NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government

In this chapter, we will look at how countries are governed in different ways. To start with, we will look at the distinction drawn between systems of government where power passes down from one person to another (like in Monarchy and Dictatorship) and systems where power rests with the people (Democracy). Within the chapter, we will also explore how different systems of government do or do not provide citizens with rights, freedoms, and opportunities to participate.

The NCERT Solutions we will examine provide simple, comparative answers to what each of these systems means, to help make some of the complexity of our political structures more easily understood. It is important for students to understand the various systems of government to better appreciate the features and values of the democratic system of government we have in India.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government - Free PDF

Download the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 Types of Government in our free PDF, created by experts for simplified learning and effective revision.

2.0Important Concepts of Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government - Brief Explanation

The way a country is ruled determines the life and freedoms of its people. This chapter focuses on the major political systems that exist worldwide.

Democracy (Rule by the People)

• Meaning: A form of government where the ultimate power rests with the citizens.The word comes from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (rule).
• Key Feature: Citizens elect their representatives through Universal Adult Franchise (voting by all adults, regardless of caste, religion, or wealth) to make laws and govern the country.
• Example: India, USA, France.

Monarchy (Rule by a King or Queen)

• Meaning: A system where the head of state is a monarch (King, Queen, or Emperor).
• Rule is usually passed down through heredity (from parent to child).
• Types:
• • Absolute Monarchy: The monarch holds unlimited power and is not accountable to the people (e.g., Saudi Arabia).
  • Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch is mostly a ceremonial head, while the real governing power lies with an elected body like a Parliament (e.g., United Kingdom, Japan).

Dictatorship (Rule by One with Absolute Power) 

• Meaning: A government where a single leader (Dictator) or a small group holds absolute power and is not elected by the people.
• Key Feature: The dictator uses force and intimidation to maintain control, suppresses opposition, and restricts citizens' freedoms of speech and expression.
• Example: Historical examples include Nazi Germany.

3.0NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government - Detailed Solutions

• Write names of the various types of government that you have learnt in the chapter. Ans. The various types of government that we have learnt in this chapter are democracy, monarchy, theocracy, dictatorship and oligarchy.
• Which type of Government does India have? And why is it called that type? Ans. 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.
• 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. Ans. 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.
• Do you think democratic government is better than other forms of government? Why? Ans. Yes, a democratic government is better than other forms of government because: (i) 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. (ii) Fundamental Rights: Democracies protect the fundamental rights of citizens, like freedom of speech and equality before the law. (iii) Equality and Freedom: Democracy ensures that all citizens are treated equally and have the freedom to express their opinions. (iv) Independent Judiciary: An independent judiciary ensures that the laws arc followed and citizens' rights are protected.
• These are some practices in a few different countries. Can you match the practice with the type of government?

Ans.

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

Ans.

• What are possible hurdles in a democracy in achieving its values and ideals? How can they be overcome? Ans. Democracies often face challenges in realizing their core values such as equality, freedom, and justice. Some common hurdles include: (i) Corruption: Undermines public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions. (ii) Political Instability: Frequent changes in leadership or government can disrupt policy continuity and governance. (iii) Inequality: Economic and social disparities can prevent equal participation and access to opportunities. (iv) Weak Institutions: Lack of strong, independent institutions can lead to abuses of power and erosion of democratic norms. Overcoming these hurdles involves: a. Strengthening institutions through reforms and accountability measures. b. Promoting civic education and engagement to foster an informed electorate. c. Implementing policies that address economic and social inequalities. d. Encouraging transparency and combating corruption through legal frameworks and oversight bodies.
• Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain. Ans. 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 peoplehold 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 decision making.

4.0Key Features of NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government

The solutions for this chapter are structured to facilitate a clear comparison of political systems.

• Comparative Definitions: Provides clear, simple definitions that highlight the core difference in how power is acquired in Democracy (elections) vs. Monarchy (heredity) vs. Dictatorship (force/seizure).
• Focus on Citizen Role: Emphasizes the level of citizen participation in each type of government, which is a key learning objective for this chapter.
• Real-World Examples: Offers current and historical examples for each type of government, grounding the abstract political concepts in reality
• Exploration of Citizen Rights: Highlights how Fundamental Rights and Freedoms are respected (or suppressed) under different forms of rule.
• NCERT Textbook Alignment: The answers are precise and directly correspond to the questions in the NCERT textbook.
• Understanding Political Structure: Students gain the ability to categorize and understand the basic political setup of any country they read about.
• Appreciation of Democracy: By contrasting democracy with non-democratic systems, students learn the value of their voting rights and guaranteed freedoms.
• Development of Critical Thinking: The material encourages students to analyze why one form of government is considered better than another (e.g., why a democratic leader is accountable, while a dictator is not).
• Vocabulary Enhancement: Mastery of essential terms like Monarchy, Dictatorship, Universal Adult Franchise, and Representative Democracy.
• Civic Awareness: Fosters an informed perspective on how different governments impact equality, law, and justice in the lives of ordinary people.