Legislative assembly?
Answer: Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are the people who create laws for a state government. Voters elect these MLAs from various areas called constituencies. Each state is divided into many such constituencies for these elections.
In simple words: MLAs are elected by people to make state laws. They come from different voting areas called constituencies.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining legislative members, clearly state their role and how they are chosen by the public.

Question 3. What are the legislative constitution?
Answer: The legislative structure involves dividing the entire state into many different areas for elections. These areas are known as legislative constituencies, and each one may have a large number of people, sometimes over one lakh. From these, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are elected to form the state's law-making body.
In simple words: For state elections, the whole state is split into legislative constituencies. Each constituency has many people, and they elect their MLA.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about the "constitution" or structure of a legislative body, explain how its members are selected and organized.

VII. Answer The Following In Detail.

Question 1. Discuss the powers and functions of the Governor.
Answer: The Governor serves as the chief executive in a state, meaning all executive decisions are made in their name. They are responsible for appointing the Chief Minister and the entire Council of Ministers. The Governor also plays a key role when the President declares an emergency in the state, especially under Article 356, often based on the Governor's report. Additionally, the Governor acts as the Chancellor for all state universities. Crucially, money bills can only be introduced in the State Legislative Assembly with the Governor's prior approval, and the annual state budget is laid before the legislature also with their consent. This role highlights their importance in both administration and law-making.
In simple words: The Governor is the state's main leader, who appoints the Chief Minister and their team. They approve money bills and the state budget. The Governor also oversees state universities and is involved in state emergencies.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to cover the Governor's executive, legislative, and emergency powers, as well as their unique role as Chancellor of universities, for a comprehensive answer.

Question 2. How a bill becomes an Act - Explain the stages.
Answer: A bill starts its journey when it is introduced in the Legislative Assembly. After introduction, members engage in thorough debates and discussions about its contents. During this stage, various changes or amendments can be made to the bill. If more than half of the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) vote in favor, the bill is considered passed by the Assembly. Finally, for the bill to officially become an Act (law), it must receive the Governor's approval, also known as their assent. This structured process ensures careful consideration before a bill becomes law.
In simple words: First, a bill is brought to the Legislative Assembly. They talk about it and can change it. If most MLAs agree, it passes. Then, the Governor must approve it to make it a law.

🎯 Exam Tip: Detail the step-by-step process of a bill becoming an Act: introduction, debate, voting, and the crucial final assent from the Governor.