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Chapter 9: From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments (Political Science)

Answers to all "Questions and activities" of Chapter 9, From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments (NCERT Class 7 Social Science, Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part 1, 2026-27): democracy, monarchy, dictatorship and theocracy, India as a democratic republic, the independent judiciary, and challenges for democracy. All 8 questions are answered, with the key answer highlighted.

Questions and activities

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

Solution

Democracy (direct and representative)
Monarchy (absolute and constitutional)
Dictatorship
Theocracy
Oligarchy (rule by a small group)

Democracy, monarchy (absolute and constitutional), dictatorship, theocracy and oligarchy.

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

Solution

India is a representative democracy and a republic (a parliamentary democratic republic).

Democracy: the people elect their representatives (MPs, MLAs, panchayat members) through free and fair elections, with every adult citizen having a vote (universal adult franchise). The government is answerable to the people.
Representative: citizens do not make every decision themselves; their elected representatives make laws and run the government.
Republic: the head of state, the President, is elected, not a hereditary king or queen.

A representative democratic republic: people elect representatives by universal adult franchise, and the head of state (the President) is elected, not hereditary.

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

Solution

Fair justice for all: judges can decide cases without fear or favour, even when a case is against the government or a powerful person.
Protection of rights: an independent court can protect citizens' fundamental rights if the government or others violate them.
Upholding the Constitution: courts can strike down laws or actions that go against the Constitution, keeping the legislature and executive within limits (checks and balances).
It maintains people's trust in the rule of law.

It ensures fair justice without pressure from the powerful, protects citizens' rights against the government, and keeps the government within the limits of the Constitution.

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

Solution

Yes, in my view, democracy is better because:

people choose and can change their rulers through elections, so the government is accountable;
it protects equality, rights and freedoms: freedom of speech, religion and the right to equality before law;
it allows discussion and debate, so decisions consider many views and mistakes can be corrected;
it respects diversity and gives minorities a voice;
power is shared among the legislature, executive and judiciary, so no one person can misuse it.

Democracy can be slow and has problems (like corruption or low participation), but it is the best way to protect the dignity and freedom of every citizen.

Yes: people choose and can replace rulers, rights and equality are protected, decisions come from discussion, diversity is respected and power is shared, though democracy has its own challenges.

Match the practices with the type of government: I. All citizens are treated equally before law. II. The government refers to the religious leader for each and every decision. III. After the queen's death, her son became the new king. IV. The ruler is not bound to follow any Constitution and makes all the decisions as per his choice. — Dictatorship, Monarchy, Democracy, Theocracy

Solution

Practice	Type of government
I. All citizens are treated equally before law	Democracy
II. Government refers to the religious leader for every decision	Theocracy
III. After the queen's death, her son became king	Monarchy
IV. Ruler not bound by any Constitution, decides by his own choice	Dictatorship

I – Democracy; II – Theocracy; III – Monarchy; IV – Dictatorship

Find out the types of government of these countries: Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Africa, Brazil.

Solution

Country	Type of government
Bhutan	Constitutional monarchy (with an elected parliament)
Nepal	Federal democratic republic (parliamentary)
Bangladesh	Parliamentary democratic republic
South Africa	Democratic republic (parliamentary)
Brazil	Federal democratic republic (presidential)

Bhutan: constitutional monarchy; Nepal, Bangladesh and South Africa: democratic republics (parliamentary); Brazil: federal presidential democratic republic.

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

Solution

Hurdle	How to overcome it
Illiteracy and lack of awareness about rights and duties	Education for all; awareness campaigns
Poverty and inequality	Welfare schemes, jobs and equal opportunities
Corruption and misuse of power	Transparency (Right to Information), strong laws, independent courts and media
Discrimination by caste, religion or gender	Enforcing equality laws, changing attitudes, representation of all groups
Low voter participation and buying of votes	Voter awareness, fair elections run by an independent Election Commission
Spread of false news and hatred	Media literacy, checking facts, respectful debate

Active, informed and responsible citizens are the best way to make democracy work.

Hurdles such as illiteracy, poverty, corruption, discrimination, low participation and misinformation can be overcome through education, welfare, transparency and strong institutions, equality laws, fair elections and active, informed citizens.

Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain.

Solution

	Democracy	Monarchy	Dictatorship
Who rules	Representatives elected by the people	A king or queen	One person (or small group) who seizes or holds power
How rulers get power	Free and fair elections	By birth (hereditary)	Often by force; no free elections
Can people change rulers?	Yes, at the next election	No (except in constitutional monarchies, where the elected government can change)	No
Rights and freedoms	Protected by a constitution	Depend on the monarch (protected in constitutional monarchies)	Often limited; opposition suppressed
Accountability	Government is answerable to the people	Monarch is not elected	Ruler is answerable to no one

In a democracy, people elect and can change their rulers and their rights are protected; in a monarchy, rule passes by birth; in a dictatorship, one person holds power, often by force, without accountability.

← Chapter 8: How the Land Becomes Sacred Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction →

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