CBSE Class 6 Social Science Study Materials Based on NCERT

Core Terms & Concepts

1. What is a Panchayat?

Answer:

An elected local body that governs a village or group of villages.

2. Who are the members of a Gram Sabha?

Answer:

All adult residents of the village are members of the Gram Sabha.

3. What is a Sarpanch?

Answer:

The elected head or chairperson of a Gram Panchayat.

4. What does 'Panchayati Raj' mean?

Answer:

A system of local self-government in rural India made up of panchayats.

5. What is a Panchayat Samiti?

Answer:

A block-level body that coordinates activities of several Gram Panchayats.

6. What is a Zila Parishad?

Answer:

The district-level council that oversees development across the district.

7. Define 'decentralisation' in one line.

Answer:

Transfer of power and responsibilities from higher to local levels of government.

8. What is local planning?

Answer:

Deciding on village priorities and projects like roads, water and schools.

9. What does 'reservation' in panchayats mean?

Answer:

Seats set aside for women or marginalised groups to ensure representation.

10. Give one example of a local public service.

Answer:

Clean drinking water, street lighting, or waste collection.

Structure & Elections

11. How often are panchayat elections usually held?

Answer:

Every five years, unless special circumstances occur.

12. Who elects panchayat members?

Answer:

The residents of the village elect panchayat members in local elections.

13. What is the role of ward members?

Answer:

They represent specific parts (wards) of the village in the panchayat.

14. Why are some seats reserved in panchayats?

Answer:

To ensure participation from women and marginalised communities.

15. Who supervises Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats at the district level?

Answer:

The Zila Parishad supervises and coordinates at the district level.

16. Can Gram Sabha remove a panchayat member?

Answer:

Gram Sabha can question and recommend action; formal removal depends on rules and higher authorities.

17. Name one qualification to vote in panchayat elections.

Answer:

Being an adult resident (18+ years) of the village and registered as a voter.

18. Who can become a Sarpanch?

Answer:

Any eligible and elected resident who wins the panchayat election can be Sarpanch.

19. What does 'block' refer to in local governance?

Answer:

A block is an administrative unit made of several villages under a Panchayat Samiti.

20. How are district plans prepared?

Answer:

Plans from Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis are compiled and coordinated by the Zila Parishad.

Functions of Rural Local Government

21. Name a function of Gram Panchayat related to health.

Answer:

Organising health camps and coordinating with health workers for basic services.

22. How do panchayats support education?

Answer:

By maintaining school buildings, monitoring attendance and supporting mid-day meals.

23. Give one role of panchayats in water supply.

Answer:

Maintaining wells, handpumps and arranging safe drinking water facilities.

24. How can panchayats help livelihoods?

Answer:

By supporting self-help groups, training and small local projects that create work.

25. What is the role of panchayats in sanitation?

Answer:

Organising cleanliness drives and managing waste disposal systems.

26. How do panchayats use local funds?

Answer:

They use funds for local projects chosen in village plans and approved by the Gram Sabha.

27. What is an example of a small infrastructure project by panchayats?

Answer:

Building a village road, repairing a well or constructing a community hall.

28. How can panchayats help during floods?

Answer:

They coordinate relief, identify affected families and arrange temporary shelters and aid.

29. What does 'public distribution' relate to?

Answer:

Ensuring ration shops and schemes reach entitled families—panchayats can monitor access.

30. How do panchayats promote community projects?

Answer:

By involving residents in planning, contributing labour and monitoring the work.

Participation & Gram Sabha

31. Why is Gram Sabha important?

Answer:

It is the main forum where villagers approve plans and check the panchayat's work.

32. How can citizens raise issues in Gram Sabha?

Answer:

By bringing problems to the agenda, speaking at meetings or submitting written requests.

33. What is quorum in Gram Sabha?

Answer:

A minimum number of members required to hold a valid meeting (rules vary by state).

34. Name a way villagers monitor projects.

Answer:

Forming local committees or inspecting work and reporting in Gram Sabha.

35. How do villagers approve budgets?

Answer:

The panchayat presents the budget and Gram Sabha members discuss and approve priorities.

36. How can youth participate in Gram Sabha?

Answer:

By joining meetings, youth groups and committees to raise local issues and help implement projects.

37. What role do women’s groups play?

Answer:

They organise savings, support livelihoods and push for local issues like sanitation and schools.

38. What is an audit in local governance?

Answer:

A check of accounts and spending to ensure money is used properly; can be internal or external.

39. How are decisions communicated to villagers?

Answer:

Through notice boards, meetings, announcements and local volunteers.

40. Why keep meeting minutes?

Answer:

Minutes record decisions and responsibilities so actions can be followed up later.

Accountability, Challenges & Reforms

41. What is transparency?

Answer:

Making information about decisions and spending open and accessible to the public.

42. Name a challenge faced by panchayats.

Answer:

Lack of funds, delayed grants, or limited technical skills among members.

43. How does record-keeping help reduce misuse of funds?

Answer:

Clear records show where money went, making it easier to spot irregularities and demand explanations.

44. What is one reform to strengthen panchayats?

Answer:

Providing training for members in planning, accounting and project management.

45. How can marginalised groups get better representation?

Answer:

Through reserved seats, outreach programmes and inclusive meeting practices.

46. What is citizen monitoring?

Answer:

When community members check projects, services and spending to ensure quality and honesty.

47. How can technology help rural governance?

Answer:

By sharing information, collecting feedback and helping with digital records and services.

48. Why involve NGOs with panchayats?

Answer:

NGOs provide training, support community organisation and help implement development projects.

49. What is a public expenditure register?

Answer:

A simple public record listing monthly income and spending for villagers to check.

50. Give one way citizens can strengthen local government.

Answer:

Participate in Gram Sabha, monitor projects and ask questions about spending and progress.

Social Science — Theme D: Governance and Democracy

CBSE Very Short Answer Practice (50 Questions)

Core Terms & Concepts

Structure & Elections

Functions of Rural Local Government

Participation & Gram Sabha

Accountability, Challenges & Reforms

Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Area – Very Short Answer Type Questions

Social Science — Theme D: Governance and Democracy

CBSE Very Short Answer Practice (50 Questions)

Core Terms & Concepts

Structure & Elections

Functions of Rural Local Government

Participation & Gram Sabha

Accountability, Challenges & Reforms

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