Class 7 Civics Ch 9 Notes: Types of Governments | Rulers to Ruled
Governance and Democracy
Ch 9: From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments
शासक से शासित तक – सरकार के प्रकार
📘 English Notes
Introduction
In ancient times, most societies were ruled by kings, emperors, or chiefs. The common people had little or no say in how they were governed. Over time, people began questioning absolute power and demanded participation in governance. This gradual shift from rulers controlling people to people controlling rulers is a key theme of this chapter.
This chapter explains how different types of governments developed and how modern democratic systems allow citizens to take part in decision-making.
What is Government?
A government is a system through which a country or community is ruled. It makes laws, enforces rules, maintains order, and works for the welfare of people.
Main functions of government:
- Making laws
- Maintaining law and order
- Providing public services
- Protecting citizens’ rights
Early Forms of Government
In earlier times, governments were usually controlled by a small group or a single person. Ordinary people had no role in governance.
Monarchy
In a monarchy, power is held by a king or queen. The ruler usually inherits power and rules for life. The people do not choose the ruler.
Example: Ancient Indian kingdoms, medieval Europe.
Autocracy
Autocracy is a system where one person has unlimited power. The ruler does not have to follow the wishes of the people.
Oligarchy
In an oligarchy, power is held by a small group of wealthy or powerful people.
Why Did People Demand Change?
As education spread, people became aware of their rights. They realized that rulers should be accountable. This led to revolutions and reforms in many countries.
Examples:
- French Revolution
- American War of Independence
- Indian freedom movement
Democracy: Rule by the People
Democracy is a form of government in which people elect their representatives. The word democracy comes from Greek words:
- Demos – People
- Kratos – Rule
Thus, democracy means “rule of the people”.
Types of Democracy
Direct Democracy
People directly participate in decision-making. This system is practical only in small communities.
Representative Democracy
People elect representatives to govern on their behalf. India follows representative democracy.
Features of a Democratic Government
- Free and fair elections
- Equality before law
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Rule of law
- Accountability of rulers
Why Democracy is Important
Democracy ensures participation, protects rights, and allows peaceful change of government. It respects diversity and promotes equality.
📕 हिंदी नोट्स
परिचय
प्राचीन काल में अधिकांश समाजों पर राजा या शासक शासन करते थे। आम लोगों की शासन में कोई भूमिका नहीं होती थी। समय के साथ लोगों ने अपने अधिकारों के लिए आवाज़ उठानी शुरू की।
यह अध्याय बताता है कि कैसे शासन व्यवस्था शासकों से जनता के हाथों में आई।
सरकार क्या है?
सरकार वह व्यवस्था है जो किसी देश या समाज का संचालन करती है। यह कानून बनाती है, नियम लागू करती है और जनता की भलाई के लिए काम करती है।
प्राचीन शासन प्रणालियाँ
राजतंत्र
राजतंत्र में राजा या रानी शासन करते हैं। सत्ता वंशानुगत होती है और जनता की कोई भूमिका नहीं होती।
तानाशाही
तानाशाही में एक व्यक्ति के पास पूर्ण सत्ता होती है। जनता की इच्छा का कोई महत्व नहीं होता।
अल्पतंत्र
अल्पतंत्र में कुछ शक्तिशाली लोग शासन करते हैं।
लोकतंत्र
लोकतंत्र वह शासन प्रणाली है जिसमें जनता अपने प्रतिनिधि चुनती है। भारत एक लोकतांत्रिक देश है।
लोकतंत्र की विशेषताएँ
- स्वतंत्र चुनाव
- कानून के समक्ष समानता
- अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता
- जनता की भागीदारी
लोकतंत्र का महत्व
लोकतंत्र नागरिकों को अधिकार देता है और सरकार को जवाबदेह बनाता है।
❓ Questions & Answers
🔹 MCQs (10)
- Democracy means: (a) Rule by king (b) Rule by people ✔ (c) Rule by army
- India follows which democracy? – Representative ✔
- Monarchy is ruled by – King or Queen ✔
- Oligarchy means rule by – Few people ✔
- Demos means – People ✔
- Autocracy has power with – One person ✔
- Free elections are part of – Democracy ✔
- Who elects the government? – Citizens ✔
- Which system gives equality? – Democracy ✔
- Democracy supports – Rights ✔
🔹 True / False (10)
- Democracy allows public participation – True ✔
- Monarchy is elected – False ✔
- India is a dictatorship – False ✔
- People have rights in democracy – True ✔
- Oligarchy means rule by all – False ✔
- Law is equal for all in democracy – True ✔
- Autocracy gives freedom – False ✔
- Democracy came after struggles – True ✔
- Voting is unnecessary – False ✔
- Democracy encourages equality – True ✔
🔹 Short Answer Questions (10)
Q1. What is democracy?
Ans: Democracy is a system where people elect their representatives.
Q2. What is monarchy?
Ans: A system ruled by a king or queen.
Q3. Define government.
Ans: A system that governs a country.
Q4. Name one feature of democracy.
Ans: Free and fair elections.
Q5. What is autocracy?
Ans: Rule by one person with absolute power.
Q6. Why is democracy important?
Ans: It protects rights and ensures participation.
Q7. What is oligarchy?
Ans: Rule by a small group.
Q8. Who rules in democracy?
Ans: Elected representatives.
Q9. Name one democratic country.
Ans: India.
Q10. What does rule of law mean?
Ans: Law is equal for everyone.
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