Chapter 2: Government

🏛️ Complete Chapter for PSTET Paper II (Social and Political Life)

🎯 Learning Objectives for PSTET Aspirants

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

Define government and explain its meaning in the context of society
Analyze the need for government and why rules are essential for social life
Identify the three levels of government—local, state, and national
Differentiate between various types of government including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
Explain the key functions of government with examples
Understand how government works through legislature, executive, and judiciary
Describe the citizen's role in a democratic government
Apply pedagogical strategies through simulations, discussions, and activities

2.1 What is Government?

2.1.1 Definition and Meaning of Government

📚 Understanding Government

The term government refers to the group of people or system that has the authority to govern a country, state, or community. It is the machinery through which a state is run and organized.

💡 Etymology: The word "government" comes from the Greek word kybernan meaning "to steer" or "to pilot." Just as a pilot steers a ship, the government steers the country.

📖 Definitions by Scholars

Scholar	Definition
Aristotle	"Government is the supreme power in the state exercising sovereignty"
Woodrow Wilson	"Government is that body which has the power to enforce laws and maintain order"
Garner	"Government is the agency through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed, and realized"

🔍 Key Elements of Government

Element	Explanation
Authority	The legitimate power to make decisions and enforce rules
People	Individuals who hold positions in the government
Institutions	Structures like legislature, executive, and judiciary
Processes	Procedures for making and implementing decisions
Territory	Defined geographical area where government exercises authority

2.1.2 Need for Government: Why Do We Need Rules?

🌍 Imagine a World Without Government

Close your eyes and imagine a place with:

No traffic rules
No police
No schools or hospitals run by anyone
No one to stop someone from harming you
No system to resolve disputes
No roads maintained, no garbage collected

This would be chaos—not a society.

📋 Why Government is Essential

Reason	Explanation	Example
Maintain Order	Prevents chaos and conflict by establishing rules	Traffic lights prevent accidents
Protect Rights	Ensures individuals' rights are not violated	Laws protect against theft and violence
Provide Services	Delivers essential services citizens cannot provide individually	Schools, hospitals, roads, water supply
Resolve Disputes	Provides mechanisms for settling conflicts	Courts of law
Ensure Security	Protects the country from external threats	Army, police, defense forces
Promote Welfare	Works for the well-being of all citizens	Welfare schemes, poverty alleviation
Economic Management	Regulates economy, manages resources	Currency, taxes, trade policies

🛑 The Problem Without Government

💭 Think About This: If there were no government, who would build schools? Who would ensure that children get education? Who would stop a strong person from taking away a weak person's property? Who would punish someone who commits a crime?

The State of Nature: Philosopher Thomas Hobbes described life without government as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." This is why humans created governments—to escape this chaos and create orderly societies.

2.1.3 Levels of Government: Local, State, National

🏗️ Three Levels of Government in India

India has a three-tier system of government:

                    ┌─────────────────────────┐
                    │     NATIONAL LEVEL      │
                    │   (Central Government)  │
                    │   Deals with: Defense,  │
                    │   Foreign Affairs,      │
                    │   Currency, Railways    │
                    └───────────┬─────────────┘
                                │
                    ┌───────────▼─────────────┐
                    │      STATE LEVEL        │
                    │   (State Governments)   │
                    │   Deals with: Law &     │
                    │   Order, Agriculture,   │
                    │   Health, Education     │
                    └───────────┬─────────────┘
                                │
                    ┌───────────▼─────────────┐
                    │      LOCAL LEVEL        │
                    │   (Panchayats &         │
                    │   Municipalities)       │
                    │   Deals with: Village   │
                    │   roads, street lights, │
                    │   water supply, garbage │
                    └─────────────────────────┘

🏛️ National Level (Central Government)

Aspect	Details
Location	New Delhi (Capital of India)
Jurisdiction	Entire country
Key Responsibilities	Defense, foreign affairs, currency, railways, national highways, communications
Head	Prime Minister (along with President as Constitutional Head)
Example	Decision to sign a treaty with another country, declaring war, national budget

🏛️ State Level (State Government)

Aspect	Details
Location	Respective state capitals (Chandigarh for Punjab)
Jurisdiction	Particular state (e.g., Punjab, Haryana, etc.)
Key Responsibilities	Law and order (police), agriculture, health, education, state roads, irrigation
Head	Chief Minister (along with Governor as Constitutional Head)
Example	Punjab Government deciding on free electricity for farmers, school curriculum for state

🏛️ Local Level (Panchayats and Municipalities)

Type	Rural Areas	Urban Areas
Name	Panchayati Raj Institutions	Municipalities, Municipal Corporations
Jurisdiction	Village, Block, District	Town, City
Key Responsibilities	Village roads, street lights, water supply, sanitation, primary schools	City roads, garbage collection, street lights, water supply
Example	Gram Panchayat deciding location of new hand pump	Municipal Corporation managing garbage collection in Ludhiana

📝 Why Three Levels?

Reason	Explanation
Efficiency	Different issues are best handled at different levels
Proximity	Local issues are best understood by local people
Manageability	No single government can handle everything effectively
Democratic Participation	More opportunities for citizens to participate

📝 PSTET Focus Point: Questions often ask which level handles which function. Remember: Defense and foreign affairs → Central; Police and agriculture → State; Street lights and garbage → Local.

2.2 Types of Government

2.2.1 Democratic Government: Features and Examples

📖 What is Democracy?

Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. The word comes from Greek—demos (people) + kratos (rule)—meaning "rule by the people."

🗣️ Abraham Lincoln's Definition: "Democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people."

✨ Key Features of Democracy

Feature	Explanation
Popular Sovereignty	People are the ultimate source of all power
Political Equality	Every citizen has equal voting rights—"One person, one vote, one value"
Free and Fair Elections	Regular elections where people can choose their representatives
Majority Rule with Minority Rights	Decisions by majority, but rights of minorities protected
Rule of Law	All citizens, including rulers, are equal before law
Fundamental Rights	Citizens have basic rights that government cannot violate
Independent Judiciary	Courts are free from government control
Accountability	Government is answerable to the people

🌍 Examples of Democratic Countries

Country	Form of Democracy
India	Parliamentary Democracy
United States	Presidential Democracy
United Kingdom	Constitutional Monarchy with Parliamentary Democracy
Canada	Parliamentary Democracy
Germany	Federal Parliamentary Republic
Japan	Parliamentary Democracy with Constitutional Monarchy

2.2.2 Monarchy: Absolute and Constitutional

👑 What is Monarchy?

Monarchy is a form of government where a single person (king, queen, emperor) rules, usually inheriting the position by birth.

💡 Etymology: From Greek monos (single) + arkhein (to rule)—"rule by one."

Types of Monarchy

Type	Description	Example
Absolute Monarchy	Monarch has unlimited power; no constitution or parliament can limit authority	Saudi Arabia, Oman, Brunei
Constitutional Monarchy	Monarch is ceremonial head; real power rests with elected parliament	United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, Sweden

📊 Comparison: Absolute vs. Constitutional Monarchy

Feature	Absolute Monarchy	Constitutional Monarchy
Power of Monarch	Unlimited; all decisions	Limited; ceremonial role
Constitution	No written constitution limiting power	Constitution defines monarch's role
Parliament	May exist but has no real power	Elected parliament governs
Citizen Rights	Limited; at monarch's pleasure	Fundamental rights protected
Example	Saudi Arabia—King Salman	UK—King Charles III (ceremonial)

📝 Historical Context

Most monarchies today are constitutional—the monarch is a symbol of national unity while elected governments actually rule. Even in the UK, the King "reigns but does not rule."

2.2.3 Dictatorship: Characteristics and Examples

⚠️ What is Dictatorship?

Dictatorship is a form of government where absolute power is concentrated in the hands of a single person or a small group, not responsible to the people.

🚫 Key Point: Dictatorship is the opposite of democracy. Citizens have no say in who rules them.

🔴 Characteristics of Dictatorship

Characteristic	Explanation
Concentration of Power	All power in one person or small group
No Free Elections	Either no elections or elections are a sham
Suppression of Opposition	No opposition parties allowed; critics are jailed or killed
Censorship	Media is controlled; only government-approved news
No Rule of Law	Rulers are above the law
Violation of Rights	Fundamental rights are not respected
Use of Force	Military and police used to suppress dissent

🌍 Historical and Contemporary Examples

Country	Period	Dictator
Germany	1933-1945	Adolf Hitler
Italy	1922-1943	Benito Mussolini
Spain	1939-1975	Francisco Franco
North Korea	1948-present	Kim dynasty
Uganda	1971-1979	Idi Amin
Iraq	1979-2003	Saddam Hussein

2.2.4 Comparative Analysis: Democracy vs. Non-Democratic Systems

📊 Comprehensive Comparison

Parameter	Democracy	Monarchy (Absolute)	Dictatorship
Source of Power	People (through elections)	Hereditary (birth)	Military or party force
Head of State	Elected President (or ceremonial monarch in constitutional monarchy)	King/Queen with real power	Dictator
Citizen Participation	High—people vote, protest, express views	None—subjects, not citizens	None—oppressed
Elections	Regular, free, and fair	None; succession by birth	None or rigged
Rights	Fundamental rights protected	Limited; at monarch's pleasure	No rights; suppressed
Media	Free (with some regulations)	Controlled	Propaganda tool
Opposition	Allowed and encouraged	Not allowed	Crushed
Accountability	Government accountable to people	No accountability	No accountability
Decision-Making	Through debate and discussion	Monarch's will	Dictator's whim

🧠 Thinking About Advantages and Disadvantages

System	Advantages	Disadvantages
Democracy	• Citizens have voice • Rights protected • Peaceful change possible • Government accountable	• Can be slow in decision-making • Risk of populism • Expensive elections
Monarchy	• Stability and continuity • Quick decisions	• No citizen participation • Rights not guaranteed • Leader by birth, not merit
Dictatorship	• Quick decisions • Order (through force)	• Complete oppression • No freedom • Violent changes

📝 PSTET Focus Point: Be prepared to explain why democracy is considered the best form of government despite its challenges.

2.3 Functions of Government

2.3.1 Providing Public Services (Education, Health, Infrastructure)

🏫 Education

Service	What Government Does
Schools	Establishes and runs government schools
Mid-Day Meal	Provides free meals in government schools
Scholarships	Financial support for students from weaker sections
Higher Education	Runs universities, colleges, IITs, IIMs
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan	Ensures universal elementary education

Why It Matters: Education creates informed citizens, skilled workers, and breaks the cycle of poverty.

🏥 Health

Service	What Government Does
Hospitals	Runs government hospitals and primary health centers
Immunization	Free vaccines for children (polio, measles, etc.)
Ayushman Bharat	Health insurance for poor families
Maternal Health	Free checkups and nutrition for pregnant women
Disease Control	Programs to control TB, malaria, HIV/AIDS

Why It Matters: A healthy population is productive and can contribute to national development.

🛣️ Infrastructure

Service	What Government Does
Roads	Constructs and maintains national highways, state roads
Railways	Runs Indian Railways—one of world's largest networks
Electricity	Power generation and distribution
Water Supply	Provides drinking water through taps, tankers
Communication	Posts, telecom networks, internet infrastructure

2.3.2 Maintaining Law and Order

👮 Police and Internal Security

Function	Description
Crime Prevention	Patrolling, surveillance to prevent crimes
Crime Investigation	Investigating thefts, murders, and other crimes
Arresting Criminals	Apprehending lawbreakers
Traffic Management	Regulating traffic, issuing challans
Public Order	Controlling riots, managing protests peacefully

⚖️ Justice System

Component	Role
Courts	Hear cases and deliver justice
Prisons	Confine convicted criminals
Legal Aid	Free legal assistance to poor

Example: If someone steals your bicycle, you report to police. Police investigate and arrest the thief. Court hears the case and delivers punishment. This entire system is government's law and order function.

2.3.3 Ensuring National Security

🛡️ Defense Forces

Force	Role
Army	Protects land borders
Navy	Secures coastlines and seas
Air Force	Defends airspace
Paramilitary Forces	Assist in internal security, border guarding

🏛️ Functions

Function	Description
Border Protection	Guards against external aggression
Counter-Terrorism	Prevents and responds to terrorist attacks
Intelligence	Gathers information about threats
Defense Diplomacy	Builds relationships with other countries' militaries
Disaster Response	Helps during natural calamities

2.3.4 Economic Management and Welfare Schemes

💰 Economic Functions

Function	Description
Budget	Annual statement of income and expenditure
Taxation	Collects taxes to fund government activities
Currency	Prints money (Reserve Bank of India)
Banking Regulation	Controls banks to protect depositors
Trade Policy	Regulates imports and exports
Price Control	Checks essential commodity prices

🤝 Welfare Schemes

Scheme	Benefit
PM-KISAN	₹6,000 per year to farmers
MGNREGA	100 days guaranteed work in rural areas
Ration Cards	Subsidized food grains to poor
Old Age Pension	Monthly pension to senior citizens
Housing Schemes	PM Awas Yojana—houses for poor

2.3.5 Protecting Fundamental Rights

📜 Constitutional Guarantees

Right	What Government Must Do
Right to Equality	Treat all citizens equally; no discrimination
Right to Freedom	Protect freedom of speech, movement, profession
Right against Exploitation	Stop trafficking, child labor
Right to Religion	Protect freedom to practice any religion
Cultural Rights	Protect minorities' right to preserve culture
Right to Constitutional Remedies	Provide courts to enforce all rights

🛡️ Government as Protector

Government not only gives these rights but must also:

Make laws that don't violate these rights
Take action when anyone violates another's rights
Provide courts to seek justice

💡 Key Insight: The government's most important function is to protect citizens' rights. All other functions serve this ultimate purpose.

2.4 Government at Work

2.4.1 Making Laws (Legislature)

🏛️ What is Legislature?

Legislature is the branch of government that makes laws. In India, it consists of elected representatives.

Level	Legislature
National	Parliament (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha)
State	Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)

📝 How Laws are Made

    ┌──────────────────────┐
    │   Idea/Need for Law  │
    └───────────┬──────────┘
                ▼
    ┌──────────────────────┐
    │  Bill Introduced in  │
    │      Parliament      │
    └───────────┬──────────┘
                ▼
    ┌──────────────────────┐
    │    Debated and       │
    │    Discussed         │
    └───────────┬──────────┘
                ▼
    ┌──────────────────────┐
    │   Voted Upon         │
    └───────────┬──────────┘
                ▼
    ┌──────────────────────┐
    │   Passed by Both     │
    │      Houses          │
    └───────────┬──────────┘
                ▼
    ┌──────────────────────┐
    │  President's Assent  │
    └───────────┬──────────┘
                ▼
    ┌──────────────────────┐
    │   Becomes a LAW      │
    └──────────────────────┘

2.4.2 Implementing Laws (Executive)

👔 What is Executive?

Executive is the branch that implements and enforces laws. It includes:

Political Executive: Elected leaders (Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers)
Permanent Executive: Civil servants (IAS, IPS, etc.) who work under political leaders

🔄 Functions of Executive

Function	Description
Implementation	Puts laws into practice through departments
Administration	Runs day-to-day government affairs
Policy-Making	Proposes new laws and policies
Foreign Relations	Deals with other countries
Emergency Powers	Takes action during crises

2.4.3 Dispute Resolution (Judiciary)

⚖️ What is Judiciary?

Judiciary is the branch that interprets laws and resolves disputes. It is independent—free from control of legislature or executive.

Level	Court
National	Supreme Court of India
State	High Courts (Punjab & Haryana High Court at Chandigarh)
District	District and Sessions Courts
Local	Lower courts, magistrates

🔍 Functions of Judiciary

Function	Description
Dispute Resolution	Settles conflicts between individuals, organizations, government
Interpretation	Explains meaning of laws and Constitution
Protection	Safeguards Fundamental Rights
Review	Can strike down laws that violate Constitution (Judicial Review)

2.5 Citizen's Role in Government

2.5.1 Voting in Elections

🗳️ Why Voting Matters

Voting is the most important role citizens play in a democracy.

Aspect	Importance
Choice	Voters choose who will govern them
Accountability	If government doesn't perform, voters can remove them
Expression	Voting expresses approval or disapproval of policies
Participation	Shows active engagement in democracy

📋 Who Can Vote in India?

Requirement	Details
Age	18 years and above
Citizenship	Must be Indian citizen
Registration	Name must be in voter list (electoral roll)

🗳️ Importance of Voting in Punjab

In Punjab, voter turnout is often high, reflecting citizens' engagement with democracy. Every vote counts—elections have been won or lost by small margins.

2.5.2 Expressing Opinions and Concerns

📢 Ways Citizens Can Participate

Method	Description
Peaceful Protests	Gathering to express disagreement with policies
Public Meetings	Attending gram sabhas, town hall meetings
Letters to Representatives	Writing to MLAs, MPs about problems
Social Media	Expressing views online (responsibly)
Media	Writing letters to newspapers
Civil Society	Joining organizations that work on issues

💡 Examples

Residents writing to Municipal Corporation about garbage problem
Farmers protesting for better prices
Students writing to MLA for better school facilities

2.5.3 Following Laws and Paying Taxes

📜 Duties of Citizens

Duty	Why It Matters
Follow Laws	Without compliance, no government can function
Pay Taxes	Funds all government services—schools, roads, hospitals
Respect Rights of Others	My freedom ends where others' freedom begins
Protect Public Property	Buses, trains, government buildings belong to all
Vote	Participate in choosing government

💰 Why Taxes Matter

Tax Type	What It Funds
Income Tax	General government expenses
GST	State and central services
Property Tax	Local services (municipalities)
Road Tax	Building and maintaining roads

💡 Remember: "Taxes are the price we pay for civilized society." — Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes

2.6 Pedagogical Focus: Teaching Government in the Classroom

🧒 Understanding the Learner (Classes VI-VIII)

Upper primary students:

Are becoming aware of rules and authority
Can understand concepts of fairness and justice
Benefit from concrete examples and simulations
Learn through active participation

🎭 Classroom Simulation: "Making Classroom Rules"

Activity: Create Your Own Government

Step	Description
Step 1: Problem	Teacher presents problem: "Students are disturbing class by talking loudly"
Step 2: Legislature	Class discusses and proposes rules (e.g., "Raise hand before speaking")
Step 3: Voting	Class votes on proposed rules—majority decides
Step 4: Executive	Elected class monitors ensure rules are followed
Step 5: Judiciary	If someone breaks rule, class decides fair consequence

Learning Outcomes

Concept	How Activity Teaches It
Need for rules	Students experience why rules are necessary
Democratic decision-making	They vote on rules—learn majority rule
Legislature function	They make laws (rules)
Executive function	Monitors implement rules
Judiciary function	They judge violations and decide consequences

💭 Discussion: "What if there was no government?"

Facilitated Discussion Questions

Question	Purpose
"What would happen if there were no traffic rules?"	Understand need for regulation
"Who would build schools if government didn't?"	Realize government provides services
"If someone stole your things, who would help?"	Appreciate police and courts
"Who would stop another country from attacking us?"	Understand defense function
"Would life be better or worse without government?"	Critical thinking

Group Activity: Draw "Life Without Government"

Task	Description
Group 1	Draw a scene in a world without police
Group 2	Draw a scene without schools
Group 3	Draw a scene without hospitals
Group 4	Draw a scene without roads
Presentation	Each group explains—then discuss: "Do we need government?"

📊 Simple Charts Showing Levels of Government

Chart 1: Three Levels of Government

Level	Who is in Charge?	What Do They Do?	Example
National	Prime Minister and Parliament	Defense, foreign affairs, currency	Army, making treaties with other countries
State	Chief Minister and Vidhan Sabha	Police, agriculture, health	Punjab Police, free electricity to farmers
Local	Sarpanch/Municipal Councillor	Street lights, garbage, water supply	Village pond cleaning, garbage collection

Chart 2: Functions of Government

                    ┌──────────────────┐
                    │    GOVERNMENT    │
                    └────────┬─────────┘
                             │
        ┌────────────────────┼────────────────────┐
        ▼                    ▼                    ▼
┌───────────────┐    ┌───────────────┐    ┌───────────────┐
│   PROVIDES    │    │   MAINTAINS   │    │   PROTECTS    │
│   SERVICES    │    │    ORDER      │    │    RIGHTS     │
├───────────────┤    ├───────────────┤    ├───────────────┤
│ • Schools     │    │ • Police      │    │ • Equality    │
│ • Hospitals   │    │ • Courts      │    │ • Freedom     │
│ • Roads       │    │ • Prisons     │    │ • Religion    │
│ • Water       │    │               │    │ • Culture     │
│ • Electricity │    │               │    │               │
└───────────────┘    └───────────────┘    └───────────────┘

Chart 3: Branches of Government

Branch	What They Do	Who Are They?
Legislature	Make laws	Members of Parliament, MLAs
Executive	Implement laws	Prime Minister, Ministers, Civil Servants
Judiciary	Interpret laws, resolve disputes	Judges, Courts

📝 Sample Lesson Plan: "Introduction to Government"

Component	Description
Topic	What is Government and Why We Need It
Class	VI
Duration	40 minutes
Learning Objectives	Students will: (1) Define government (2) Explain need for rules (3) Identify two functions of government
Introduction (5 min)	Ask: "What would happen if there were no rules in our school?" Collect responses
Activity 1 (10 min)	"Make Classroom Rules" simulation—students propose and vote on rules
Discussion (10 min)	Connect to government: "Just as we made rules for class, governments make rules for entire country"
Chart Work (10 min)	Show three levels of government chart; explain with examples
Conclusion (5 min)	Recap: Government makes rules, provides services, maintains order
Assessment	Exit ticket: "Write one thing government does that helps you daily"

📝 Chapter Summary: Key Points for PSTET Revision

🔑 Definition and Need for Government

Government is the system that governs a country, state, or community
Needed for: order, protection, services, dispute resolution, security

🔑 Levels of Government

Level	Jurisdiction	Key Functions
National	Entire country	Defense, foreign affairs, currency
State	Particular state	Police, agriculture, health
Local	Village/city	Street lights, garbage, water

🔑 Types of Government

Type	Features	Examples
Democracy	People elect rulers; rights protected	India, USA
Monarchy (Absolute)	King/queen has unlimited power	Saudi Arabia
Monarchy (Constitutional)	Ceremonial monarch; elected government rules	UK, Japan
Dictatorship	One person rules; no rights	North Korea (historical: Hitler's Germany)

🔑 Functions of Government

Providing public services (education, health, infrastructure)
Maintaining law and order (police, courts)
Ensuring national security (army, navy, air force)
Economic management and welfare schemes
Protecting Fundamental Rights

🔑 Government at Work

Legislature → Makes laws
Executive → Implements laws
Judiciary → Interprets laws, resolves disputes

🔑 Citizen's Role

Vote in elections
Express opinions peacefully
Follow laws
Pay taxes

📝 Practice Questions for PSTET Preparation

Multiple Choice Questions

Which level of government is responsible for defense of the country?
a) Local Government
b) State Government
c) Central Government
d) All of these
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people" was said by:
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Abraham Lincoln
d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
In a constitutional monarchy like the United Kingdom:
a) King has absolute power
b) King is ceremonial head; elected government rules
c) There is no king
d) Military rules
Which of the following is NOT a function of government?
a) Building roads
b) Running schools
c) Deciding what citizens should wear
d) Maintaining police force
The branch of government that makes laws is called:
a) Executive
b) Judiciary
c) Legislature
d) Administration
What is the minimum age for voting in India?
a) 16 years
b) 18 years
c) 21 years
d) 25 years
Which of the following is an example of an absolute monarchy?
a) India
b) United Kingdom
c) Saudi Arabia
d) United States
Taxes paid by citizens are used for:
a) Salaries of government employees
b) Building roads and schools
c) Running hospitals
d) All of these
The head of the state government is:
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Chief Minister
d) Governor
Which level of government handles garbage collection in cities?
a) Central Government
b) State Government
c) Local Government (Municipal Corporation)
d) None of these

Short Answer Questions

Define government. Why do we need government?
Differentiate between democracy and dictatorship with three points each.
Name the three levels of government in India and give two functions of each.
What is the role of citizens in a democracy?
Explain the three branches of government with their functions.

Long Answer Questions

Explain the different types of government with examples. Why is democracy considered the best form of government?
Describe the various functions of government with suitable examples from daily life.
"Government works at three levels to serve citizens effectively." Explain this statement.
As a teacher, how would you explain the concept of government to Class VI students? Describe any two activities you would use.
Analyze the importance of citizen participation in a democracy. How can citizens contribute to good governance?

✅ Chapter Completion Checklist

Before moving to Chapter 3, ensure you can:

Define government and explain its meaning
List three reasons why we need government
Name and describe three levels of government
Differentiate between democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
Explain five functions of government
Describe legislature, executive, and judiciary
List four ways citizens can participate in government
Explain why taxes are important
Plan a "Making Classroom Rules" simulation
Create a chart showing levels of government

🔗 Online Resources for Further Learning

Resource	Description	Link/How to Find
NCERT Social and Political Life (Class VI)	Chapter on Government	ncert.nic.in
MyGov.in	Citizen engagement platform	mygov.in
Election Commission of India	Voter education resources	eci.gov.in
PRS India	Legislative information	prsindia.org
Punjab Government Portal	State government information	punjab.gov.in

🎓 Prepared for PSTET Aspirants

This chapter provides comprehensive coverage of "Government" as per PSTET Paper II syllabus. Understanding government—what it is, why we need it, how it functions, and the citizen's role—is fundamental to Social and Political Life. Use the activities and simulations to make these concepts come alive for your students. Remember that you are not just teaching about government—you are preparing future citizens for active participation in democracy.

Teacher Eligibility Test

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Ch 2: Government