NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 3: What Is Government

This chapter talks about what the government is and why we need it. We will also learn about the different functions of the government and their importance in our life. The chapter then talks about the level of governments and how they operate. Then we discuss the powers of the governments and how they are exercised through laws. The chapter tells us about the different types of governments and their features. Finally, we learn about how a democratic government operates. Finer points from the chapter include:

• Countries need governments to govern and take important decisions. It performs the job of protecting the boundaries of their country. They are also responsible for the social welfare of the poor.
• The government works at the local, the state, and the national level. The government makes laws for people to follow. For example, to drive a car, you need a license. Otherwise, you will be fined.
• Laws apply to all the people of the country.
• The government can also enforce these laws with the help of the police agencies.
• People can also approach the courts if they think that a particular law was not followed.
• There are different types of governments in different countries—for example, democratic countries, monarchies, dictatorships etc.
• India has a democratic government. The people elect a democratic government. Thus, it is a rule by the people.
• India is a representative democracy. In that, we choose our representatives who would represent us in the government. These representatives together take decisions for the entire country.
• After independence, all people above the age of 18 were given the right to vote. This is called the universal adult franchise.