Chapter - 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments

 Chapter - 9 From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments

What is Democracy?

• Democracy means "rule of the people." It is a system where people hold the power to make decisions through their chosen representatives. The authority in a democracy comes from the citizens of the country.
• Let’s understand democracy with a school example:
• If every student is in the committee, it becomes difficult to take decisions or implement them because too many people are involved.
• If the Head Teacher selects the committee members, most students won’t get a say, and their opinions might not be heard.
• If students of each grade choose one representative, that representative can share their class's ideas and needs. This makes sure everyone’s voice is heard in an organized way.

Functions of Government:-

Just like a student committee in a school takes care of certain responsibilities, the government plays important roles in managing the country. These responsibilities are called the functions of the government, and they are divided into three main parts:

1. Legislative Function

• This is the creation of rules and laws.
• It provides a framework for how the country should be run.
• Example: Deciding on traffic rules or school timings.

2. Executive Function

• This means putting the rules into action.
• The government works to implement policies and run the country.
• Example: Making sure schools are built, roads are maintained, or exams are conducted on time.

3. Judicial Function

• This ensures that the rules and laws are being followed by everyone.
• If someone breaks a rule, the judiciary (courts or judges) decide what to do.
• Example: If a rule is broken, like cheating in an exam, the matter is investigated and dealt with fairly.

Democracy and Representation:- In a democracy, the people choose representatives to govern on their behalf—just like how students choose representatives for their school committee. These representatives:

• Make laws (legislative),
• Run the administration (executive),
• And help ensure justice (judicial).

However, the method of choosing representatives may differ from one country to another.

What Makes Governments Different?":

🔹 1. Who decides the government?

• In democracy: People decide and are the source of power.
• In theocracy: Religious beliefs and religious leaders give authority.

🔹 2. How is the government formed?

• In democracy: Formed through elections.
• In monarchy: Formed by hereditary rule (from king/queen’s family).
• Different democracies may have different election methods.

🔹 3. Parts of the government and their roles

• Three functions: Legislative, Executive, Judicial.
• In some countries: These are separate bodies.
• In others: One body may do multiple functions.
• In democracies: Rules are in a constitution.
• In monarchies: King/Queen decides the rules.

🔹 4. Goals of the government

• Some governments aim for equality and prosperity for all (like India).
• Others may aim for the benefit of a few groups or families.

Democratic Governments around the World:-

🔹 Democracy Today

• Democracy is the most popular form of government in the modern world.
• There are different types of democratic governments, but they all share some core principles.

🔹 Fundamental Principles of Democracy

Equality

• Everyone should be treated equally.
• Equal access to education, health, and justice.

Freedom

• Citizens have the right to express opinions and make independent choices.

Representative Participation

• People elect representatives through elections.
• These representatives form the legislature.

Universal Adult Franchise

• Every adult citizen has the right to vote.

Fundamental Rights:- Examples:

• Right to equality
• Right to freedom of speech
• Right against exploitation

Independent Judiciary

• Ensures laws are followed and rights are protected.
• Even the government must follow the law.

🔹 Important Note

• These principles have evolved over time:
• India gave universal adult franchise in 1950.
• Switzerland gave women the right to vote in 1971.
• These are ideals — not always followed perfectly, but important to strive for.

Different Forms of Democratic Governments

1. Direct Democracy

• Definition: All citizens participate directly in making laws and decisions.
• Example: Practised in parts of Switzerland.
• Limitation: Not practical in large countries because involving everyone in all decisions is difficult.

2. Representative Democracy

• Definition: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
• Example: Countries like India and the USA follow this system.
• Key Feature: Representatives are accountable to the people.
• Elections: Held regularly (e.g., every 5 years in India, every 4 years in the USA).

Forms of Representative Democracy

a. Parliamentary Democracy:- The executive (ministers) is part of the legislature (parliament).

Example: India

Features:

• Prime Minister and ministers are members of the parliament.
• The council of ministers is accountable to the legislature.
• They stay in power only while they have the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
• People elect the legislature, and from these, the executive is chosen.

b. Presidential Democracy:- The executive (president) is independent of the legislature. Example: United States of America

Features:

• The president is directly elected by the people.
• The president does not need the legislature's confidence to stay in power.

 democratic governments:

Executive

• The part of the government that implements (carries out) laws.
• Different countries have different methods for choosing the executive. Examples:
• In India: Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
• In the USA: The President

Legislature

• The law-making body of the government.
• Known by different names in different countries:
• India: Parliament
• USA: Congress

 Upper House and Lower House:- Most democratic countries have two houses in the legislature (called a bicameral system):

House                     How Chosen                 Power Level                 India Example

Lower House     Direct voting by the people More powerful             Lok Sabha

Upper House     Elected or nominated                 Less powerful                     Rajya Sabha

Separation of Power

• The idea that three main organs of government:
• Legislature (makes laws)
• Executive (implements laws)
• Judiciary (interprets laws)
• work independently and do not interfere with each other’s work.
• This ensures balance and fairness in a democracy.

Common Features in All Democracies:

• Equality
• Freedom
• Universal adult franchise (everyone above a certain age has the right to vote)

A Peek into History: Early Republics

What is a Republic?:- A republic is a form of government where the head of state is elected, not inherited (not a king or queen). Leaders are chosen based on merit, not heredity.

🇮🇳 Early Republics in Ancient India

1. Vajji (or Vṛiji) Mahājanapada

• Practised collective decision-making.
• Lichchhavi clan played a key role.
• Leaders were elected, not born into power.
• Representatives met regularly to ensure the welfare of people.

2. Chola Period – Uttaramerur Inscriptions (10th century CE, Tamil Nadu)

• Described the election process for village sabhās (local governing bodies). Included:
• Sealed ballot boxes
• Qualifications and duties of members
• Strict rules (members involved in corruption were immediately removed)

Early Republics in the World

• Rome and Greece (5th–4th centuries BCE)
• Some regions had republican systems.
• Voting was limited:
• In Greece, only free men could vote.
• Women, workers, and slaves were excluded.
• In some areas, only a small, privileged group could participate in decision-making.

Other Forms of Government: 

1. Monarchy:- 

• A monarchy is a form of government where a king or queen rules.
• The position is usually hereditary, passed down through a royal family.

Monarchy in Ancient India

• In the mahājanapadas, kings ruled with guidance from sabha or samiti (councils).
• Later, as empires expanded, kings gained more power but still depended on:
• Council of ministers
• Officials
• Scholars for advice on dharma (moral and righteous rule)

Limits on the King's Power

• Rājadharma: Kings were expected to rule justly, protect people’s rights, and follow dharma.
• Their power was not absolute — they were expected to work for the welfare of all.
• However, not all kings followed these ideals—some misused their power.

Monarchies in Other Parts of the World

• In some regions, kings had total control:
• Made laws
• Enforced laws
• Decided punishments
• Some claimed their power came directly from God (divine right).

Monarchies Today

A monarchy is a form of government where a king or queen (monarch) rules. Most monarchies are hereditary, meaning the eldest son or daughter of the monarch usually becomes the next ruler.

Types of Monarchies Today

• a. Absolute Monarchy
• The monarch has full control over:
• Making laws
• Enforcing laws
• Judging legal matters
• The monarch may have advisors, but is not bound to follow their advice.
• Example: Saudi Arabia
• The king rules using Islamic law.
• A council helps him, but he has ultimate power.

b. Constitutional Monarchy:- The monarch is the head of state, but has no real power.

• Real power lies with:
• Prime Minister (executive)
• Parliament (legislature)
• The monarch performs ceremonial duties only.
• Example: United Kingdom (Britain)
• The king/queen is symbolic.
• Elected parliament makes laws, and the prime minister governs.
• It is actually a parliamentary democracy.

Theocracy

• A theocracy is a government ruled by religious laws and religious leaders.
• The country’s laws and governance follow religious principles.
• Example: Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran)
• Iran combines theocracy and democracy.
• The Supreme Leader (highest authority) is chosen by Islamic clerics and serves for life.
• There is also an elected president and parliament for daily governance.
• The goal is to build society based on Islamic norms.
• Other Theocracies:
• Afghanistan
• Vatican City

 Dictatorship

• A dictatorship is ruled by one person or a small group with absolute power.
• No limits on their power; no constitution or law restricts them.
• History has many examples of harsh dictatorships that caused suffering.
• Examples:
• Adolf Hitler (Germany, 1933–1945)
• Became dictator after passing laws to remove opposition.
• Believed in racial superiority, responsible for the Holocaust (6 million Jews killed).
• Caused World War II, leading to massive destruction and loss of life.
• Idi Amin (Uganda)
• Military dictator known for brutal killings.
• Forced many, including Indian-origin residents, to flee Uganda.

Oligarchy

• The word “oligarchy” comes from Greek:
• Olígos = few
• Árkhō = to rule or command
• It is a form of government where a small group of powerful people rule and make all the important decisions.
• This small group is often made up of:
• Wealthy families
• Influential people

Historical and Modern Examples

• In ancient Greece, some city-states were ruled by aristocratic families as oligarchies.
• In modern times, even some democracies show signs of oligarchy when:
• A small group of politicians and wealthy businesspeople hold too much influence over governance.

Why Democracy Matters:- Democracy is not the only form of government, but it is widely considered better because it respects the rights and choices of the people.

In a true democracy, people have freedom to:

• Speak their minds
• Choose what to wear
• Follow their beliefs
• Express themselves freely
• (As long as it doesn’t harm others’ rights)
• People choose their government through elections.
• The government is accountable to the people and must protect their rights and provide basic needs.
• If the government fails, citizens can vote for new representatives.
• This creates a check on government power and helps focus on the welfare of all citizens.
• India is a democracy, and many of its features are visible in daily life.
• More than half of the world’s countries follow democratic forms of government today.

Challenges in Democracy

• Even democracies face problems like:
• Corruption
• Wealth inequality
• Control of democratic institutions by a few
• Loss of independence in the judiciary
• Manipulation of information/media

What Can We Do?

• As individuals and society, it’s important to:
• Stay alert and aware
• Minimize corruption and misuse of power
• Protect democratic institutions
• Promote fairness and transparency
• Support free and fair elections

NCERT QUESTIONS

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

Answer:- Here are the names of the various types of government covered in the chapter:

• Direct Democracy
• Representative Democracy
• Parliamentary Democracy
• Presidential Democracy
• Republic
• Monarchy
• Absolute Monarchy
• Constitutional Monarchy
• Theocracy
• Dictatorship
• Oligarchy

2. Which type of Government does India have? And why is that called that type?

Answer:- India has parliamentry Democracy

• People elect representatives to the Parliament through regular elections.
• The executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is part of the legislature (Parliament).
• The government is accountable to the Parliament and must have its confidence to stay in power.
• People do not directly govern but choose their representatives who make laws and run the government on their behalf.

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:- There are three reasons why an independent judiciary is important in all democracies:

• Fair and Impartial Justice:- An independent judiciary ensures that courts make decisions based on the law, without influence or pressure from the government, politicians, or other powerful groups. This helps protect citizens’ rights fairly.
• Checks and Balances:- The judiciary acts as a check on the powers of the executive and legislature. It can stop any law or action that violates the constitution or citizens' rights, maintaining the balance of power in the government.
• Protects Fundamental Rights:- An independent judiciary defends the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals by hearing cases where rights are threatened or violated, ensuring justice is done.

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

Answer:- Yes, a democratic government is generally considered better than other forms of government because:

• People’s Participation: Democracy allows people to choose their leaders and have a say in how the country is run through free and fair elections.
• Protection of Rights: Democracies protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, like freedom of speech, religion, and equality.
• Accountability: In a democracy, the government is accountable to the people. If it does not perform well, citizens can vote to change it.
• Rule of Law: Democracies follow laws that apply equally to everyone, including leaders, which helps prevent abuse of power.
• Freedom and Diversity: People in democracies have the freedom to express themselves and live according to their beliefs, as long as they respect others’ rights.

5. Answer:- 

Practice                                                                                     Type of Government

All citizens are treated equally before law                                     Democracy

The government refers to the religious leader for every decision     Theocracy

After the queen’s death, her son became the new king                     Monarchy

The ruler is not bound to follow any Constitution and makes 

all decisions as per his choice                                                             Dictatorship

6. Answer :-

S. No           Country                                 Type of Government

1                     Bhutan                                 Constitutional Monarchy

2                     Nepal                                         Federal Parliamentary Republic (Democracy)

3                     Bangladesh                                 Parliamentary Democracy

4                     South Africa                         Parliamentary Democracy

5                     Brazil                                         Presidential Democracy

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

Answer:- Possible hurdles in a democracy achieving its values and ideals:

• Corruption: When officials misuse their power for personal gain, it weakens trust and fairness.
• Wealth Disparity: Large gaps between rich and poor can lead to unequal access to opportunities and influence.
• Excessive Control by a Few: Sometimes, a small group controls important institutions, limiting true representation.
• Erosion of Judiciary Independence: If courts are influenced by politics, justice may not be fair.
• Manipulation of Information: Fake news or biased media can mislead people and harm informed decision-making.

• How to overcome these hurdles:
• Strengthen Laws and Transparency: Enforce strict anti-corruption laws and make government actions transparent.
• Promote Equal Opportunities: Work towards reducing economic inequality through social programs and fair policies.
• Encourage Citizen Participation: Educate and involve people in democratic processes to reduce concentration of power.
• Protect Judiciary Independence: Ensure courts are free from political pressure and follow the constitution.
• Support Free and Fair Media: Promote responsible journalism and critical thinking among citizens to combat misinformation.

8.  Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain.

Answer:- Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship in several key ways:

Source of Power:

• In democracy, power comes from the people. Citizens participate in choosing their leaders through elections.
• In a monarchy, power is usually inherited and held by a king or queen.
• In a dictatorship, power is held by one person or a small group who control everything, often without the consent of the people.

Rights and Freedoms:

• Democracy protects individual rights and freedoms like speech, religion, and equality.
• In a monarchy, especially absolute ones, the monarch may have unlimited power and people may have fewer freedoms.
• In a dictatorship, freedoms are often restricted, and dissent is not tolerated.

Accountability:

• Democratic governments are accountable to the people and can be changed through elections.
• Monarchs often rule for life and may not be accountable to the people.
• Dictators rule without checks or balances and are usually not accountable to anyone.

Rule of Law:

• In democracy, laws apply equally to everyone, including leaders.
• Monarchs or dictators may make and enforce laws based on their own wishes.