From The Rulers To The Ruled Types Of Government Class 7 Social Science Important Questions And Answers Ncert Cbse

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SUMMARY

1. Introduction to Government

Government is the system through which a country is ruled and decisions are made for the welfare of the people.

It maintains law and order, ensures justice, provides services, and protects the nation.

2. Types of Government

There are mainly two broad types:

(a) Democracy

Power rests with the people.

Citizens elect their representatives through elections.

Examples: India, USA.

Features: equality, freedom, rule of law, participation, accountability.

(b) Monarchy

Ruled by a king/queen, power is hereditary.

People have little or no role in decision making.

Example: Saudi Arabia (absolute monarchy), UK (constitutional monarchy).

Power lies with one leader who rules by force.

No political freedom, no free elections.

Example: Hitler’s Germany, Mussolini’s Italy.

3. Democracy in Detail

Direct Democracy: People themselves take part in decision making (e.g., Ancient Athens).

Representative Democracy: People elect representatives to govern on their behalf (India).

Features: universal adult franchise, elections, majority rule, protection of minority rights, freedom of expression.

4. Forms of Democracy

Parliamentary Democracy: Government is answerable to the parliament (India, UK).

Presidential Democracy: President has executive powers, separate from legislature (USA).

5. Role of Citizens

In democracy, citizens are the real source of power.

Responsibilities: voting, obeying laws, paying taxes, respecting others’ rights, participating in civic life.

6. Comparison of Systems

Monarchy: based on tradition and hereditary rule.

Dictatorship: based on force and control.

Democracy: based on equality, participation, and freedom.

7. Conclusion

Democracy is the most accepted form of government today.

It ensures people’s participation, dignity, and welfare, making it a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

SHORT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1. Define government.
Ans. Government is the system through which a country is ruled and managed by making and enforcing laws.

Q2. What are the three organs of government?
Ans. Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.

Q3. What is democracy?
Ans. Democracy is a government in which people elect their representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Q4. Name two democratic countries.
Ans. India and the USA.

Q5. What is monarchy?
Ans. Monarchy is a system of government ruled by a king or queen, often hereditary.

Q6. Give one example of monarchy.
Ans. Saudi Arabia.

Q7. What is dictatorship?
Ans. Dictatorship is a government ruled by one person who has absolute power, often gained by force.

Q8. Give two examples of dictators in history.
Ans. Adolf Hitler (Germany) and Benito Mussolini (Italy).

Q9. What is the role of the legislature?
Ans. The legislature makes laws for the welfare of the people.

Q10. What is the function of the executive?
Ans. The executive enforces and carries out laws.

Q11. What is the role of the judiciary?
Ans. Judiciary interprets laws and ensures justice is delivered.

Q12. What is a republic?
Ans. A republic is a state where the head of the state is elected and not a monarch.

Q13. Give two examples of republics.
Ans. India and France.

Q14. What is universal adult franchise?
Ans. It means every adult citizen has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, or gender.

Q15. At what age can citizens vote in India?
Ans. 18 years and above.

Q16. What is meant by a federal government?
Ans. A federal government divides powers between the central government and state governments.

Q17. Name two federal countries.
Ans. India and the USA.

Q18. What is a unitary government?
Ans. In a unitary government, all power is concentrated in the central government.

Q19. Give an example of a unitary government.
Ans. The United Kingdom.

Q20. Who is called the head of the state in India?
Ans. The President.

Q21. Who is the head of the government in India?
Ans. The Prime Minister.

Q22. What is meant by equality in democracy?
Ans. It means all citizens are equal before the law and enjoy equal rights.

Q23. Name one feature of dictatorship.
Ans. Citizens have no right to criticize or oppose the ruler.

Q24. Which form of government provides freedom of speech and expression?
Ans. Democracy.

Q25. Why is India called a republic?
Ans. Because the head of state, the President, is elected and not hereditary.

Q26. Who was the first President of India?
Ans. Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Q27. What is the main duty of the judiciary?
Ans. To settle disputes and protect citizens’ rights.

Q28. Name two ancient democratic states.
Ans. Athens (Greece) and Rome.

Q29. Which organ of government controls the budget?
Ans. The legislature.

Q30. Mention one feature of monarchy.
Ans. Power is hereditary, passed from one generation to another.

Q31. What is meant by political equality?
Ans. It means all citizens have equal political rights, such as voting and contesting elections.

Q32. Who ensures that the executive works according to the law?
Ans. Judiciary.

Q33. In which year did India become a republic?
Ans. On 26th January 1950.

Q34. Why is democracy considered the best form of government?
Ans. Because it gives citizens participation, equality, and freedom.

Q35. Which form of government ignores people’s consent?
Ans. Dictatorship.

LONG QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1. Explain the three organs of government with their functions.

Ans. Government has three main organs:

Legislature – It makes laws for the welfare of the people.

Executive – It implements and enforces the laws made by the legislature.

Judiciary – It interprets laws, settles disputes, and ensures justice. Together these organs maintain balance in governance.

Q2. What are the main features of democracy?

Ans. The main features of democracy are:

Rule by the elected representatives of the people.

Universal adult franchise (right to vote to all above 18 years).

Equality before law and equal rights.

Freedom of speech and expression.

Protection of fundamental rights.

Accountability of the government to the people.

Q3. Differentiate between democracy and dictatorship.

Ans. Democracy is a government by the people through elected representatives, ensuring freedom and equality. In dictatorship, one person or a group rules with absolute power, often by force, where citizens have no right to criticize or oppose. Democracy is based on consent; dictatorship on fear.

Q4. Why is India called a democratic republic?

Ans. India is democratic because people elect their representatives through voting. It is a republic because the head of state (President) is elected and not hereditary. India ensures equality, justice, and freedom to all citizens through its Constitution.

Q5. Explain monarchy with its advantages and disadvantages.

Ans. Monarchy is a government ruled by a king/queen. Advantages: Stability and quick decisions. Disadvantages: Power is hereditary, no participation of citizens, risk of misuse of power. Modern societies prefer democracy over monarchy.

Q6. Discuss dictatorship with examples.

Ans. Dictatorship is a system where power rests in one person, often gained by force. Citizens have no rights. Examples: Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy. Though decisions are quick, dictatorship suppresses freedom and equality.

Q7. Write a note on universal adult franchise.

Ans. Universal adult franchise means every adult citizen has the right to vote regardless of caste, religion, gender, or wealth. In India, this age is 18 years. It gives people equal political rights and strengthens democracy.

Q8. What is the importance of equality in democracy?

Ans. Equality ensures that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities. It removes discrimination, gives equal chance in education, jobs, and politics, and makes democracy successful. Without equality, democracy cannot survive.

Q9. Explain the role of the legislature in detail.

Ans. Legislature is the law-making body. It drafts, debates, and passes laws for the country’s welfare. It controls taxation, approves budget, and ensures that the government is accountable. In India, Parliament is the legislature.

Q10. Explain the role of the executive.

Ans. The executive carries out laws made by the legislature. It runs day-to-day administration, maintains law and order, and ensures welfare policies are implemented. In India, the President is the head of the executive, but real power lies with the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Q11. Explain the role of the judiciary.

Ans. Judiciary interprets laws, protects the Constitution, and ensures justice. It settles disputes between individuals, states, and the centre. In India, the Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority. Judiciary is independent to maintain fairness.

Q12. What is the difference between a unitary and a federal government?

Ans. In a unitary government, power is centralized in one authority (e.g., UK). In a federal government, powers are divided between central and state governments (e.g., India, USA). Federalism allows local self-rule, while unitary ensures uniformity.

Q13. What are the rights enjoyed by people in a democracy?

Ans. In democracy, people enjoy fundamental rights such as: Right to equality, Right to freedom, Right against exploitation, Right to freedom of religion, Cultural and educational rights, and Right to constitutional remedies. These rights safeguard citizens.

Q14. Why is democracy called government by the people, for the people, and of the people?

Ans. Democracy is of the people because they elect their leaders, by the people because leaders are chosen through voting, and for the people because the government works for public welfare. Hence, true democracy serves the people’s interests.

Q15. Explain the importance of elections in democracy.

Ans. Elections allow people to choose their representatives. They ensure accountability of leaders, peaceful transfer of power, equal participation, and freedom of choice. Without elections, democracy cannot function.

Q16. Discuss the importance of the Indian Constitution in ensuring democracy.

Ans. The Constitution defines the framework of democracy. It guarantees fundamental rights, ensures equality, protects freedoms, and provides a structure of government. It prevents misuse of power and keeps democracy alive in India.

Q17. How is India’s government both federal and unitary in nature?

Ans. India is federal as powers are divided between centre and states, but in emergencies, power is centralized like a unitary system. Thus, India has a blend of federal and unitary features.

Q18. What is the importance of the President in India’s democracy?

Ans. The President is the head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces. Though executive power rests with the Prime Minister, the President represents India, signs bills into laws, and safeguards the Constitution.

Q19. Why is the judiciary independent in democracy?

Ans. Judiciary is kept independent so it can act without political pressure. This ensures fair justice, protection of citizens’ rights, and prevents misuse of power by the executive or legislature.

Q20. Explain the importance of freedom of speech and expression in democracy.

Ans. Freedom of speech allows citizens to express opinions, criticize government, and share ideas. It strengthens democracy by encouraging debate, reforms, and accountability.

Q21. Describe the features of monarchy.

Ans. Features: Rule by king/queen, hereditary succession, citizens have limited or no rights, decisions are quick but people have no participation. Example: Saudi Arabia.

Q22. Explain the features of dictatorship.

Ans. Features: Rule by a dictator, no elections, suppression of opposition, no freedom of press, quick decision-making, and concentration of all powers in one person.

Q23. How do elections strengthen democracy?

Ans. Elections allow citizens to change governments peacefully, ensure leaders are accountable, and prevent misuse of power. They give people a sense of participation.

Q24. What are the advantages of democracy?

Ans. Advantages: Ensures equality, protects rights, allows public participation, accountable leaders, peaceful transfer of power, and respects diversity.

Q25. What are the disadvantages of dictatorship?

Ans. Disadvantages: No freedom, no participation of people, misuse of power, violation of rights, and rule based on fear.

Q26. Why is equality before law important in democracy?

Ans. It ensures that all people, rich or poor, are treated the same by the courts. This prevents discrimination and makes democracy fair.

Q27. How does the government maintain law and order?

Ans. The executive enforces laws, the police maintain peace, and the judiciary punishes offenders. Together, they prevent crime and ensure justice.

Q28. What is the significance of fundamental rights in democracy?

Ans. Fundamental rights protect freedom, equality, and justice. They prevent misuse of power by government and guarantee dignity to citizens.

Q29. Differentiate between federal and unitary government with examples.

Ans. Federal: Power shared between central and state governments (India, USA).

Unitary: Power centralized with central government (UK, France).

Q30. Why is democracy considered the best form of government?

Ans. Because it respects equality, ensures freedom, protects rights, promotes participation, holds leaders accountable, and serves public welfare better than monarchy or dictatorship.

Q31. How does Indian Parliament function as legislature?

Ans. It makes laws, controls the budget, debates national issues, passes bills, and keeps the government accountable.

Q32. Explain the role of the Prime Minister in Indian democracy.

Ans. The Prime Minister is the real executive head, leads the Council of Ministers, formulates policies, represents India globally, and ensures implementation of laws.

Q33. What is the difference between republic and monarchy?

Ans. Republic: Head of state is elected (India, USA).

Monarchy: Head of state is hereditary (Saudi Arabia, UK with limited monarchy).

Q34. How does dictatorship suppress people’s rights?

Ans. It bans free speech, censors media, arrests opponents, ignores elections, and rules through fear and military power.

Q35. Why is participation of people important in democracy?

Ans. People’s participation through voting, discussions, protests, and suggestions ensures government works for welfare, prevents corruption, and keeps democracy strong.

MCQS

Q1. Democracy is a government

a) by the king

b) by the dictator

c) by the people

d) by the army

Ans. c) by the people

Q2. Which organ of government makes laws?

a) Executive

b) Legislature

c) Judiciary

d) Army

Ans. b) Legislature

Q3. Who enforces laws in a country?

a) Judiciary

b) Executive

c) Parliament

d) Citizens

Ans. b) Executive

Q4. Who interprets laws?

a) Prime Minister

b) Judiciary

c) Legislature

d) President

Ans. b) Judiciary

Q5. What does universal adult franchise mean?

a) Only rich can vote

b) Only men can vote

c) All adults can vote

d) Only educated can vote

Ans. c) All adults can vote

Q6. The minimum voting age in India is:

a) 16 years

b) 18 years

c) 21 years

d) 25 years

Ans. b) 18 years

Q7. India is a:

a) Monarchy

b) Dictatorship

c) Democratic Republic

d) Aristocracy

Ans. c) Democratic Republic

Q8. Head of the state in India is:

a) Prime Minister

b) President

c) Chief Justice

d) Governor

Ans. b) President

Q9. Head of the government in India is:

a) Chief Justice

b) Governor

c) Prime Minister

d) President

Ans. c) Prime Minister

Q10. In monarchy, power is:

a) Hereditary

b) Elected

c) Temporary

d) Shared

Ans. a) Hereditary

Q11. Example of monarchy:

a) India

b) USA

c) Saudi Arabia

d) France

Ans. c) Saudi Arabia

Q12. In dictatorship, who holds power?

a) Parliament

b) One person

c) People

d) Judiciary

Ans. b) One person

Q13. Who is called the “Father of Democracy”?

a) Napoleon

b) Cleisthenes

c) Hitler

d) Ashoka

Ans. b) Cleisthenes

Q14. In which year did India become a republic?

a) 1947

b) 1948

c) 1950

d) 1952

Ans. c) 1950

Q15. Parliament of India consists of:

a) President, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha

b) Prime Minister, Lok Sabha

c) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha only

d) President and Governors

Ans. a) President, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha

Q16. Who protects the Constitution of India?

a) Executive

b) Judiciary

c) Legislature

d) People

Ans. b) Judiciary

Q17. Which form of government gives freedom of speech?

a) Monarchy

b) Dictatorship

c) Democracy

d) Aristocracy

Ans. c) Democracy

Q18. Hitler ruled which country?

a) Italy

b) Germany

c) Japan

d) Spain

Ans. b) Germany

Q19. Mussolini was a dictator of:

a) Spain

b) Italy

c) France

d) Germany

Ans. b) Italy

Q20. Which country has a federal government?

a) India

b) USA

c) Both a and b

d) UK

Ans. c) Both a and b

Q21. Example of unitary government:

a) India

b) UK

c) USA

d) Canada

Ans. b) UK

Q22. “Rule by the people” means:

a) Republic

b) Democracy

c) Dictatorship

d) Monarchy

Ans. b) Democracy

Q23. Who is the real executive in India?

a) President

b) Prime Minister

c) Chief Justice

d) Speaker

Ans. b) Prime Minister

Q24. What is meant by equality before law?

a) Rich and poor treated differently

b) Everyone equal under law

c) Only men equal

d) Only women equal

Ans. b) Everyone equal under law

Q25. Which organ of government settles disputes?

a) Executive

b) Judiciary

c) Legislature

d) Prime Minister

Ans. b) Judiciary

Q26. Who was the first President of India?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru

b) Rajendra Prasad

c) B. R. Ambedkar

d) Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

Ans. b) Rajendra Prasad

Q27. Who frames laws in India?

a) Parliament

b) Prime Minister

c) Judiciary

d) Citizens

Ans. a) Parliament

Q28. What is the supreme law of the land in India?

a) Parliament

b) Judiciary

c) Constitution

d) Government

Ans. c) Constitution

Q29. Democracy is based on:

a) People’s consent

b) Force

c) Wealth

d) Religion

Ans. a) People’s consent

Q30. In dictatorship, media is:

a) Free

b) Censored

c) Independent

d) Neutral

Ans. b) Censored

Q31. Which system allows both central and state governments?

a) Monarchy

b) Federal

c) Dictatorship

d) Unitary

Ans. b) Federal

Q32. India became independent in:

a) 1946

b) 1947

c) 1948

d) 1950

Ans. b) 1947

Q33. Who elects the Members of Lok Sabha?

a) President

b) People of India

c) Prime Minister

d) Judiciary

Ans. b) People of India

Q34. Which right ensures free and fair trial?

a) Right to Freedom

b) Right to Equality

c) Right to Constitutional Remedies

d) Right against Exploitation

Ans. c) Right to Constitutional Remedies

Q35. Who ensures implementation of laws in states?

a) Prime Minister

b) Governors

c) Judiciary

d) Police

Ans. b) Governors

Q36. India is the ______ largest democracy in the world.

a) First

b) Second

c) Third

d) Largest

Ans. d) Largest

Q37. Who presides over Lok Sabha?

a) Prime Minister

b) Speaker

c) President

d) Chief Justice

Ans. b) Speaker

Q38. What is the importance of elections?

a) Ensures equal wealth

b) Allows peaceful transfer of power

c) Increases taxes

d) Strengthens monarchy

Ans. b) Allows peaceful transfer of power

Q39. Who is known as the guardian of the Constitution?

a) President

b) Prime Minister

c) Judiciary

d) Legislature

Ans. c) Judiciary

Q40. Which system of government allows people to criticize rulers freely?

a) Monarchy

b) Dictatorship

c) Democracy

d) Aristocracy

Ans. c) Democracy