Chapter 5: State 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:
Explain the federal structure of India and the division of powers between central and state governments
Describe the composition and functions of the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
Understand the role of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers in state governance
Analyze the Governor's position as the constitutional head of the state
Examine the structure and functioning of Punjab's state government with current examples
Explain the law-making process in state legislatures
Understand the relationship between state and central governments
Apply pedagogical strategies through mock legislative sessions and current affairs tracking
5.1 Introduction to State Government
5.1.1 Federal Structure: Division of Powers
🇮🇳 India as a Federal System
India is a federal state, which means power is divided between a central government and various state governments. However, the Indian Constitution creates a union of states with a strong central bias—often described as a "federal system with unitary features."
💡 Key Insight: Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as a "Union of States," emphasizing that states have no right to secede—the union is indestructible.
📊 Distribution of Legislative Powers
The Constitution divides legislative powers between Parliament and State Legislatures through three lists in the Seventh Schedule:
| List | Subjects | Power to Legislate |
|---|---|---|
| Union List | 100 subjects (originally 97) | Only Parliament |
| State List | 61 subjects (originally 66) | Only State Legislatures |
| Concurrent List | 52 subjects (originally 47) | Both Parliament and State Legislatures (Parliament law prevails in case of conflict) |
📋 Important Subjects Under Each List
| Union List (Selected) | State List (Selected) | Concurrent List (Selected) |
|---|---|---|
| Defence | Police | Criminal Law |
| Armed Forces | Public Order | Criminal Procedure |
| Foreign Affairs | Agriculture | Civil Procedure |
| War and Peace | Irrigation | Education |
| Railways | Local Government | Forests |
| National Highways | Public Health | Marriage and Divorce |
| Currency | Fisheries | Adoption |
| Banking | Land Revenue | Succession |
| Posts and Telegraph | State Taxes | Contracts |
| Atomic Energy | Markets and Fairs | Social Planning |
📝 PSTET Focus Point: Remember that residuary powers (subjects not mentioned in any list) belong to Parliament. This is another unitary feature of our Constitution.
5.1.2 States and Union Territories of India
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
India has a total of 28 states and 8 Union Territories (as of 2026).
| Category | Number | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| States | 28 | Own elected governments; full legislative powers over state list | Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra |
| Union Territories with Legislature | 3 | Have their own legislative assembly and council of ministers | Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Union Territories without Legislature | 5 | Administered directly by Central Government through Administrators | Chandigarh, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar |
🌾 Punjab as a State
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Chandigarh (also capital of Haryana and a Union Territory) |
| Formation | November 1, 1966 (after reorganization) |
| Area | 50,362 sq km |
| Population | Approximately 3 crore |
| Number of Districts | 23 |
| Official Language | Punjabi |
5.1.3 Why Do We Need State Governments?
🏛️ Rationale for State Governments
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Efficient Administration | A single central government cannot effectively manage the entire country's diverse needs |
| Regional Diversity | Different regions have different languages, cultures, and priorities |
| Proximity to People | State governments are closer to citizens and understand local problems better |
| Decentralization of Power | Prevents concentration of all power at the center |
| Experimentation | States can experiment with different policies (e.g., Punjab's free power policy, Kerala's health model) |
| Democratic Participation | More opportunities for citizens to participate in governance at multiple levels |
🌟 Example: Punjab's agriculture policies are tailored to its farmers' needs, while coastal states focus on fisheries—state governments can address region-specific issues.
5.2 The Legislature: State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
5.2.1 Composition and Election of MLAs
🏛️ State Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is the lower house (or the only house) of the state legislature. In most Indian states, including Punjab, it is unicameral—meaning there is only one house .
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Other Name | Vidhan Sabha |
| Composition | Directly elected members from territorial constituencies |
| Maximum Strength | 500 members |
| Minimum Strength | 60 members |
| Term | 5 years (unless dissolved earlier) |
| Presiding Officer | Speaker (elected by members) |
📊 Punjab Vidhan Sabha
🗳️ Election of MLAs
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Voters | All Indian citizens above 18 years residing in the constituency |
| Constituencies | Delimited based on population |
| Reservation | Seats reserved for SC/ST in proportion to their population |
| Election Authority | State Election Commission conducts elections |
5.2.2 Qualifications and Disqualifications
✅ Qualifications for MLA
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a citizen of India |
| Age | Minimum 25 years |
| Voter Registration | Must be registered as a voter in any constituency of the state |
| Oath | Must take oath before the Governor or specified person |
| Other | Must not hold any office of profit under government |
❌ Disqualifications
| Ground | Description |
|---|---|
| Office of Profit | Holding any paid office under Central or State Government (except ministerial positions) |
| Unsound Mind | Declared of unsound mind by competent court |
| Undischarged Insolvent | Declared insolvent and not discharged |
| Foreign Citizenship | Not a citizen of India or has voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship |
| Election Law Violation | Found guilty of corrupt practices in elections |
| Conviction | Convicted of certain criminal offenses |
5.2.3 Functions of Legislative Assembly
📜 Law-making on State Subjects
The primary function of the Legislative Assembly is to make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Laws | Pass bills on subjects like police, agriculture, health, local government |
| Concurrent Laws | Can also legislate on concurrent subjects, but if central law exists, it prevails |
| Ordinance Approval | Ordinances issued by Governor must be approved within 6 weeks of Assembly reassembly |
👁️ Control over Executive
The Legislative Assembly exercises control over the Council of Ministers through various mechanisms:
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| Question Hour | MLAs ask questions to ministers about government functioning |
| Zero Hour | MLAs raise matters of urgent public importance |
| Adjournment Motion | To draw attention to a matter of urgent public importance |
| No-Confidence Motion | Can remove the Council of Ministers from office |
| Calling Attention Motion | Ministers called to explain specific matters |
| Debates and Discussions | Policy matters debated on the floor of the House |
💰 Financial Powers
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Budget Approval | Government cannot spend money without Assembly approval |
| Appropriation Bills | Authorize withdrawal of money from Consolidated Fund |
| Finance Bills | Bills related to taxation |
| Public Accounts Committee | Examines audit reports and government spending |
| Estimates Committee | Examines budget estimates and suggests economies |
5.2.4 Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad): Where It Exists
📚 What is Legislative Council?
Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) is the upper house of the state legislature in states with a bicameral system. Most Indian states have abolished it.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Other Name | Vidhan Parishad |
| Nature | Permanent house (not subject to dissolution) |
| Retirement | One-third members retire every two years |
| Term of Member | 6 years |
🌍 States with Legislative Council
Only 6 states currently have a Legislative Council:
Uttar Pradesh
Bihar
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh
Telangana
📝 PSTET Focus Point: Punjab has a unicameral legislature—only Vidhan Sabha. The Vidhan Parishad was abolished on January 1, 1970 .
Historical Context: Punjab's Bicameral Past
5.3 The Executive: Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
5.3.1 Appointment of Chief Minister
👔 Who Appoints the Chief Minister?
The Governor appoints the Chief Minister. However, the Governor has no discretion in normal circumstances—the leader of the party with a majority in the Legislative Assembly must be appointed.
| Scenario | Governor's Role |
|---|---|
| Single party with clear majority | Appoints the leader of that party |
| No party with clear majority | May exercise discretion, but usually invites the largest party/alliance to prove majority |
| Incumbent CM dies/resigns | Appoints the new leader of the ruling party |
🔑 Oath and Term
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Oath | Administered by Governor (oath of office and secrecy) |
| Term | Holds office during the pleasure of Governor (but effectively till majority in Assembly) |
| Salary | Determined by state legislature |
5.3.2 Formation of Council of Ministers
👥 Composition
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum Size | 15% of total strength of Legislative Assembly |
| For Punjab | Maximum 17 ministers (15% of 117 ≈ 17) |
| Categories | Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers |
🏛️ Collective Responsibility
Article 164 embodies the principle of collective responsibility:
"The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the state."
This means:
All ministers are jointly responsible for government decisions
Defeat of government on a major issue leads to resignation of entire Council
Cabinet decisions bind all ministers
5.3.3 Powers and Functions of Chief Minister
⚡ Executive Powers
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Council Formation | Recommends names for appointment as ministers |
| Portfolio Allocation | Allocates departments to ministers |
| Council Chairman | Presides over Cabinet meetings |
| Coordination | Coordinates work of different departments |
| Advice to Governor | Communicates all Cabinet decisions to Governor |
📜 Legislative Powers
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Session Summoning | Advises Governor on summoning and proroguing Assembly sessions |
| Policy Announcements | Makes policy statements on behalf of government |
| Legislative Agenda | Sets government's legislative priorities |
💼 Financial Powers
Prepares annual budget in consultation with Finance Minister
Approves major expenditure proposals
Oversees implementation of financial policies
5.3.4 Collective and Individual Responsibility
🤝 Collective Responsibility
| Principle | Implication |
|---|---|
| All ministers stand together | Decision of one minister binds all |
| Cabinet solidarity | Ministers must support Cabinet decisions publicly |
| Defeat = Resignation | If Assembly passes no-confidence motion, entire Council resigns |
👤 Individual Responsibility
| Principle | Implication |
|---|---|
| Each minister responsible to Governor | Holds office during Governor's pleasure |
| Departmental responsibility | Each minister responsible for their department |
| Can be removed individually | Governor can remove a minister on CM's advice |
5.3.5 Governor: Appointment, Powers, and Role
👑 Who is the Governor?
The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, appointed by the President of India. While the real executive power lies with the Council of Ministers, the Governor performs important constitutional functions.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Appointment | By President of India |
| Term | 5 years (holds office during President's pleasure) |
| Qualification | Must be citizen of India, minimum 35 years age |
| Eligibility | Not a member of Parliament or State Legislature |
⚖️ Powers of Governor
| Category | Powers |
|---|---|
| Executive Powers | Appoints CM and ministers; appoints Advocate General; all executive action taken in Governor's name |
| Legislative Powers | Summons, prorogues, dissolves Assembly; addresses first session; nominates members to Legislative Council (where exists) |
| Financial Powers | Causes budget to be laid; no money bill without Governor's recommendation |
| Judicial Powers | Power to grant pardons, reprieves, etc. (except death sentence) |
| Discretionary Powers | Can act without ministerial advice in certain situations (e.g., when no party has majority) |
🔗 Role of Governor as Link
The Governor serves as a vital link between the state and central governments:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Reports to President | Keeps Central Government informed about state affairs |
| President's Rule | Recommends President's Rule under Article 356 if constitutional machinery fails |
| Reserving Bills | Can reserve certain bills for President's consideration |
🌟 Current Punjab Context
In recent years, the relationship between the Punjab government and the Governor has seen some tension. For example, the Punjab Police Amendment Bill (2023) passed by the Vidhan Sabha was sent by the Governor to the President for consideration, highlighting the Governor's role in scrutinizing state legislation .
5.4 State Government in Punjab
5.4.1 Punjab Vidhan Sabha: Composition and History
📜 Historical Evolution
🏛️ Present Composition
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Seats | 117 |
| Reserved for SC | 34 seats (as per population proportion) |
| Meeting Place | Vidhan Bhavan, Chandigarh |
| Term | 5 years (unless dissolved earlier) |
🗣️ Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha
The current Speaker is Kultar Singh Sandhwan . The Speaker:
Presides over Assembly sessions
Maintains order and discipline
Decides on points of order
Casting vote in case of tie
5.4.2 Current Political Scenario
🏛️ Ruling Party
As of 2026, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is in power in Punjab, with Bhagwant Mann as the Chief Minister .
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chief Minister | Bhagwant Mann |
| Party in Power | Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) |
| Assumed Office | March 2022 |
| Key Focus Areas | Governance reforms, free electricity, education, health |
🔍 Recent Legislative-Executive Dynamics
The Punjab government has shown assertiveness in its legislative positions:
5.4.3 Major Decisions and Policies
🌾 Agriculture and Farmers
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Electricity | Free power for farmers (continuing policy) |
| Crop Diversification | Efforts to move away from wheat-paddy cycle |
| Stubble Management | Promotion of Happy Seeder, bio-decomposers |
🏥 Health and Education
👩🏫 Educational Initiatives
The Punjab government has launched several innovative programs:
💡 Quote from Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan: "When children gain awareness of how politics and governance function, they grow into responsible citizens who can make informed choices in a democracy."
5.5 Law-Making Process in State
5.5.1 How a Bill Becomes a Law
📜 Stages of Law-Making
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stage 1: Introduction of Bill │
│ (Leave of House required) │
└─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stage 2: First Reading │
│ (Title read; published in Gazette) │
└─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stage 3: Second Reading │
│ (General discussion; referred to │
│ Select/Joint Committee if needed) │
└─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stage 4: Committee Stage │
│ (Detailed clause-by-clause exam) │
└─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stage 5: Third Reading │
│ (Final voting on bill) │
└─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stage 6: Other House (if bicameral)│
│ (Same process repeated) │
└─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stage 7: Governor's Assent │
│ (Bill becomes Act) │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘👨⚖️ Role of Governor in Law-Making
| Action | Implication |
|---|---|
| Give Assent | Bill becomes Act |
| Withhold Assent | Bill fails (rare) |
| Return for Reconsideration | If not Money Bill, Governor can return for reconsideration; if passed again, Governor must assent |
| Reserve for President | Certain bills must be/ may be reserved for President's consideration |
5.5.2 Types of Bills: Ordinary, Money, Constitutional
📊 Classification of Bills
| Bill Type | Definition | Special Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Bill | Any bill not falling in other categories | Can be introduced in either House; simple majority |
| Money Bill | Deals with taxes, government spending, Consolidated Fund | Only in Lower House; Governor's recommendation needed; cannot be rejected by Upper House |
| Financial Bill | Related to financial matters but not exclusively Money Bill | Similar to Ordinary Bill but with special provisions |
| Constitutional Amendment Bill | Amends Constitution (in state context, rare) | Special majority may be required |
🔑 Features of Money Bill in State
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Definition | Article 199 defines Money Bill (taxation, borrowing, Consolidated Fund, appropriations) |
| Introduction | Only in Legislative Assembly (not Council) |
| Governor's Recommendation | Essential before introduction |
| Upper House Powers | Can only make recommendations; must return within 14 days |
| Governor's Assent | Governor cannot withhold assent |
5.6 Relationship with Central Government
5.6.1 Division of Powers: Union, State, Concurrent Lists
📋 Three Lists (Recap)
| List | Subjects | Legislative Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Union List | 100 subjects | Only Parliament |
| State List | 61 subjects | Only State Legislature |
| Concurrent List | 52 subjects | Both; Parliament law prevails in case of conflict |
⚖️ Principles of Distribution
| Principle | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supremacy of Parliament | For Union List matters, Parliament has exclusive power |
| State Autonomy | For State List matters, states have exclusive power |
| Paramountcy of Central Law | In Concurrent List, central law prevails over state law |
| Residuary Powers | Subjects not in any list belong to Parliament |
5.6.2 Residuary Powers
📚 What are Residuary Powers?
Residuary powers are powers to legislate on subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Provision | Article 248 |
| Location | Union List (Entry 97) |
| Authority | Parliament has exclusive power |
| Examples | New technologies, emerging areas not foreseen in 1950 |
💡 Significance: This is a unitary feature of Indian federalism—in most federations, residuary powers belong to states.
5.6.3 Role of Governor as Link
🔗 Governor's Linking Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Reports to President | Keeps Centre informed about state affairs |
| Reserving Bills | Can reserve bills for President's consideration |
| President's Rule | Recommends President's Rule under Article 356 |
| Administrative Link | Channel of communication between state and Centre |
🌟 Contemporary Example: Punjab Police Amendment Bill
The Punjab Police Amendment Bill, 2023 passed by Punjab Vidhan Sabha was sent by the Governor to the President for consideration, illustrating the Governor's role in linking state legislation with central scrutiny .
📝 PSTET Focus Point: The Governor serves as the eyes and ears of the Central Government in the state, while also being the constitutional head of the state.
5.7 Pedagogical Focus: Teaching State Government
🧒 Understanding the Learner (Classes VI-VIII)
Upper primary students:
Are becoming aware of state-level news and politics
Can understand concepts of representation and decision-making
Benefit from simulations and role-play
Learn through current events and local examples
🚶 Visit to Vidhan Sabha (if feasible)
📋 Planning a Visit
| Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1. Permission | Obtain school and parental consent; contact Vidhan Sabha secretariat |
| 2. Scheduling | Coordinate with Assembly schedule (preferably when session is on) |
| 3. Briefing | Explain rules: no phones, no talking during proceedings |
| 4. Observation | Students observe Question Hour, debates |
| 5. Interaction | If possible, meet Speaker or local MLA |
🌟 Punjab Government Initiative
The Punjab government has actively promoted student visits to Vidhan Sabha. Over 2,400-2,500 government school students have already visited the Vidhan Sabha to witness legislative proceedings first-hand .
💡 Speaker's Message: "The objective of such visits is to cultivate awareness and interest in democratic institutions and constitutional processes among young minds."
🎭 Mock Legislative Assembly in Classroom
📝 Punjab Government's Mock Vidhan Sabha Initiative
The Punjab government has launched a program to introduce mock Vidhan Sabha sessions in government schools .
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Selection | One student from each Vidhan Sabha constituency |
| Roles | CM, ministers, MLAs, Leader of Opposition, treasury bench members |
| Activities | Structured debates, discussions, legislative procedures |
| Purpose | Hands-on understanding of governance, law-making, budget management |
📋 Classroom Mock Assembly Format
| Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1. Election | Class elects "MLAs" (or teacher nominates) |
| 2. Formation | Majority party forms government; selects "CM" |
| 3. Role Assignment | Speaker, Opposition Leader, ministers |
| 4. Question Hour | "MLAs" ask questions to ministers |
| 5. Bill Introduction | Propose a simple bill (e.g., "Classroom Cleanliness Bill") |
| 6. Debate | Discussion on bill |
| 7. Voting | Pass or reject bill |
| 8. Reflection | Discuss experience—what was easy/difficult? |
🎭 Sample Role Distribution
| Role | Number of Students | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker | 1 | Presides over House |
| Chief Minister | 1 | Leads government |
| Ministers | 4-5 | Answer questions, present bills |
| Opposition Leader | 1 | Leads criticism of government |
| Other MLAs | Remaining class | Ask questions, debate, vote |
📰 Tracking News About State Government Decisions
Activity 1: News Wall
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Collection | Students bring newspaper clippings about Punjab government |
| 2. Categorization | Sort by department (Education, Health, Agriculture, Police) |
| 3. Discussion | Weekly discussion: "What did our government do this week?" |
| 4. Analysis | Was the decision good? Why? Who benefits? |
Activity 2: Follow a Policy
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Select | Choose a current issue (e.g., free electricity, stubble burning policy) |
| 2. Track | Follow news about this policy over 2-3 weeks |
| 3. Record | Note: What did government decide? What did MLAs say? Any protests? |
| 4. Present | Share findings with class |
Activity 3: Write to Your MLA
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify | Find out who is your area's MLA |
| 2. Research | What has this MLA done? Which party do they belong to? |
| 3. Write | Letter about a local issue (school, road, water problem) |
| 4. Send | Mail or email to MLA's office |
| 5. Track | Did you get a response? |
📝 Sample Lesson Plan: "Our State Government"
📝 Chapter Summary: Key Points for PSTET Revision
🔑 Federal Structure
Three lists: Union (100 subjects), State (61 subjects), Concurrent (52 subjects)
Residuary powers: Parliament
India: "Union of States" (indestructible union)
🔑 Punjab Vidhan Sabha
Meeting place: Vidhan Bhavan, Chandigarh (since 1961)
🔑 State Executive
| Position | Role |
|---|---|
| Governor | Constitutional head; appointed by President |
| Chief Minister | Real executive head; leader of majority party |
| Council of Ministers | Maximum 15% of Assembly strength (17 for Punjab) |
🔑 Law-Making Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Leave of House required |
| First Reading | Title read; published |
| Second Reading | Discussion; committee stage |
| Third Reading | Final voting |
| Governor's Assent | Bill becomes Act |
🔑 Types of Bills
| Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Bill | Any bill not Money Bill |
| Money Bill | Only in Assembly; Governor's recommendation needed |
| Constitutional Amendment | Special majority |
🔑 Punjab Government Initiatives
📝 Practice Questions for PSTET Preparation
Multiple Choice Questions
How many members are there in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha?
a) 100
b) 117
c) 120
d) 175When was the Vidhan Parishad abolished in Punjab?
a) 1956
b) 1966
c) 1970
d) 1980Which Article of the Constitution deals with the executive power of the state?
a) Article 154
b) Article 163
c) Article 164
d) Article 165The maximum strength of the Council of Ministers in a state cannot exceed:
a) 10% of Assembly strength
b) 12% of Assembly strength
c) 15% of Assembly strength
d) 20% of Assembly strengthWho appoints the Governor of a state?
a) Chief Minister
b) Prime Minister
c) President of India
d) Chief Justice of High CourtWhich of the following is a State subject?
a) Defence
b) Currency
c) Police
d) RailwaysThe Punjab Vidhan Sabha meets in:
a) Ludhiana
b) Amritsar
c) Chandigarh
d) PatialaA Money Bill in the state legislature can be introduced only in:
a) Vidhan Parishad
b) Vidhan Sabha
c) Either House
d) Joint sittingThe current Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha is:
a) Bhagwant Mann
b) Kultar Singh Sandhwan
c) Charanjit Singh Atwal
d) Rana Gurjit SinghResiduary powers of legislation belong to:
a) State Legislatures
b) Parliament
c) Concurrently to both
d) Governor
Short Answer Questions
Explain the three lists under the Seventh Schedule with examples.
Describe the composition of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
What are the qualifications for becoming an MLA?
Differentiate between Ordinary Bill and Money Bill.
What is the role of the Governor in the state legislative process?
Long Answer Questions
Discuss the structure and functions of state legislature in India with special reference to Punjab.
Explain the powers and functions of the Chief Minister.
Describe the law-making process in a state legislature.
Analyze the relationship between state government and central government under the Indian Constitution.
As a teacher, how would you use the Punjab government's mock Vidhan Sabha initiative to teach students about state government?
✅ Chapter Completion Checklist
Before moving to Chapter 6, ensure you can:
Explain the federal structure with three lists
Describe qualifications and disqualifications for MLA
Explain functions of Legislative Assembly
Differentiate between Chief Minister and Governor's roles
Understand Governor's appointment and powers
Explain the law-making process
Differentiate between types of bills
Plan a mock Vidhan Sabha activity
Design a news tracking project
🔗 Online Resources for Further Learning
| Resource | Description | Link/How to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Legislative Assembly | Official website | punjabassembly.nic.in |
| PRS India | Legislative analysis, state briefs | prsindia.org |
| The Tribune | Punjab news, legislative coverage | tribuneindia.com |
| Indian Express (Punjab) | State politics and governance | indianexpress.com/section/cities/chandigarh |
| NCERT Social and Political Life (Class VII) | Chapter on State Government | ncert.nic.in |
🎓 Prepared for PSTET Aspirants
This chapter provides comprehensive coverage of "State Government" as per PSTET Paper II syllabus. Understanding the structure and functioning of state government—with special reference to Punjab—is essential for both the exam and your future teaching. The pedagogical activities, including mock Vidhan Sabha sessions , will help you engage students in active learning about governance. Remember that as a teacher, you are preparing future citizens who will participate in and strengthen our democracy.
