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Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 Question Answer From the Rulers to the Ruled Types of Governments
NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled Types of Governments Questions and Answers Solutions
From the Rulers to the Ruled Types of Governments Class 7 Question Answer (In-Text)
The Big Questions? (Page 185)
Question 1.
What are the different types of government?
Answer:
The different types of government are: Democratic (Republic), Monarchy, Theocracy, Dictatorship and Oligarchy. In a democracy, people choose their leaders. In some tribal societies, governance is carried out by a group of wise leaders who make decisions for the community. In a republic, leaders are elected, unlike in monarchies, where power is passed down through family, as seen in ancient India. A monarchy can be autocratic, where the ruler has full control, like in Saudi Arabia, or constitutional, where the monarch’s role is mostly symbolic, as in Britain. In a Theocracy, religious leaders govern, like in Iran, dictatorships are controlled by one person or a small group, like Hitler or Idi Amin. Oligarchies are ruled by a few powerful people, often wealthy elites.
Question 2.
Where do governments get their power from?
Answer:
Governments get their power from different sources based on the type of government. In democracies, power comes from the people, who elect their leaders and have a participation in decisions. In monarchies, power is passed down through family, and rulers may claim divine right. In dictatorships, power is taken by force or kept through threats, usually by one person or a small group. In theocracies, power comes from religious leaders who claim to rule by divine will. In oligarchies, power is held by a small, usually wealthy group of people who make the decisions.
Question 3.
How does a country’s government interact with the people?
Answer:
A country’s government interacts with its people based on the system in place. In democracies, citizens vote for leaders and policies, and public opinions are gathered through media and surveys. In monarchies, decisions are usually made by the king or a small group, with consultations from advisors. Dictatorships limit people’s influence by controlling information. In theocracies, religious leaders .enforce laws based on religious teachings. Lastly, in oligarchies, a small group makes decisions with little public involvement.
Question 4.
Why does democracy matter?
Answer:
Democracy matters because it gives people the right to choose their leaders. In a democracy, the government works for the people and listens to their needs. It also . ‘ protects the rights and freedom of everyone. As former US President Abraham Lincoln said, it is a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Let’s Explore
Question 1.
Do you remember this picture from your grade 6 textbook? (Page 186)
Answer:
Yes, I remember this picture from my Grade 6 textbook. It shows how the government plays an important role in our daily lives. The image highlights different public services such as construction and maintenance of infrastructure like roads and bridges, transportation through trains, safety provided by the police and army, access to health care through hospitals and right to education to all. It also shows traffic control, the working of courts for justice, protection of the environment, and services like banking and postal delivery through postmen. These services help the country run smoothly and make life easier for everyone.
Question 2.
The government also has many other roles. Try to list them. (Page 186)
Answer:
The government helps encourage new ideas and research, keeps cultural traditions alive, protects workers’ rights, and makes sure products are safe to use. It also works to make society fair for everyone, supports tourism, looks after natural resources carefully, and provides emergency services like fire and ambulance. All of these actions help the country grow and improve.
Question 3.
Which of the three methods do you think is most effective? Why? (Page 188)
Answer:
The third method, where students vote for their representatives, is the most effective. It allows every student to be involved by choosing someone who will represent their needs. This way, all grades are fairly represented, and decisions are made more easily. It also encourages students to take responsibility and become leaders. Unlike the first method, which could be too chaotic, or the second, which leaves some students unheard. The third method is fair and practical.
Question 4.
Fill in the blank columns under Country A and Country B in table 9.1 given on the pretrious page by taking two different countries of your choice. (Page 196)
Answer:
Question 5.
Analyse the table and discuss amongst yourselves the similarities and differences in all the examples.(Page 196)
Answer:
When we look at the table, we see that all countries have three main parts of government: Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. In each case, the Judiciary is independent, which helps keep the system fair. All countries follow democracy but in different ways. Some have a President such as the USA and South Korea, while others have a Prime Minister or Chancellor such as India, the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany. Most countries have two houses in the legislature but South Korea has only one. In some countries, the lower house is more powerful, while in others both houses have equal powers. So, while the systems are different, the aim is the same which is to serve the people.
freedom to make personal choices, express opinions, access information, and participate in decision-making. But Shane’s country is a dictatorship, where the government controls his daily life, including his haircut, clothing, internet access, and even how long he must serve in the military. These restrictions show a lack of personal freedom and public participation, which are against the core principles of democracy.
Question 6.
After studying the above examples, list the core principles of a democratic government. Based on your understanding, do the activity given below:
You have to form a Student Committee in your school. Make a plan and execute it in a democratic manner, ensuring that:
Functions of the committee are well defined. The election process of the committee members is democratic. (Page 196)
Answer:
The core principles of a democratic government include people’s participation through free and fair elections, separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, and the rule of law, where everyone is equal before the law. Democracies ensure an independent judiciary to protect citizens’ rights and deliver justice. They promote accountability and transparency, making the government answerable to the people. Lastly, democracy guarantees equality, freedom, and protection of rights for all, while respecting the views of minorities alongside the will of the majority.
We will form a Student Welfare Committee to represent the student body and improve the school environment. The committee will include a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Class Representatives. The election process would involve open nominations, with candidates presenting their ideas through speeches. Voting would be done through a secret ballot, ensuring fairness and privacy, and the results would be counted openly for transparency. Once elected, the committee members would begin their work, holding regular meetings to address student needs and ensure active participation. This approach ensures a fair and democratic process in forming the committee.
Question 7.
Does Shane’s country look like a democracy? (Page 204)
Answer:
No, Shane’s country does not look like a democracy. In a democracy, people have the freedom to make personal choices, express opinions, access information, and participate in decision-making. But Shane’s country is a dictatorship, where the government controls his daily life, including his haircut, clothing, internet access, and even how long he must serve in the military. These restrictions show a lack of personal freedom and public participation, which are against the core principles of democracy.
Question 8.
How do you think Shane’s everyday life would be? (Page 204)
Answer:
Shane’s everyday life would likely be strict and heavily controlled. He would have very limited freedom to make personal choices, even in simple matters like his hairstyle or clothing. With constant government monitoring, he would always feel watched and under pressure to report anyone who disobeys the rules. Without access to the global internet, he would be cut off from the outside world, limit¬ing his knowledge and opportunities. Overall, his daily life would feel strict, repetitive, and lacking in personal freedom.
Question 9.
Would you like to live in such a country? Explain why. (Page 204)
Answer:
No, I would not like to live in such a country. A life without personal freedom; where even basic choices like hairstyle or clothing are controlled by the government, would feel very limiting. Constant monitoring and lack of access to global information would prevent personal growth and awareness of the world. In a free and democratic country, people can express themselves, learn openly, and take part in decisions that affect their lives. I believe everyone deserves the right to live with freedom, dignity, and the opportunity to shape their own future.
Question 10.
Look carefully at the picture below. 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:
The cartoon from the late 19th century USA illustrates an oligarchic situation, where, despite the elected body, decisions are controlled by a small group of wealthy elites. The symbol “People’s Entrance Closed” in the top left-hand corner indicates that the public is excluded from the decision-making process. In this context, the decisions are likely being made by a small group of powerful individuals or elites. This shows that a few powerful people control decisions, not the public or their representatives. The cartoon shows how money and power can block real democracy.
Question 11.
Can a democracy turn into an oligarchy? What can people do to keep democracy strong? (Page 205)
Answer:
Yes, a democracy can turn into an oligarchy if power ends up in the hands of a small group of people who make decisions for their own benefit instead of the public good. This can happen when citizens stop participating in elections, when there is no accountability, or when leaders misuse power.
To keep democracy strong, people must stay active by voting, asking questions, and holding leaders accountable. Freedom of speech, access to information, and equal rights for all are also important. A strong democracy depends on an informed and involved public that protects its values and works together for the common good.
Question 12.
You have learnt the basic characteristics of various forms of governments. Do a small role play of the various forms in your classroom:
• Enact democracy
• Enact monarchy
• Enact dictatorship
• What do you find to be the most suitable form of government?
Answer:
Role Play (Do it yourself)
In my opinion, the most suitable form of government is democratic because it allows people to participate in decision-making, ensures equal rights for all citizens, and promotes accountability and transparency in governance.
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 believed he had divine powers, he might feel above questioning and rule unfairly. He could become cruel, punishing anyone who disagrees with him, and justify his wrong actions as God’s will. People would have little freedom, and the king would hold absolute power.
Class 7 SST Chapter 8 How the Land Becomes Sacred Question Answer (Exercise)
Questions and Activities (Page 207-208)
Question 1.
Write names of the various types of government that you have learnt in the chapter.
Answer:
The various types of government mentioned in the chapter are:
1. Democracy (Republic)
2. Monarchy
3. Theocracy
4. Dictatorship
5. Oligarchy
Question 2.
Which type of Government does India have? And why is that called that type?
Answer:
India has a democratic government, specifically a parliamentary democracy. It is called a parliamentary democracy because the Prime Minister and ministers are elected from the parliament and stay in power only while they have the support of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of parliament). In this system, citizens vote to choose the parliament, and the ministers are selected from those elected members. This ensures that the government is directly accountable to the people, as decisions are made by the representatives chosen through elections.
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 important because it ensures fairness by treating all individuals impartially. It also protects citizens’ fundamental rights, making sure that laws and actions against them are fair and lawful. Lastly, it upholds the rule of law, ensuring that no one, including the government, is above the law and that laws are applied consistently to everyone.
Question 4.
Do you think democratic government is better than other forms of government? Why?
Answer:
Yes, a democratic government is better because it allows people to choose their leaders through elections, ensures that leaders are accountable to the citizens and must work for their well-being. It protects everyone’s rights and freedoms and ensures fairness with an independent judiciary. Unlike dictatorships or monarchies, where power is controlled by one or a few persons, democracy promotes equality, fairness, and peaceful change.
Question 5.
These are some practices in a few different countries. Can you match the practice with the type of government?
Answer:
| 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 |
Question 6.
Below is a list of countries. Find out the types of government these countries have:
Answer:
| S. No. | Country | Type of Government |
| 1. | Bhutan | Democratic Constitutional Monarchy |
| 2. | Nepal | Federal Democratic Republic |
| 3. | Bangladesh | Unitary Parliamentary Republic |
| 4. | South Africa | Parliamentary Republic |
| 5. | Brazil | Federal Presidential Republic |
Question 7.
What are possible hurdles in a democracy in achieving its values and ideals? How can they be overcome?
Answer:
In a democracy, there are several challenges that can stop it from reaching its true goals of equality, freedom, and justice. Inequality is a major issue, as not everyone has the same access to education, healthcare, or opportunities. Corruption weakens trust in the government, and a lack of awareness among citizens can prevent them from making informed choices. Discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender also creates unfair treatment. In some cases, power is controlled by a small group, and leaders are not always held responsible for their actions.
To overcome these challenges, we need to improve education, raise awareness, and make sure laws are followed fairly. Strong and independent institutions like the courts and election bodies are also important. People should be encouraged to participate actively, and the media must be free to report honestly. Moreover, people in a democracy should always cast their votes during the election process to choose an effective government. These steps can help democracy grow stronger and serve all citizens better.
Question 8.
Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain.
Answer:
Democracy differs from monarchy and dictatorship in several ways. In a democracy, people elect their leaders through free and fair elections, and citizens have rights like freedom of speech, equality, and the right to vote. The government is accountable to the people and must adhere to the law. In a monarchy, the country is ruled by a king or queen, with the position typically passed down through a royal family. Some monarchs hold absolute power, while others have ceremonial roles in a constitutional monarchy. In a dictatorship, power is controlled by one person or a small group, without elections. – People have no influence on governance, and their rights are often restricted, with control maintained through fear and force.
Thus, while democracy is based on people’s participation and freedom, monarchy and dictatorship give most power to one person or a few people.