From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of GovernmentsClass 7 Social Science NCERT Solutions
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Q1Questions and activities
Write names of the various types of government that you have learnt in the chapter.
Solution
The various types of government discussed in the chapter are:
- Democracy (Direct and Representative)
- Monarchy (Absolute and Constitutional)
- Theocracy
- Dictatorship
- Oligarchy
Q2Questions and activities
Which type of Government does India have? And why is that called that type?
Solution
India has a representative parliamentary democracy. It is called a representative democracy because the people elect their representatives through universal adult franchise to govern them. It is a parliamentary democracy because the members of the executive (the Prime Minister and the council of ministers) are also part of the legislature (Parliament) and are accountable to it. The council of ministers can continue working as long as they have the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
Q3Questions and activities
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.
Solution
An independent judiciary is important in a democracy for the following reasons:
- Protection of Fundamental Rights: An independent judiciary ensures that every citizen's fundamental rights are protected. It can check if the government or any other authority is violating these rights and provide remedies.
- Impartiality: An independent judiciary can make impartial decisions without being influenced by the executive or legislature. This ensures that laws are applied fairly to all citizens.
- Upholding the Rule of Law: It ensures that the laws are followed by the citizens and also by all the parts of the government, thereby upholding the rule of law.
Q4Questions and activities
Do you think democratic government is better than other forms of government? Why?
Solution
Yes, a democratic government is generally considered better than other forms of government because:
- Citizen Participation: In a democracy, people choose their representatives, giving them a voice in how they are governed.
- Accountability: The government is accountable to the people and can be changed through elections if it does not perform its functions properly.
- Protection of Rights: Democracies usually provide and protect fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and equality, ensuring citizens can lead their lives as they choose, as long as it does not harm someone else's rights.
- Equality and Justice: Democracies strive for equality and justice for all citizens, ensuring that everyone is treated equally before the law and has equal access to opportunities.
Q5Questions and activities
These are some practices in a few different countries. Can you match the practice with the type of government?
S. No Practice in the country Type of Government I. All citizens are treated equally before law Dictatorship II. The government refers to the religious leader for each and every decision it takes. Monarchy III. After the queen's death, her son became the new king. Democracy IV. The ruler is not bound to follow any Constitution. He makes all the decisions as per his choice. Theocracy
Solution
The correct matches are as follows:
| S. No | Practice in the country | Type of Government |
|---|---|---|
| I. | All citizens are treated equally before law | Democracy |
| II. | The government refers to the religious leader for each and every decision it takes. | Theocracy |
| III. | After the queen's death, her son became the new king. | Monarchy |
| IV. | The ruler is not bound to follow any Constitution. He makes all the decisions as per his choice. | Dictatorship |
Q6Questions and activities
Below is a list of countries. Find out the types of government these countries have:
S. No Country Type of Government 1 Bhutan 2 Nepal 3 Bangladesh 4 South Africa 5 Brazil
Solution
The types of government for the listed countries are:
| S. No | Country | Type of Government |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhutan | Constitutional Monarchy |
| 2 | Nepal | Federal Parliamentary Republic |
| 3 | Bangladesh | Parliamentary Democracy |
| 4 | South Africa | Parliamentary Republic |
| 5 | Brazil | Presidential Republic |
Q7Questions and activities
What are possible hurdles in a democracy in achieving its values and ideals? How can they be overcome?
Solution
Possible hurdles in a democracy achieving its values and ideals include:
- Corruption: Corruption can undermine the fairness and integrity of democratic institutions.
- Wealth Disparity: Large gaps in wealth can lead to unequal influence and opportunities.
- Excessive Control: A few individuals or groups may exert undue control over democratic institutions.
- Erosion of Judiciary Independence: If the judiciary is not independent, it cannot protect citizens' rights effectively.
- Manipulation of Information: Misinformation and propaganda can distort public opinion and undermine democratic processes.
These hurdles can be overcome by:
- Promoting Transparency: Making government processes open and accessible.
- Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures: Implementing and enforcing laws against corruption.
- Ensuring Fair Representation: Guaranteeing equal opportunities for all citizens to participate in politics.
- Protecting Judiciary Independence: Safeguarding the judiciary from political interference.
- Promoting Media Literacy: Educating citizens to critically evaluate information.
Q8Questions and activities
Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain.
Solution
Democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship are different forms of government with distinct characteristics:
- Democracy: In a democracy, power rests with the people, who elect their representatives to govern them. Key features include universal adult franchise, equality, freedom of speech, and an independent judiciary. The government is accountable to the people and can be changed through elections.
- Monarchy: In a monarchy, a king or queen inherits their position, usually passing it down within the royal family. In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has complete control. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited by a constitution, and real power is exercised by elected officials.
- Dictatorship: In a dictatorship, one person or a small group holds absolute power, without constitutional limits. Dictators often suppress opposition and violate citizens' rights. There is no accountability to the people, and power is maintained through force.