Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9: From the Rulers to the Ruled – Types of Governments | Democracy, Monarchy, Theocracy, Dictatorship, Fundamental Rights & Participation

Complete Chapter 9 guide: what government is and what it does, detailed meaning of democracy as “rule of the people” with school committee example, three functions of government (legislative, executive, judiciary), key differences between systems (who gives power, how govt is formed, parts of govt, aims), core democratic principles (equality, freedoms, representation, universal adult franchise, independent judiciary, rights), and overview of forms like direct democracy, representative democracy, monarchy and theocracy, with exam-focused summary, Q&A, extra questions and quiz for CBSE Exam

Updated: just now

Categories: Class 7 Social Science, NCERT Notes, Civics & Governance, Types of Government, Democracy & Constitution, CBSE Exam Preparation, Q&A and Quizzes

Tags: class 7 social science chapter 9 notes, from the rulers to the ruled class 7, types of government democracy monarchy theocracy dictatorship, what is government functions law and order welfare defence, legislative executive judicial functions class 7, school committee example representation, key differences between governments source of authority formation goals, fundamental principles of democracy equality freedom participation, universal adult franchise meaning, independent judiciary and fundamental rights, government of the people by the people for the people, constitution basic rules of a country, cbse class 7 civics chapter 9, ncert governance and democracy solutions, summary questions answers quiz

Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9: From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments | Complete NCERT Notes, Activities, Questions & Answers 2025

Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes – From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments

Opening Idea – What is Government?

Government is the system that runs a country. As per Kautilya's Arthashastra, a ruler's duties are three-fold: raksha (protection from external aggression), palana (maintenance of law and order), and yogakshema (safeguarding people's welfare).

Functions include maintaining law/order, peace, foreign relations, defense, essential services (education, health, infrastructure), managing economy, and improving lives.

The Big Questions of the Chapter (Most Important for Exams)

What are the different types of government?
Where do governments get their power from?
How does a country's government interact with the people?
Why does democracy matter?

What is Democracy? – Explained with School Example

Option	Description	Why Democratic?
Everyone in committee	Hard to decide/manage	Impractical for large groups
Head Teacher chooses	No voice for students	Not representative
Students elect representatives	One per grade, voices heard	Democratic way

Functions of Government – 3 Branches

Legislative

Creation of rules/laws (framework for country)

Executive

Implementation and administration

Judicial

Ensuring rules are followed

Key Differences Between Governments

Aspect	Description	Examples
Who decides 'this is the government'?	Source of authority	Democracy: People; Theocracy: Religion
How is government formed?	Elections, inheritance, etc.	Democracy: Elections; Monarchy: Family
Parts and roles	Legislative, Executive, Judicial	Independent or combined
Goals	Equality, prosperity, etc.	India: For all; Some: For elite groups

Democratic Governments – Fundamental Principles

Equality: Equal treatment, access, before law
Freedom: Choices, opinions
Representative Participation: Elect representatives via universal adult franchise
Fundamental Rights: Protected (equality, freedom, against exploitation)
Independent Judiciary: Protects rights, ensures laws followed

Note: Evolved over time (e.g., India 1950 universal franchise; Switzerland women vote 1971).

Forms of Democratic Governments

Direct Democracy

All citizens decide directly (e.g., Switzerland) – Hard in large countries

Representative Democracy

Elect representatives; accountable; elections every 4–5 years

Parliamentary

Executive part of legislature (India: PM + ministers in Parliament)

Presidential

Executive independent (USA: President elected separately)

Table 9.1: Different Forms of Democratic Government

Institution	Executive	Legislature	Judiciary
India	PM + Council of Ministers	Lok Sabha > Rajya Sabha	Independent
USA	President	Senate = House of Representatives	Independent
South Korea	President	National Assembly (single)	Independent
Australia	PM + Council of Ministers	Senate = House of Representatives	Independent

Peek into History – Early Republics

Ancient India: Vajji/Lichchhavi (collective decisions, merit-based leaders), Uttaramerur inscriptions (Chola period elections)
World: Greece/Rome (limited voting – free men only, no women/slaves)

Other Forms of Government

Monarchy

Ruled by king/queen; Absolute (Saudi Arabia) or Constitutional (UK)

Theocracy

Based on religion (Iran: Supreme Leader + elected parts)

Dictatorship

Absolute power to one (Hitler Germany, Idi Amin Uganda)

Oligarchy

Small elite group rules (ancient Greece aristocrats)

Why Democracy Matters – Table 9.2 Comparison

Characteristics	Democracy	Dictatorship	Absolute Monarchy	Oligarchy
Universal Adult Franchise	Yes	No	No	No
Equality amongst citizens	Yes	No	No	No
Freedom of speech	Yes	No	No	No
Separation of powers	Yes	No	No	No
Wellbeing and Prosperity of all citizens	Yes	No	No	No

Key Takeaways & Golden Lines for Exams

One-Page Revision Map

Government Functions → Legislative + Executive + Judicial
Democracy: Rule of people • Principles: Equality, Freedom, Franchise
Forms: Direct/Representative • Parliamentary/Presidential
Others: Monarchy, Theocracy, Dictatorship, Oligarchy
↓
Democracy Matters → Accountability, Rights, Elections
Result: Better for people's wellbeing

5-Mark Golden Answer Lines

“Democracy is 'rule of the people' where authority comes from citizens via elections, unlike monarchy where it's hereditary.”
“In parliamentary democracy like India, executive is part of legislature and accountable to it; in presidential like USA, they are separate.”
“Early Indian republics like Lichchhavi showed collective decision-making based on merit, not birth.”
“Democracy ensures equality, freedom, and rights – absent in dictatorship or absolute monarchy.”

Key Terms & Definitions – Complete Glossary (Chapter 9)

All important terms with detailed explanation, examples, exam tips & golden lines – perfect for 2-mark, 3-mark & 5-mark answers.

Government

Definition: System that runs a country, maintains law/order, provides services, manages economy and welfare.

Functions: Legislative (make laws), Executive (implement), Judicial (enforce).

Exam Golden Line: “Government's duties: raksha (protection), palana (order), yogakshema (welfare) – Kautilya.”

Democracy

Definition: 'Rule of the people' – power from citizens.

Features: Equality, freedom, elections, rights, independent judiciary.

Example: India (parliamentary representative).

Exam Tip: Quote Lincoln: “Of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Representative

Definition: Person chosen to act for others.

Example: MPs/MLAs in Parliament/Assemblies.

Exam Golden Line: “In representative democracy, people elect leaders who are accountable.”

Accountability

Definition: Government answerable to people who elected them.

Example: Elections every 5 years in India.

Exam Tip: Key difference from dictatorship.

Universal Adult Franchise

Definition: All adults (18+) right to vote.

Example: India since 1950; Switzerland women 1971.

Exam Golden Line: “Ensures representative participation in democracy.”

Parliamentary Democracy

Definition: Executive part of legislature, accountable to it.

Example: India (PM in Lok Sabha).

Exam Tip: Confidence of lower house required.

Presidential Democracy

Definition: Executive independent of legislature.

Example: USA (President elected separately).

Exam Golden Line: “President doesn't need legislature's confidence.”

Monarchy

Definition: Ruled by hereditary king/queen.

Types: Absolute (Saudi Arabia), Constitutional (UK).

Exam Tip: Sovereign power from family.

Theocracy

Definition: Ruled by religious rules/leaders.

Example: Iran (Supreme Leader + elected parts).

Exam Tip: Based on Islamic principles.

Dictatorship

Definition: Absolute power to one person/group, no limits.

Example: Hitler (Germany), Idi Amin (Uganda).

Exam Golden Line: “No constitution or elections.”

Oligarchy

Definition: Small elite group (wealthy/influential) rules.

Example: Ancient Greece aristocrats.

Exam Tip: Can appear in democracies if elite dominate.

Republic

Definition: Elected head of state, not hereditary monarch.

Example: Ancient Lichchhavi, modern India.

Exam Tip: Merit-based leaders.

Exam Quick Tips & Mnemonics

Most Important Terms: Democracy, Legislative, Executive, Judicial, Monarchy
Mnemonic for Functions: “LEJ” → Legislative (make), Executive (do), Judicial (check)
Mnemonic for Democracy Principles: “EFRJI” → Equality, Freedom, Representation, Franchise, Judiciary, Independence
Golden 5-Mark Line:
“Democracies differ in formation (parliamentary vs presidential) but share core principles like equality, freedom and accountability, making them superior to non-democratic forms like dictatorship or monarchy.”

Activities & 25+ Questions and Answers – Types of Governments

All "Let's Explore", "Think About It", "Don't Miss Out" & Textbook Activities – Fully Solved

Page 2: Do you remember this picture from Grade 6? The government also has many other roles. Try to list them.

Picture: Likely Indian Parliament or similar. Other roles: Protecting environment, promoting culture, disaster management, space exploration, digital infrastructure.

Page 3: Think About It – Differences between school committee and Parliament/Legislature.

Differences: MPs/MLAs elected by adults, have law-making power; school reps chosen by kids, no legal power. MPs debate national issues; school committee handles school tasks. MPs have salary/terms; school reps voluntary/short-term.

Page 4: Let's Explore – Which of the three methods is most effective? Why?

Third method (voting for representatives) – Ensures voices heard, practical, democratic, accountable.

Page 14: Think About It – What might happen if the king considered himself to have divine powers?

He might rule arbitrarily, ignore advice, oppress people, claim no accountability – leading to tyranny.

Page 19: Let's Explore – Does Shane's country look like a democracy? How do you think Shane's everyday life would be? Would you like to live there?

No, it's dictatorship (North Korea). Life: Strict rules, no freedom, surveillance. No, prefer democracy's freedoms.

Page 20: Let's Explore – Look at cartoon. What do you observe? Who is making decisions?

Rich/influential people (trusts) control elected body – oligarchy in democracy. Top left: 'The Senate of the Monopolists'.

Page 21: Can a democracy turn into an oligarchy? What can people do?

Yes, if elite dominate. People: Vote wisely, demand transparency, use media, protest.

Page 21: Fill Table 9.2 with Yes/No.

Equality: Yes (D), No (others)
Freedom of speech: Yes (D), No (others)
Separation of powers: Yes (D), No (others)
Wellbeing: Yes (D), No (others)

Page 22: Role Play – Enact forms of government. Most suitable?

Democracy: Inclusive, accountable. Most suitable for freedom/equality.

End-of-Chapter Questions – Fully Solved

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

Democracy (direct, representative – parliamentary, presidential), Monarchy (absolute, constitutional), Theocracy, Dictatorship, Oligarchy.

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

Parliamentary representative democracy – Executive (PM + ministers) part of legislature, accountable to Lok Sabha.

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.

1. Protects citizens' rights from government overreach. 2. Ensures laws followed by all, including executive. 3. Maintains checks/balances in separation of powers.

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

Yes – Ensures equality, freedom, accountability via elections; focuses on all citizens' wellbeing unlike dictatorship/monarchy.

5. Match the practice with the type of government.

I. All citizens equal before law – Democracy
II. Government refers to religious leader – Theocracy
III. After queen's death, son became king – Monarchy
IV. Ruler not bound by constitution – Dictatorship

6. Find out the types of government these countries have: Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Africa, Brazil.

Bhutan: Constitutional Monarchy
Nepal: Parliamentary Democracy
Bangladesh: Parliamentary Democracy
South Africa: Parliamentary Democracy
Brazil: Presidential Democracy

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

Hurdles: Corruption, inequality, elite control, misinformation. Overcome: Education, vigilant citizens, strong institutions, transparent elections.

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

Democracy: Power from people, elections, rights. Monarchy: Hereditary, limited/no accountability. Dictatorship: Absolute power, no rights/elections.

Extra Practice 25+ Questions (Exam Booster)

1. Quote from Arthashastra on ruler's duties

Raksha, palana, yogakshema

2. Legislative function

Making rules/laws

3. Executive function

Implementing laws

4. Judicial function

Ensuring laws followed

5. Source of power in democracy

People

6. Universal adult franchise age in India

7. India's lower house

Lok Sabha

8. India's upper house

Rajya Sabha

9. USA legislature

Congress

10. Separation of powers

Legislative, Executive, Judicial independent

11. Early Indian republic example

Lichchhavi/Vajji

12. Chola period election inscriptions

Uttaramerur

13. Absolute monarchy example

Saudi Arabia

14. Constitutional monarchy example

15. Theocracy example

Iran

16. Dictatorship example

Hitler (Germany)

17. Oligarchy origin

Greek: Few rule

18. Republic definition

Elected head, no monarch

19. Women vote in Switzerland

1971

20. Elections interval India

5 years

21. Elections interval USA

4 years

22. Independent judiciary role

Protect rights, check government

23. Adjudicating

Judging disputes

24. Sovereign

Independent power

25. Subjugate

Control by force

26. Mural

Wall/ceiling painting

27. Slave

Forced labor as property

Key Concepts – In-Depth Exploration (Chapter 9)

Core ideas explained with examples, common confusions, exam connections & golden lines – perfect for 3-mark & 5-mark answers.

Functions of Government

Concept: Three branches – Legislative (make laws), Executive (implement), Judicial (enforce/follow).

Example: Parliament makes laws, PM/council implements, Supreme Court judges.

Exam Golden Line: “Separation of powers ensures checks and balances in democracy.”

Confusion: Students mix executive/legislative – remember: Legislature = make, Executive = do.

Democracy as 'Rule of the People'

Concept: Power from citizens via elections; accountable government.

Example: School committee election – representatives voice needs.

Exam Trick: Always mention universal adult franchise.

Golden Line: “Democracy evolved – India gave franchise in 1950, ahead of many.”

Parliamentary vs Presidential Democracy

Concept: Parliamentary: Executive in legislature (India); Presidential: Separate (USA).

Result: Parliamentary more accountable; Presidential more stable.

Example: India PM needs Lok Sabha confidence; USA President fixed term.

Exam Golden Line: “India's parliamentary system allows quick changes via no-confidence.”

Source of Authority

Concept: Democracy: People; Monarchy: Family; Theocracy: Religion; Dictatorship: Force.

Example: India: Constitution/elections; Saudi: King/Islam.

Exam Golden Line: “Authority defines government type and goals.”

Republic

Concept: Elected head, merit-based, no monarch.

Example: Ancient Lichchhavi; modern India.

Modern Relevance: Aligns with democratic ideals.

Exam Golden Line: “Early republics showed democracy before modern times.”

Why Democracy Matters

Concept: Ensures rights, equality, freedom – absent in other forms.

Examples: Table 9.2 shows Yes for democracy, No for others.

Exam Tip: Mention hurdles like corruption but solutions via vigilance.

Exam Master Tips & Golden Lines

Most Important Concept: “Three branches + Separation of powers”
Best 5-Mark Concept: “Parliamentary vs Presidential”
Mnemonic: “DEM: Direct, Executive, Monarchy alternative”
Golden Answer for 5 Marks:
“Governments differ in authority source (people in democracy, king in monarchy), formation (elections vs inheritance), structure (separated powers vs combined), and goals (equality for all vs elite prosperity). Democracy stands out for accountability and rights.”

Historical & Social Insights – Types of Governments

Deep historical role + present-day impact – perfect for 5-mark and 8-mark answers.

Historical Insights – Evolution of Governments

Ancient India: Mahajanapadas – kings with sabha/samiti; republics like Vajji/Lichchhavi (merit-based).
Chola Period (10th CE): Uttaramerur inscriptions – detailed elections, qualifications, dismissal for corruption.
Arthashastra (4th BCE): Kautilya on ruler duties – protection, order, welfare.
Mahabharata: Bhishma teaches Yudhishthira on rajadharma – just rule, no ego, advisors.
Ancient World: Greece/Rome republics (limited – no women/slaves).
Modern Democracies: USA 1787, Switzerland 1848, India 1947, Nepal 2008.
20th Century Dictators: Hitler (Holocaust, WWII), Idi Amin (killings, expulsions).

Social Insights – Impact on Society

Democracy: Promotes equality, participation; hurdles like corruption but accountable.
Monarchy: Stability but can be oppressive if absolute; constitutional balances power.
Theocracy: Unites via religion but may limit freedoms.
Dictatorship: Quick decisions but no rights, fear (e.g., North Korea surveillance).
Oligarchy: Elite control leads to inequality; can infiltrate democracies.
Republic Ideal: Merit over birth – ancient Lichchhavi example.

Modern Connections – You Can See Today!

India: Parliamentary – PM Modi in Lok Sabha; elections 2024.
USA: Presidential – Biden/Trump elections; independent branches.
UK: Constitutional Monarchy – King Charles nominal, PM Sunak real power.
Saudi Arabia: Absolute Monarchy – King Salman, Islamic law.
Iran: Theocracy – Supreme Leader Khamenei + President.
North Korea: Dictatorship – Kim Jong-un absolute control.

Important Historical Sites/Events

Uttaramerur Temple (Tamil Nadu): Chola inscriptions on elections.
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple: Wall engravings on sabha elections.
Sanchi Stupa: Adoration pillar – ancient governance art.
World War II (1939–45): Caused by Hitler's dictatorship.

Impact on Indian History & Culture

Rajadharma ideal – kings bound by dharma, welfare focus.
Early republics influenced modern democracy.
Constitution 1950 – universal franchise from start.
Democracy challenges: Corruption, but vigilant citizens key.

Exam Quick Tips & Golden Lines

Best Historical Example: “Uttaramerur inscriptions show Chola elections with sealed ballots.”
Best Social Example: “Democracy promotes equality unlike oligarchy's elite rule.”
Best Modern Example: “India's parliamentary system – no-confidence motions hold government accountable.”
Golden Line for Long Answer (5–8 marks):
“From ancient republics like Lichchhavi to modern India, democratic ideals of merit and participation evolved, contrasting with oppressive forms like Hitler's dictatorship. Today, democracy's accountability and rights make it ideal, though hurdles like corruption require vigilant citizens.”

Real-Life Examples – Types of Governments

Actual countries, leaders and systems today – perfect for 3-mark & 5-mark answers.

Democracy Examples Today

India (Parliamentary): PM Modi elected 2014/2019/2024; Lok Sabha debates laws.
USA (Presidential): President Biden 2021–2025; Congress separate.
Australia (Parliamentary): PM Albanese; Senate/House equal.
South Korea (Presidential): President Yoon; National Assembly single house.
Switzerland (Direct): Citizens vote directly on laws via referendums.

Monarchy Examples Today

Saudi Arabia (Absolute): King Salman all power, Islamic law.
UK (Constitutional): King Charles ceremonial; PM Starmer real executive.
Bhutan: King Wangchuck + elected parliament.
Japan: Emperor Naruhito symbolic head.

Theocracy Examples Today

Iran: Supreme Leader Khamenei ultimate authority; Islamic constitution.
Vatican City: Pope Francis head, Catholic law.
Afghanistan (Taliban): Islamic Emirate, Sharia-based rule.

Dictatorship Examples Today

North Korea: Kim Jong-un absolute, no elections, surveillance.
Belarus: Lukashenko since 1994, suppressed opposition.
Venezuela: Maduro – disputed elections, power consolidation.

Oligarchy Examples Today

Russia: Putin + oligarchs (wealthy allies) control.
Some Democracies: Elite families/businesses influence (e.g., USA lobbying).
Ancient Greece: Aristocratic families ruled cities.

Republic Examples Today

India: President Murmu elected; no monarch.
Germany: President Steinmeier; merit-based.
France: President Macron; republican since 1789.

Famous Leaders & Governments

Hitler (Dictatorship): Nazi Germany, Holocaust.
Idi Amin (Dictatorship): Uganda killings/expulsions.
Abraham Lincoln: “Government of/by/for the people.”
Adi Shankaracharya: Not directly, but rajadharma ideals.

Exam Quick Tips & Golden Lines

Always give specific examples: India parliamentary, USA presidential, Saudi absolute monarchy.
Best Example for Democracy: “India's 2024 elections – 970 million voters.”
Best Example for Dictatorship: “North Korea's strict rules on hair/clothes.”
Golden Line for Answer:
“In real life, India's parliamentary democracy allows quick accountability via no-confidence, unlike USA's fixed presidential terms, while Saudi's monarchy shows absolute power in practice.”

Quick Revision Notes & Mnemonics

Topic	Key Points (Remember these lines)
Government Functions	Legislative (make laws), Executive (implement), Judicial (enforce)
Democracy	Rule of people; Principles: Equality, Freedom, Franchise, Rights, Independent Judiciary
Forms of Democracy	Direct (all decide), Representative (elect reps) – Parliamentary (India), Presidential (USA)
Monarchy	Hereditary; Absolute (Saudi), Constitutional (UK)
Theocracy	Religion-based (Iran)
Dictatorship	Absolute power (Hitler, Amin)
Oligarchy	Elite rule (ancient Greece)
Republic	Elected head (Lichchhavi, India)
Why Democracy	Accountability, rights, equality – better than others

Top Mnemonics (Never forget!)

Functions: “LEJ” → Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Democracy Principles: “EFFRI” → Equality, Freedom, Franchise, Rights, Independent judiciary
Government Differences: “WHWG” → Who decides, How formed, What parts, What goals
Other Forms: “MTDO” → Monarchy, Theocracy, Dictatorship, Oligarchy
Whole chapter in 1 line: “Governments: Democracy (people power) vs others (elite/force) – functions LEJ”

Ready-to-Write 5-Mark Golden Answers

1. “Democracy differs from monarchy/dictatorship in source (people vs king/force), formation (elections vs inheritance/seizure), and focus (all vs elite).”

2. “Parliamentary (India): Executive accountable to legislature; Presidential (USA): Independent – both ensure separation of powers.”

3. “Early republics like Uttaramerur showed democratic elections with ballots/qualifications – influenced modern systems.”

4. “Democracy matters for equality/freedom; hurdles like corruption overcome by education/vigilance.”

CHAPTER 9 IN ONE LINE:
“Governments vary by power source/formation – democracy (people, elections) best for rights/welfare vs monarchy/dictatorship.”

This article has been published in CBSE Class 7 Annual Assessment. Explore everything related to it here.

Group Discussions

No forum posts available.

Easily Share with Your Tribe