Question Answers for Chapter 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Class 7 Social Science From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments Extra Questions
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1. What is democracy?
Answer
Democracy is a form of government where the people have the power to choose their leaders through voting.
Question 2. What is the primary function of a democracy?
Answer
The primary function of a democracy is to ensure that the people have a voice in governance through elections.
Question 3. What is the role of the executive in a democracy?
Answer
The executive enforces the laws and manages the day-to-day functions of the government.
Question 4. What is the purpose of the judiciary in a democracy?
Answer
The judiciary ensures that laws are followed and resolves disputes.
Question 5. What is an oligarchy?
Answer
An oligarchy is a form of government where a small, powerful group controls the government.
Question 6. What is a government?
Answer
A government is a system that manages a country, making rules and providing services.
Question 7. What are the main parts of a government?
Answer
The main parts of a government are the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Question 8. What does 'separation of power' mean?
Answer
Separation of power means dividing government into different branches, each with its own duties to prevent concentration of power.
Question 9. What are the three main functions of government in a democracy?
Answer
The three main functions are legislative (making laws), executive (enforcing laws), and judicial (ensuring laws are followed and resolving disputes).
Question 10. What are the functions of a government?
Answer
A government ensures law and order, protects citizens, and provides services like education and healthcare.
Question 11. What is a monarchy?
Answer
A monarchy is a form of government where a king or queen holds power, often passed down through family.
Question 12. What is a legislative function?
Answer
The legislative function involves making laws that govern a country.
Question 13. What is the executive function?
Answer
The executive function is responsible for carrying out laws and managing day-to-day governance.
Question 14. What is the judicial function?
Answer
The judicial function ensures that laws are followed and resolves disputes.
Question 15. What is the role of the judiciary?
Answer
The judiciary ensures that laws are followed and settles disputes.
Q4: What is meant by "universal adult franchise"?
Answer
Universal adult franchise means that every adult citizen has the right to vote in elections, regardless of their social or economic status.
Q15: What are the fundamental rights in a democracy?
Answer
Fundamental rights include equality, freedom of speech, and protection from exploitation.
Q17: What is a parliamentary democracy?
Answer
A parliamentary democracy is when the executive is part of the legislature and depends on its support.
Q18: What is a presidential democracy?
Answer
A presidential democracy is when the president is elected separately and works independently from the legislature.
Q19: What is a dictatorship?
Answer
A dictatorship is a form of government where one person has absolute power, not bound by laws.
Q23: What is the significance of the constitution?
Answer
The constitution is a document that defines the fundamental laws and structures of a country.
Q24: What does accountability mean in governance?
Answer
Accountability means the government is responsible for its actions and decisions and answers to the people.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1. What are the three main functions of a government as per Kauṭilya?
Answer
The three main functions of a government, as described by Kautilya are:
- Raksha: Protection of the state from external threats.
- Pälana: Maintenance of law and order within the state.
- Yogakṣhema: Safeguarding the welfare of the people.
Question 2. How does a direct democracy differ from a representative democracy?
Answer
In a direct democracy, citizens directly vote on laws and policies, as seen in Switzerland. It works well in small populations but is hard to manage in larger ones.
In a representative democracy, like in India, citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf through regular elections.
Question 3. How do governments ensure the safety and welfare of people?
Answer
Governments ensure safety by maintaining law and order, protecting the country from external threats, and providing essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. They also create policies for economic stability and social welfare.
Question 4. What is the difference between a monarchy and a democracy in terms of power?
Answer
In a monarchy, power is typically inherited by a king or queen, while in a democracy, power is derived from the people through elections, and leaders are chosen by the citizens.
Question 5. Why is democracy considered important for people?
Answer
Democracy is important because it gives people the power to choose their leaders, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. It promotes equality, freedom, and accountability in governance.
Question 6. How does the process of electing representatives work in a democracy?
Answer
In a democracy, citizens vote in regular elections to choose representatives who will make decisions on their behalf. These elections are held at different levels, such as local, state, and national.
Question 7. What is a theocracy, and how does it differ from a democracy?
Answer
A theocracy is a form of government where religious leaders rule based on religious laws. Unlike democracy, where people elect their leaders, in a theocracy, power is vested in religious authorities.
Question 8. How is the separation of powers important in a democracy?
Answer
The separation of powers ensures that no single branch of government (legislative, executive, judiciary) has unchecked authority. It maintains a system of checks and balances, ensuring fairness and preventing abuse of power.
Question 9. What is the role of a legislature in a democracy?
Answer
The legislature’s role is to make laws that govern the country. In democracies, the legislature is often elected by the people and is responsible for representing their interests and ensuring justice through laws.
Question 10. What is the role of an executive in a democracy?
Answer
The executive implements the laws made by the legislature and manages the country's day-to-day affairs. It includes leaders like the president, prime minister, and ministers, who are responsible for governance.
Question 11. How does a judicial system contribute to a democracy?
Answer
The judicial system ensures that laws are followed and resolves disputes between citizens or between the government and the people. It protects citizens' rights and ensures justice, upholding the rule of law.
Question 12. What challenges does democracy face in the modern world?
Answer
Democracy faces challenges such as corruption, unequal access to resources, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few people or groups. Additionally, misinformation and the influence of money in politics can undermine democratic processes.
Question 13. What is the significance of universal adult franchise in a democracy?
Answer
Universal adult franchise allows all adult citizens, regardless of gender, caste, or wealth, the right to vote. This ensures that every citizen has an equal say in choosing their leaders and shaping the government.
Question 14. How do monarchies today differ from those in ancient times?
Answer
Today’s monarchies are mostly constitutional, where the king or queen has limited power, and the government is run by elected officials. In ancient times, monarchies were absolute, with kings having full control over the state and its people.
Question 15. How does democracy give people a voice in governance?
Answer
- In a democracy, the people are the source of power. They have the right to vote in elections, choosing representatives who will make decisions on their behalf.
- This gives citizens a direct role in shaping the laws and policies of their country.
- Additionally, democratic governments are accountable to the people, meaning that they must listen to their concerns and act in their best interests.
Question 16. Explain how the separation of powers works in a democracy.
Answer
- The separation of powers divides the government into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. Each branch has its distinct functions and is independent of the others.
- The legislature makes laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary ensures that laws are followed and resolves disputes.
- This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful and ensures that decisions are fair and just.
Question 17. How is the concept of accountability significant in a democracy?
Answer
- Accountability means that government officials must answer to the people for their actions.
- In a democracy, elected representatives are held accountable through regular elections, where citizens can choose to re-elect or replace them.
- This ensures that leaders work in the best interests of the people and are not above the law. It also promotes transparency and reduces the chances of corruption.
Long Answer Questions
Question 1. Explain the key differences between types of governments based on their authority and formation.
Answer
Governments can differ based on how they are formed and where they get their authority. The key differences are:
- Source of Authority: In a democracy, power comes from the people, who elect their leaders. In a monarchy, power is inherited within a royal family. In a theocracy, authority is based on religious texts or leaders.
- Formation: Democratic governments are formed through regular elections. In monarchies, power is passed down by birth. In authoritarian systems, leaders may come to power through force or undemocratic means.
- Structure of Government: Democracies usually have a division of power between branches such as executive, legislative, and judiciary, to prevent misuse. Other systems may concentrate power in a single ruler or group.
- Citizens’ Role: In democracies, citizens play an active role through voting, protests, and public debates. In authoritarian or absolute monarchies, public participation is limited or controlled.
- Accountability: Elected leaders in democracies are accountable to the people and can be removed in elections. In monarchies or authoritarian regimes, rulers often stay in power for long periods and may not answer to the public.
Question 2. How do different forms of government affect people's rights and freedoms?
Answer
- In democracies, people enjoy greater rights and freedoms, such as the freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the right to vote.
- However, in other forms of government like dictatorship or monarchy, these rights may be restricted.
- Dictatorships often suppress opposition and control media, while monarchies might limit people’s participation in decision-making.
- The form of government significantly influences how individuals can express their opinions and live their lives.
Question 3. Describe the role of a raja according to the Shānti Parva of the Mahābhārata.
Answer
In the Shānti Parva of the Mahābhārata, the role of a raja (king) is profoundly outlined through the teachings of Bhīṣma to Yudhiṣṭhira. Key aspects of a raja's responsibilities include:
- The raja must prioritise the welfare of his people above all else.
- He should apply the law fairly and without bias to ensure justice and equality.
- Attachment to power is discouraged, as it can lead to ego and corruption.
- Seeking advice from wise advisors is essential for making informed decisions.
- The authority of the raja is not absolute; it is bound by dharma (moral duty).
Overall, the teachings emphasise that a raja's governance should reflect a commitment to ethical principles and the well-being of the state.
Question 4. Match the Column A with the correct option in Column B.
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
1. Democracy |
(a) A government ruled by religious leaders. |
|
2. Monarchy |
(b) A government where people elect representatives. |
|
3. Oligarchy |
(c) A form of government where a king or queen has full power. |
|
4. Theocracy |
(d) A form of government where a small group controls power. |
|
5. Direct democracy |
(e) A system where all citizens make laws directly. |
Answer
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
1. Democracy |
(b) A government where people elect representatives. |
|
2. Monarchy |
(c) A form of government where a king or queen has full power. |
|
3. Oligarchy |
(d) A form of government where a small group controls power. |
|
4. Theocracy |
(a) A government ruled by religious leaders. |
|
5. Direct democracy |
(e) A system where all citizens make laws directly. |
Explanations:
- 1 → b: Democracy is a government where people elect representatives.
- 2 → c: Monarchy is a government ruled by a king or queen, sometimes with absolute power.
- 3 → d: Oligarchy is a government controlled by a small, powerful group of people.
- 4 → a: Theocracy is a government ruled by religious leaders and based on religious principles.
- 5 → e: Direct democracy is where all citizens directly make decisions and laws.
Question 5. What is the role of a constitution in a democratic government?
Answer
- A constitution outlines the basic laws and principles that govern a country. It sets up the structure of government, defines the roles of the branches, and protects the rights of citizens.
- In a democracy, the constitution ensures that the government operates fairly and transparently.
- It also serves as a guiding document for resolving conflicts and ensuring that the rights and freedoms of individuals are safeguarded.
Question 6. What is the significance of universal adult franchise in the democratic system?
Answer
- Universal adult franchise means that every adult citizen has the right to vote, regardless of gender, caste, or social status.
- This is important in a democracy because it ensures equal representation for all segments of society.
- It helps to ensure that the government reflects the will of the entire population, not just a select few, and prevents discrimination based on social or economic background.
Question 7. Explain the difference between direct and representative democracy.
Answer
- In direct democracy, all citizens directly participate in making decisions and laws, which is possible in small communities.
- However, in representative democracy, citizens elect representatives who then make decisions on their behalf.
- Most modern democracies, like India and the USA, follow representative democracy, where elections are held periodically to choose lawmakers and leaders.
Question 8. How does a dictatorship differ from a democracy in terms of decision-making?
Answer
- In a dictatorship, decision-making is centralized in the hands of one individual or a small group, with little to no input from the general public. Leaders in dictatorships have unchecked power and are not held accountable to the people.
- In contrast, democracies allow citizens to participate in decision-making through elections and other democratic processes.
- In a democracy, leaders are accountable to the people and must act in their interests.
Question 9. Discuss why democracy is considered a better form of government compared to monarchy and dictatorship.
Answer
Democracy is often seen as a better form of government than monarchy or dictatorship for several reasons:
- Representation: In a democracy, the government is elected by the people, ensuring that citizens have a voice in decision-making.
- Equality: Democracies promote equality among citizens, allowing everyone to have the same rights and opportunities.
- Freedom of Speech: Citizens in a democracy enjoy the right to express their opinions freely, which is often restricted in monarchies and dictatorships.
- Separation of Powers: Democracies typically have a clear separation of powers among branches of government, preventing any one group from becoming too powerful.
- Accountability: Elected officials in a democracy are accountable to the public, which helps reduce corruption and abuse of power.
In contrast, monarchies and dictatorships often concentrate power in the hands of a single ruler or a small group, limiting citizens' rights and freedoms. This can lead to oppression and a lack of representation.
Question 10. Why is an independent judiciary essential in a democratic system?
Answer
An independent judiciary is vital in a democratic system for several reasons:
- Checks and balances: It ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by overseeing the actions of the executive and legislative branches.
- Protection of rights: An independent judiciary safeguards the fundamental rights of citizens, ensuring laws are applied fairly and justly.
- Impartiality: It provides a neutral platform for resolving disputes, maintaining public trust in the legal system.
Question 11. How does an oligarchy differ from a dictatorship?
Answer
Oligarchy and dictatorship are both forms of government, but they differ significantly in structure and function:
- Oligarchy is governed by a small group of people, often from wealthy or influential families.
- In an oligarchy, power is shared among the few, and decisions are made collectively.
- Dictatorship is ruled by a single individual or a small group with absolute power.
- In a dictatorship, the leader has complete control and is not bound by laws or a constitution.
In summary, while both systems centralise power, an oligarchy involves shared authority among a few, whereas a dictatorship is characterised by unilateral control.