Class 7 new ncert Chapter 9 SST Solution - From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments

Q & A —  6th   7th   8th   9th   10th

Important Questions and Answers

Question 1. What is Government? What are its major functions?

Answer: Government is the system that runs a country and provides necessary rules and services to the people. Its major functions are:

• Maintaining law and order.
• Ensuring peace, stability and security in the country.
• Managing relations with other countries.
• Defending the country.
• Providing education, healthcare and basic facilities.
• Managing the economy and economic activities.
• Working for the welfare and better quality of life of the people.

Question 2. What is Democracy?

Answer: Democracy means “government of the people”. In a democracy, the people are the main source of government power and authority. People elect their representatives, and these representatives run the government.

Question 3. What are the three major functions of Government?

Answer: The three major functions of government are:

1. Legislative Function: Making laws.
2. Executive Function: Implementing laws and running the administration of the country.
3. Judicial Function: Ensuring that laws are followed and providing justice in cases of violation of laws.

Question 4. How are governments of different countries different from one another?

Answer: Governments can differ mainly on four bases:

1. What is the source of the government's power and authority?
2. How is the government formed?
3. What are the different organs of government and what functions do they perform?
4. What objectives and values does the government work for?

For example, in a democracy, the people are the source of government authority, while in a theocracy, religious beliefs and religious leadership play an important role.

Question 5. What are the basic principles of democracy?

Answer: The major principles of democracy are:

• Equality: All people should be treated equally.
• Freedom: People should have the right to make choices and express their opinions.
• Representative Participation: People should have the right to choose their representatives.
• Universal Adult Franchise: All adult citizens should have the right to vote.
• Independent Judiciary: The judiciary should protect citizens' rights and ensure that laws are followed.

Question 6. What is Direct Democracy?

Answer: Direct democracy is a system in which citizens directly participate in making government rules, decisions and policies. People themselves take part in important decisions.

Question 7. What is Representative Democracy?

Answer: In a representative democracy, people elect their representatives through elections. The elected representatives run the government on behalf of the people.

In this system, the government is accountable to the people. India is an example of representative democracy.

Question 8. What are the two major types of Representative Democracy?

Answer: The two major types of representative democracy are:

1. Parliamentary Democracy
2. Presidential Democracy

Question 9. What is Parliamentary Democracy? Why is India an example of it?

Answer: In a parliamentary democracy, members of the executive are also members of the legislature. People elect the members of the legislature, and some of the elected members become ministers.

In India, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are part of Parliament. The Council of Ministers works as long as it has the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Therefore, India is a parliamentary democracy.

Question 10. What is Presidential Democracy?

Answer: In a presidential system, the executive works independently of the legislature. The head of the state is elected by the people and does not need the support of the legislature to remain in office.

Question 11. What are the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary?

Answer: These are the three main organs of government:

• Legislature: The institution that makes laws.
• Executive: The institution that implements laws and runs the administration.
• Judiciary: The institution that ensures laws are followed and provides justice in disputes.

Question 12. What is Separation of Powers?

Answer: Separation of powers means that the three organs of government—the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary—work independently and do not interfere improperly in each other's functions. It helps prevent the misuse of power.

Question 13. Why is an Independent Judiciary important?

Answer: An independent judiciary is important because:

1. It protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens.
2. It ensures that laws are followed.
3. It makes different organs of government work according to the law.
4. It helps people receive fair and impartial justice.

Question 14. What is a Republic?

Answer: A republic is a form of government in which the head of the state is elected and the position is not hereditary. The head of the state does not get the position simply because of being a member of a royal family.

Question 15. What were the main features of republics in ancient India?

Answer: Some republics in ancient India had the following features:

• Decisions were taken collectively.
• Leaders were selected on the basis of ability.
• Representatives of different groups discussed problems together.
• The welfare of the people was given importance.

The Vajji Mahajanapada was an example of such a republic.

Question 16. What is Monarchy?

Answer: Monarchy is a form of government in which the country is ruled by a king or queen. The king or queen is called a monarch. Generally, the position of the ruler passes from one generation to another within the same royal family.

Question 17. What was expected from a king in ancient Indian monarchy?

Answer: A king was expected to follow Rajadharma. It meant:

• Ruling according to Dharma.
• Taking care of the welfare of all people.
• Taking fair and just decisions.
• Applying laws without discrimination.
• Taking advice from good and wise advisers.
• Not misusing his power.

Question 18. What are the two main types of monarchy today?

Answer: The two main types of monarchy today are:

1. Absolute Monarchy
2. Constitutional Monarchy

Question 19. What is Absolute Monarchy? Give an example.

Answer: In an absolute monarchy, the king or queen has very great or almost complete power over the government. The monarch may have an important role in making laws, implementing them and taking major decisions related to justice.

Saudi Arabia is an example of an absolute monarchy.

Question 20. What is Constitutional Monarchy?

Answer: In a constitutional monarchy, the king or queen is the head of the state, but their actual political power is limited. Real executive power is exercised by the elected government and the Prime Minister.

The United Kingdom is an example of a constitutional monarchy.

Question 21. What is Theocracy?

Answer: Theocracy is a form of government in which the country is governed according to religious rules and under the influence of religious leaders.

Iran, Afghanistan and Vatican City are given as examples of theocracy.

Question 22. What is Dictatorship?

Answer: Dictatorship is a form of government in which one person or a small group holds almost all the power. There are no effective constitutional or legal limits on this power.

Examples: Adolf Hitler and Idi Amin.

Question 23. What is Oligarchy?

Answer: Oligarchy is a form of government in which only a few powerful people or groups take important decisions for the country. These people may often belong to wealthy families or be highly influential individuals.

The word “Oligarchy” comes from Greek words meaning “rule by a few people”.

Question 24. Why is democracy considered a better form of government?

Answer: Democracy is considered better because:

• People elect their representatives.
• Citizens are treated equally.
• People have the freedom to express their views.
• Citizens have the right to vote.
• The government is accountable to the people.
• An independent judiciary protects the rights of citizens.
• If the government does not work properly, people can change it through elections.
• The government should work for the welfare and prosperity of all people.

Question 25. What are the major challenges faced by democracy?

Answer: Democracy faces several challenges, such as:

• Corruption
• Inequality in wealth and property
• Excessive control of democratic institutions by a few people
• Weakening of the independence of the judiciary
• Manipulation of information
• Attempts to influence democratic institutions unfairly

To reduce these problems, citizens should remain alert and protect democratic values and institutions.

Question 26. Differentiate between Democracy and Monarchy.

Answer:

Democracy	Monarchy
It is government by the people.	It is generally ruled by a king or queen and the royal family.
Generally, rulers are chosen through elections.	Generally, the ruler inherits the position.
People elect their representatives.	The position of the king or queen is generally inherited.
The government is accountable to the people.	The nature of accountability depends on the type of monarchy.
Example: India	Examples: United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia

Question 27. Why is India called a Parliamentary Democracy?

Answer: In India, people elect members of Parliament through elections. The Prime Minister and ministers are chosen from among the elected members. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are part of Parliament and work as long as they have the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Therefore, India is called a parliamentary democracy.

Question 28. What is the role of people in a democracy?

Answer: People play the most important role in a democracy. They:

• Elect their representatives.
• Express their choices through elections.
• Expect the government to remain accountable.
• Keep a watch on the work of the government.
• Can change their representatives through elections when necessary.
• Protect their rights and democratic values.

Questions and Activities (NCERT Based Questions)

Question: 1. Write names of the various types of government that you have learnt in the chapter.

Answer: The following types of governments have been discussed in the chapter:

1. Democracy
2. Monarchy
3. Theocracy
4. Dictatorship
5. Oligarchy

The chapter also explains Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy under democracy. Representative Democracy is further divided into Parliamentary Democracy and Presidential Democracy.

Question: 2. Which type of Government does India have? And why is that called that type?

Answer: India has a democratic, representative and parliamentary system of government.

It is called so because the people elect their representatives through elections. The elected representatives form the government, and the Prime Minister and ministers run the government. The Council of Ministers is part of Parliament and works on the basis of the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

Question: 3. You read that an independent judiciary is present in all types of democracies. State any three reasons why you think it is important for the judiciary to be independent.

Answer: An independent judiciary is necessary because:

1. It protects the rights of citizens.
2. It ensures that everyone follows the law, whether they are ordinary citizens or government officials.
3. It can give a fair decision if any organ of the government misuses its power.

Thus, an independent judiciary strengthens justice, equality and the rule of law in a democracy.

Question: 4. Do you think democratic government is better than other forms of government? Why?

Answer: Yes, a democratic government can be considered better than other systems because people elect their representatives. Citizens get equality, freedom and the right to express their views. The government is accountable to the people. If it does not work properly, people can change their representatives through elections.

Question: 5. These are some practices in a few different countries. Can you match the practice with the type of government?

Answer:

The government refers to the religious leader for each and every decision it takes. After the queen's death, her son became the new king.

Practice followed in the country	System of Government
All citizens are treated equally before the law.	Democracy
Theocracy
Monarchy
The ruler is not bound to follow any Constitution. He makes all the decisions as per his choice.	Dictatorship

Question: 6. Below is a list of countries. Find out the types of government these countries have:

Answer:

Country	Type of Government
Bhutan	Constitutional Monarchy
Nepal	Federal Democratic Republic
Bangladesh	Parliamentary Democracy
South Africa	Parliamentary Democratic Republic
Brazil	Presidential Democracy

Question: 7. What are possible hurdles in a democracy in achieving its values and ideals? How can they be overcome?

Answer: Democracy can face several obstacles, such as:

• Corruption
• Unequal distribution of wealth and property
• Excessive influence of some people or groups
• Weakness in the independence of the judiciary
• Misuse or manipulation of information
• Excessive control of democratic institutions by a few people

These obstacles can be reduced by making citizens aware and alert. The government and democratic institutions should be made accountable. People should follow the law and protect democratic values such as equality, freedom and citizens' rights.

Question: 8. Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain.

Answer:

Democracy: In a democracy, people elect their representatives through elections. Citizens have the rights to equality, freedom and to choose their representatives. The government is accountable to the people.

Monarchy: In a monarchy, the government is headed by a king or queen. Usually, the position of the ruler is hereditary. Modern monarchies may be absolute or constitutional.

Dictatorship: In a dictatorship, one person or a small group holds most or all of the power. There are no effective constitutional or legal limits on this power.

Think about it, Let's Explore & Don't Miss Out

Question 1. If a king begins to consider himself to have divine powers, how might he rule over the people?

Answer: If a king considers himself to have divine powers, he may feel that he does not need to be accountable to the people for his actions. He may try to take decisions according to his own wishes and exercise greater control over the people. Therefore, even a king's power should remain within the limits of धर्म (dharma), justice and the welfare of the people.

Question 2. What was considered the most important duty of a king in ancient Indian thought?

Answer: The most important duty of a king was considered to be the welfare of the people. He was expected to rule fairly and justly and should not misuse his powers.

Question 3. Why should a king not be excessively attached to power?

Answer: Excessive attachment to power can lead to pride and corruption. Therefore, a king should understand that his power is not permanent and should rule according to dharma and justice.

Question 4. What were the three methods suggested for forming a student committee in a school?

Answer: Three methods were suggested:

1. All students of the school could be made members of the committee.
2. The Principal could select the students himself/herself.
3. Students could elect their representatives through voting.

The third method is the most democratic because students choose their own representatives.

Question 5. Why is electing representatives the most effective method for a school student committee?

Answer: Students from different classes can choose their own representatives. The elected representative can present the problems and needs of their class before the committee. In this way, the voices of more students can be included in the decisions of the committee.

Question 6. What problem may arise if all students of the school become members of the committee?

Answer: If all students become members of the committee, decision-making and implementation of activities may become difficult because of the very large number of members.

Question 7. What is the drawback if the Principal personally selects the members of the committee?

Answer: In this system, students do not get the opportunity to choose their own representatives. The voices of many students may not reach the committee. Therefore, this method is not as good for democratic participation.

Question 8. Why is direct democracy difficult in large countries?

Answer: In direct democracy, all citizens have to participate directly in every important decision. In large countries, it is practically very difficult for millions of people to participate directly in every decision.

Question 9. What does Universal Adult Franchise mean in a democracy?

Answer: Universal Adult Franchise means that all adult citizens above the prescribed age have the right to vote in elections. India adopted Universal Adult Franchise when it became a republic in 1950.

Question 10. Are all democracies exactly the same?

Answer: No. The structure and working of democracies may be different in different countries. For example, some countries follow parliamentary democracy, while others follow presidential democracy. However, basic principles such as equality, freedom and adult franchise remain important in democracies.

Question 11. How can a student committee be formed democratically?

Answer: A student committee can be formed democratically by:

• Clearly deciding the functions of the committee in advance.
• Allowing students of each class to elect their representatives.
• Conducting the election in a fair manner.
• Allowing elected representatives to present the problems and needs of students before the committee.

Question 12. What are the main principles of a democratic government?

Answer: The main principles of a democratic government are:

• Equality
• Freedom
• Representative participation
• Universal Adult Franchise
• Protection of citizens' rights
• Independent judiciary

Question 13. Can democracy turn into an oligarchy?

Answer: Yes. Even in a democracy, a situation may arise when a few politicians or very rich and influential people begin to have excessive control over government. This may create signs of oligarchy within a democracy. Citizens should remain alert to keep democracy strong.

Question 14. What can citizens do to strengthen democracy?

Answer: Citizens should:

• Keep a watch on the functioning of democratic institutions.
• Be aware of their rights.
• Participate in elections.
• Raise their voice against wrong actions.
• Demand accountability from the government.
• Protect democratic values.

Question 15. What things remain common among different democratic countries even though their government structures are different?

Answer: The structure and working of different democracies may be different, but basic democratic principles such as equality, freedom and Universal Adult Franchise remain important.

Question 16. How have the features of democracy developed over time?

Answer: The principles and features of democracy have developed over time. People in different countries received voting rights at different times. For example, India adopted Universal Adult Franchise from the beginning, while effective voting rights for all adults developed later in Britain and the United States.

Question 17. When did Universal Adult Franchise become effective in Britain and the United States?

Answer:

• Britain: 1928
• United States: 1965

This shows that democratic rights and principles developed at different times in different countries.

Question 18. Give an example of democratic or republican traditions in ancient India.

Answer: The Vajji Mahajanapada is an example. Groups such as the Licchavis took collective decisions and leaders were selected on the basis of ability. Representatives of different groups discussed problems together.

Question 19. What do the Chola inscriptions of Uttaramerur tell us about democratic traditions?

Answer: The 10th-century Chola inscriptions found at Uttaramerur in Tamil Nadu provide information about the election of members of the village assembly (Sabhā). They mention the election process, qualifications of members, their duties and the circumstances under which they could be removed from office.

Question 20. What did Bhishma teach Yudhishthira about good governance?

Answer: Bhishma taught about good governance and justice that a king should:

• Give the highest importance to the welfare of the people.
• Apply laws without discrimination.
• Maintain justice and equality.
• Avoid the pride of power.
• Take advice from wise advisers.
• Understand that his power is not permanent and that he is bound by dharma.

Question 21. Why is Britain called a constitutional monarchy?

Answer: In Britain, the king or queen is the head of the state, but their actual political power is very limited. The real executive power lies with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, while laws are made by the elected Parliament. Therefore, Britain is called a constitutional monarchy.

Question 22. What is a special feature of the system of government in Iran?

Answer: Iran's system has both theocratic and democratic elements. Religious principles have an important place and the Supreme Leader has considerable powers. At the same time, elections are held for the President and Parliament.

Question 23. What does Hitler's rule show about how harmful dictatorship can be?

Answer: After coming to power, Hitler introduced laws that gave him enormous power and suppressed opposition. Under his rule, millions of Jews were killed and the Second World War led to a devastating situation. This shows that unlimited power and dictatorship can be extremely destructive for people and countries.

Question 24. How does the “Shen's Story” help us identify a type of government?

Answer: In Shen's story, the government controls many small and major decisions of his life, such as hairstyle, clothing, internet use and military service. This shows that citizens have very limited freedom and that government control is very high. It represents a situation different from the features of a democratic system.

Question 25. Why is it necessary to keep democracy strong?

Answer: Even in a democracy, problems such as corruption, economic inequality, excessive influence of a few people, weakening of judicial independence and manipulation of information can arise. Therefore, citizens should remain aware and alert so that democratic values and institutions can be protected.

Question 26. At what interval are general elections held in India?

Answer: General elections in India are normally held every five years.

Question 27. At what interval are general elections held in the United States?

Answer: Elections in the United States are held every four years.

Question 28. Give the years in which some countries adopted democracy.

Answer:

Country	Year
USA	1787
Switzerland	1848
India	1947
Germany	1949
Kenya	1964
Nepal	2008