Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 – From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments Question Answer | NCERT Solutions

 

NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled Types of Governments Questions and Answers Solutions

The Big Questions? (Page 185)

Question 1.

What are the different types of governments?

Answer:

Different types of governments include monarchy (ruled by a king or queen), democracy (where people elect leaders), dictatorship (where one leader has total control), and theocracy (ruled by religious leaders).

Question 2.

Where do governments get their power from?

Answer:

Governments get their power from the people, laws, or traditions. In democracies, leaders are chosen by the people through elections. In monarchies, power is passed down through families, while dictatorships gain control through force or political influence.

Question 3.

How does a country’s government interact with the people?

Answer:

A country’s government interacts with people by making laws, providing services like education and healthcare, collecting taxes, and ensuring security. In democratic governments, people can vote, protest, and share opinions to influence decisions.

Question 4.

Why does democracy matter?

Answer:

Democracy matters because it gives people the power to choose their leaders and take part in decision-making. It protects individual rights and freedoms, ensures equality before the law, and allows peaceful changes in leadership. In a democracy, the government is accountable to the people, which helps prevent the misuse of power and promotes justice and fairness in society.

Let’s Explore

Question 1.

Do you remember this picture from your Grade 6 textbook? The government also has many other roles. Try to list them. (Page 186)

Answer:

Here’s a list of various roles the government plays:

1. Economic growth: It works to build a strong economy by creating job opportunities, supporting industries, regulating markets, and managing the country’s financial system.
2. Social welfare: The government helps improve the standard of living by offering social security schemes, pensions, subsidies, and support for the poor and marginalised groups.
3. Environmental protection: The government creates policies to protect the environment and address climate change, pollution, and the conservation of natural resources.
4. International relations: The government manages foreign affairs, negotiates treaties, and maintains relationships with other countries.
5. Regulating business and trade: It sets rules for businesses, manages trade relations, and ensures fair practices in the market.

Question 2.

Which of the three methods do you think is most effective? Why? (Page 188)

Answer:

The most effective method for forming the student committee would be that the students choose their representatives through voting, and the chosen representatives become the members of the committee.

Democratic process: Voting allows students to have a say in choosing their representatives, making it a democratic process. It ensures that everyone in the school has a chance to select someone they trust and believe can represent their interests.

Representation of ail grades: As mentioned by Gurpreet, if only one grade is responsible for all the tasks, they might not fully understand the challenges faced by other grades. Voting ensures that students from different grades can elect representatives who understand their specific needs and concerns.

Fairness and inclusivity: The voting method ensures fairness, as all students are given an equal opportunity to choose their representatives, avoiding bias or favouritism that might occur if the Head Teacher selects the students herself or if everyone is made to be part of the committee.

Question 3.

(a) Fill the blank columns under Country A and Country B in table given below by taking two different countries of your choice.

(b) Analyse the table and discuss amongst yourselves the similarities and differences in all the examples. (Page 196)

Different forms of democratic government
Institution	Executive	Legislature	Judiciary
India	Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers	Lower House (Lok Sabha) is more powerful than Upper House (Rajya Sabha)	Independent executive and legislature (separation of power)
USA	President	Equal power between Upper House (Senate) and Lower House (House of Representatives)	Independent executive and legislature (separation of power)
South Korea	President	Single house (National Assembly)	Independent executive and legislature (separation of power)
Australia	Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers	Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers	Independent executive and legislature (separation of power)
A
B

Answer:

(a)

Country	Executive	Legislature	Judiciary
Country A (United Kingdom)	Prime Minister and Cabinet (Monarch is ceremonial head)	Two Houses: House of Commons is more powerful than House of Lords	Independent but Parliament is supreme (no strict separation)
Country B (France)	President and Prime Minister share power (semi-presidential system)	Two Houses: National Assembly and Senate have legislative powers	Independent from Executive and Legislature

Answer:

(b) The similarities and differences between all the mentioned countries are as follows:

Country	Executive	Legislature	Judiciary	Type of System
India	Prime Minister and Council of Ministers	Bicameral – Lok Sabha (more powerful), Rajya Sabha	Independent	Parliamentary Democracy
USA	President (elected independently)	Bicameral – Senate and House (equal power)	Independent	Presidential Democracy
South Korea	President (directly elected, holds executive power)	Unicameral – National Assembly	Independent	Presidential Democracy
Australia	Prime Minister and Council of Ministers	Bicameral – Senate and House of Representatives (equal power)	Independent	Parliamentary Democracy
UK	Prime Minister (Monarch is ceremonial head)	Bicameral – House of Commons (more powerful), House of Lords	Independent	Parliamentary Monarchy
France	President (head of state) and Prime Minister (head of govt.)	Bicameral – National Assembly and Senate	Independent	Semi-Presidential Democracy

Question 4.

After studying the above examples (with reference to above question), list the core principles of a democratic government. Based on your understanding, do the activity given below: (Page 196)

You have to form a Student Committee in your school. Make a plan and execute it in a democratic manner, ensuring that:

(i) Functions of the committee are well defined.

(ii) The election process of the committee members is democratic.

Answer:

Do it yourself.

Question 5.

Read the story of Shane and answer the questions that follow: (Page 203-204)

Shane lives in North Korea which has a set of defined rules for his everyday living. He is currently serving in compulsory military service in which he is expected to serve in the military till the time government decides. There are also rules about how his hair should be cut and the clothes he should wear. He cannot access the global internet, and so is unaware of the world outside his own country. The government watches his every action closely and he is also expected to report about anyone who tries breaking any of the defined rules. One day he met a tourist who asked him, “Why do all of you have the same haircut here?” To this Shane responded, “We all want to explore new styles, but the government decides the way we should keep our hair.”

(i) Does Shane’s country look like a democracy?

Answer:

No, Shane’s country does not look like a democracy. In a democracy, people have the freedom to make choices, express opinions, and access information. In Shane’s country, all aspects of life are controlled by the government, indicating a dictatorship.

(ii) How do you think Shane’s everyday life would be?

Answer:

Shane’s everyday life would be highly restricted. He must follow strict rules about his appearance and clothing, serve in the military without a clear end, and cannot access global information. His actions are constantly monitored, leaving little to no personal freedom or privacy.

(iii) Would you like to live in such a country? Explain why.

Answer:

No, I would not like to live in such a country. Living without basic freedoms like choosing how to dress, accessing information, or expressing opinions can feel suffocating. Freedom of thought, expression, and lifestyle are important for a person’s growth and happiness, and a country that takes these away limits the development of its people.

Question 6.

Look carefully at the below picture. It depicts an elected body in the USA in the late 19th century. The people shown in the cartoon are all elected members. What do you observe? What do you see at the top left-hand comer of the cartoon? Who do you think is making decisions in this elected body? (Page 205)

Answer:

1. A cartoon from 1889 depicting an oligarchic situation.
2. The top left-hand comer may feature symbols of power or external influence.
3. The decision-makers in the elected body seem to be a few influential individuals, suggesting control by the rich or powerful.

Question 7.

Can a democracy turn into an oligarchy? What can people do to keep democracy strong? (Page 205)

Answer:

Yes, democracy can turn into an oligarchy if a small, powerful group controls decision-making. People can keep democracy strong by:

1. Voting regularly to elect diverse representatives.
2. Ensuring transparency in government decisions.
3. Protesting and raising awareness against unfair policies.
4. Encouraging media freedom to expose corruption.

Question 8.

You have leamt the basic characteristics of various forms of governments. Do a small role play of the various forms in your classroom:

(i) Enact democracy

(ii) Enact monarchy

(iii) Enact dictatorship

What do you find to be the most suitable form of government? (Page 206)

Answer:

Do it yourself.

Think About It

Question 1.

What might happen if the king considered himself to have divine powers? How would he rule over the people? (Page 199)

Answer:

If a king considered himself to have divine powers then:

1. He/she might claim to rule by divine right, meaning his authority comes from God.
2. People would be expected to obey him without question, as opposing him could be seen as going against divine will.
3. The king might rule with absolute power, making laws without consulting others.
4. There could be harsh punishments for those who challenged his rule.
5. The government might be autocratic, with no democratic participation.
6. Religious leaders might support the king’s rule, reinforcing his authority through religious beliefs.
7. The king could use his divine status to justify wars, taxation, and strict social hierarchies.

From the Rulers to the Ruled Types of Governments Class 7 Question Answer (In-Text)

Question 1.

Write names of the various types of government that you have leamt in the chapter.

Answer:

The various types of government that we have leamt in this chapter are democracy, monarchy, theocracy, dictatorship and oligarchy.

Question 2.

Which type of Government does India have? And why is it called that type?

Answer:

India has a democratic government, specifically a parliamentary democracy. In a democracy, the people have the power to choose their leaders through elections. In India, citizens elect representatives to the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House). The government is formed by the political party or coalition that has the most representatives in the Lok Sabha. It is called a democracy because the people have the right to vote and choose their leaders. India is also a republic because the head of state (the President) is elected, not a monarch.

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 very important in a democracy for the following reasons:

(i) Ensures Fairness: An independent judiciary can make decisions based on the law, not influenced by the government or any other external power. This ensures that all citizens are treated equally and fairly.

(ii) Protects Fundamental Rights: The judiciary helps protect the rights of citizens, like the right to free speech and equality before the law. If the judiciary were not independent, the government could violate these rights without anyone holding them accountable.

(iii) Checks and Balances: In a democracy, there is a system of checks and balances between the executive, legislature, and judiciary. An independent judiciary makes sure that the government’s actions do not exceed its authority or violate the Constitution.

Question 4.

Do you think democratic government is better than other forms of government? Why?

Answer:

Yes, a democratic government is better than other forms of government because:

1. People’s Participation: In a democracy, people have the power to choose their leaders through elections, making it a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
2. Fundamental Rights: Democracies protect the fundamental rights of citizens, like freedom of speech and equality before the law.
3. Equality and Freedom: Democracy ensures that all citizens are treated equally and have the freedom to express their opinions.
4. Independent Judiciary: An independent judiciary ensures that the laws arc followed and citizens’ rights arc protected.

Question 5.

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

Practice in the country	Type of Government
All citizens are treated equally before law	Dictatorship
The government refers to the religious leader for each and every decision it takes.	Monarchy
After the queen’s death, her son became the new king.	Democracy
The ruler is not bound to follow any Constitution. He makes all the decisions as per his choice.	Theocracy

Answer:

Practice in the country	Democracy
All citizens are treated equally before law	Theocracy
The government refers to the religious leader for each and every decision it takes.	Monarchy
After the queen’s death, her son became the new king.	Dictatorship
The ruler is not bound to follow any Constitution. He makes all the decisions as per his choice.	Democracy

Question 6.

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

Answer:

Country	Type of Government
Bhutan
Nepal
Bangladesh
South Africa
Brazil

Answer:

Country	Type of Government
Bhutan	Democratic constitutional monarchy
Nepal	Federal parliamentary republic
Bangladesh	Parliamentary representative democratic republic
South Africa	Parliamentary republic
Brazil	Federal presidential representative democratic republic

Question 7.

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

Answer:

Democracies often face challenges in realizing their core values such as equality, freedom, and justice. Some common hurdles include:

1. Corruption: Undermines public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions.
2. Political Instability: Frequent changes in leadership or government can disrupt policy continuity and governance.
3. Inequality: Economic and social disparities can prevent equal participation and access to opportunities.
4. Weak Institutions: Lack of strong, independent institutions can lead to abuses of power and erosion of democratic norms.

Overcoming these hurdles involves:

1. Strengthening institutions through reforms and accountability measures.
2. Promoting civic education and engagement to foster an informed electorate.
3. Implementing policies that address economic and social inequalities.
4. Encouraging transparency and combating corruption through legal frameworks and oversight bodies.

Question 8.

Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain.

Answer:

Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship in the following ways:

(i) Democracy: In a democracy, the people have the power to choose their leaders through elections. The government is formed by elected representatives, and decisions are made based on the will of the people. In a democracy, citizens enjoy fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, equality, and participation in decision-making.

(ii) Monarchy: In a monarchy, the government is ruled by a king or queen, and the position is usually passed down through generations. Monarchs have a lot of power, and in some cases, they may make all the decisions. There can be two types of monarchies: absolute (where the monarch has total power) or constitutional (where the monarch’s power is limited by a constitution or laws).

(iii) Dictatorship: In a dictatorship, one person or a small group of people hold all the power. The ruler has complete control over the government and makes decisions without the consent of the people. The rights of the people are often restricted, and there is no freedom of speech or participation in decisionmaking.