Question With Answer Class 6 SST Chapter 10 Grassroots Democracy

Class 6 SST Chapter 10, “Grassroots Democracy,” explains how democracy works at the local level in villages and towns. Grassroots democracy means people’s participation in decision-making at the basic level of society. It gives citizens the power to manage their own local affairs. This chapter teaches that democracy is not only at the national or state level but also at the village and town level. Grassroots democracy empowers people and ensures development through participation and cooperation.

Questions, Activities and Projects – Answers(Question and Answer Class 6 SST Chapter 10)

---

1. Test yourself – What is the meaning of democracy? What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?

Answer:

The word democracy comes from two Greek words — dēmos meaning “people” and kratos meaning “rule” or “power.” Therefore, democracy means “rule of the people.”

In a democracy, people participate in the governance of the country, mainly by electing their representatives.

Direct Democracy:
In direct democracy, people directly participate in decision-making. For example, when students vote by raising hands to decide a picnic spot, every student participates directly in the decision.

Representative Democracy:
In representative democracy, people elect representatives who take decisions on their behalf. In India, citizens elect Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent them.

India is a representative democracy and also the world’s largest democracy.

---

2. Recall the three organs of government. What are their different roles?

Answer:

A modern government has three organs:

1. Legislature
   
   • Make laws.
     
   • It consists of elected representatives.
     
   • At the national level, it includes Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
     
2. Executive
   
   • Implements and enforces laws.
     
   • Includes the President (nominal head), Prime Minister (executive head), ministers, and government agencies.
     
   • At the State level, it includes the Governor (nominal head) and Chief Minister (executive head).
     
3. Judiciary
   
   • Interprets laws.
     
   • Decides whether laws are broken.
     
   • Give punishment if necessary.
     
   • Includes the Supreme Court and High Courts.
     

These three organs work together but remain separate. This is called the separation of powers, which ensures checks and balances.

---

3. Why do we need three tiers of government?

Answer:

India has three tiers (levels) of government:

1. Local Government – At village or town level
   
2. State Government – At state level
   
3. Central (Union) Government – At national level
   

We need three tiers because:

• India is a large and diverse country.
  
• Different issues require attention at different levels.
  
• Local problems can be solved by local authorities.
  
• State-level issues are handled by State Governments.
  
• National matters like defence, foreign affairs, and currency are handled by the Central Government.
  

This system ensures better administration and efficient governance.

---

4. Project: Many of you will remember the lockdown that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make a list of all the actions that were taken at that time? Which tiers of government were involved in managing the situation? What was the role of each of the organs of government?

Answer:

During the COVID-19 lockdown, several actions were taken:

• A nationwide lockdown was imposed.
  
• Schools, offices, and markets were closed.
  
• Travel restrictions were introduced.
  
• Hospitals and quarantine centres were set up.
  
• Vaccination drives were conducted.
  
• Free food and financial assistance were provided to poor families.
  

Tiers of Government Involved:

• Central Government: Announced nationwide lockdown, managed international travel restrictions, arranged vaccines, and issued national guidelines.
  
• State Governments: Implemented lockdown rules, managed hospitals, arranged oxygen supply, and monitored health services.
  
• Local Governments: Ensured local safety, distributed food, maintained sanitation, and spread awareness.
  

Role of the Three Organs:

• Legislature: Made necessary laws and guidelines for managing the pandemic.
  
• Executive: Implemented lockdown, enforced rules, and managed healthcare systems.
  

Judiciary: Ensured that government actions were lawful and protected citizens’ rights when necessary.