9. From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government

Introduction
According to Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra, a ruler has three main duties:

  • Rakṣha – protecting the state from external threats.

  • Pālana – maintaining law and order internally.

  • Yogakṣhema – ensuring people’s welfare.

This chapter explores how governments function, their different forms, and why democracy matters.

What is Government and What Does it Do?

The government significantly influences people’s daily lives. Its roles include:

  • Maintaining law and order.

  • Ensuring peace, stability, and security.

  • Handling relations with other countries.

  • Defending the nation.

  • Providing essential services (education, health, infrastructure).

  • Managing the economy.

  • Improving people’s welfare and quality of life.

India and many nations have democratic governments, but not all governments are democratic. Even among democracies, structures differ.

Understanding Democracy

Democracy means “rule of the people.” The people are the ultimate source of authority.

School Example:
A school needs organization—timetables, assemblies, meals, etc. The head teacher suggests forming a student committee. Options arise:

  1. Everyone joins the committee → impractical.

  2. Head Teacher picks members → unfair, students excluded.

  3. Students elect representatives → each grade gets a voice.

The third option shows the democratic idea of representation.

Government’s Functions (similar to a committee):

  • Making rules (Legislative).

  • Implementing them (Executive).

  • Ensuring compliance (Judiciary).

What Makes Governments Different?

Governments vary due to:

  1. Source of authority – People (democracy), religion (theocracy), monarch (king/queen).

  2. Formation – By election, by family succession, or other means.

  3. Parts of government – Legislative, executive, judiciary may be separate or combined.

  4. Purpose/Goals – For common welfare or benefit of a few.

Democratic Governments Around the World

Democracy is the most common form today.

Core Principles of Democracy:

  • Equality – All equal before law, equal access to facilities.

  • Freedom – Citizens can choose and express themselves.

  • Representation – People elect leaders.

  • Universal Adult Franchise – Everyone above a certain age can vote.

  • Fundamental Rights – Freedom of speech, equality, protection from exploitation.

  • Independent Judiciary – Safeguards rights and ensures fairness.

These principles developed over time (e.g., Indian women had voting rights from 1950; Swiss women only from 1971).

Types of Democracies

  1. Direct Democracy – Citizens directly decide all matters. Example: Switzerland (to some extent). Hard in large nations.

  2. Representative Democracy – People elect representatives who govern. Example: India.

Forms of Representative Democracy:

  • Parliamentary Democracy – Executive comes from legislature. E.g., India.

  • Presidential Democracy – Executive independent of legislature. E.g., USA.

(Table 9.1 compares India, USA, South Korea, Australia.)

Historical Background – Early Republics

  • Ancient India’s Vajji Mahājanapada had elected leaders.

  • Chola inscriptions (10th century CE) describe village elections with rules.

  • Greece and Rome also had republics, though limited to certain groups.

Other Forms of Government

  1. Monarchy – Kings/queens rule.

    • Absolute Monarchy – Ruler has all power (e.g., Saudi Arabia).

    • Constitutional Monarchy – King/queen has symbolic role; parliament governs (e.g., UK).

  2. Theocracy – Rule by religion. Example: Iran, Vatican City, Afghanistan.

  3. Dictatorship – One person/group with unlimited power. Examples:

    • Hitler (Germany) – Nazi dictatorship, Holocaust, WWII.

    • Idi Amin (Uganda) – Brutal military dictatorship.

    • North Korea (today) – Government controls daily life (haircuts, military service, internet).

  4. Oligarchy – A few wealthy/powerful families rule. Seen in some ancient Greek states; even some modern democracies show this trend.

Why Democracy Matters

Comparing governments shows democracy values:

  • Universal franchise.

  • Equality.

  • Freedom of speech.

  • Separation of powers.

  • Welfare of all citizens.

In democracy, people choose their government, check its actions, and replace it through elections.

However, challenges exist:

  • Corruption.

  • Wealth inequality.

  • Influence of a few powerful groups.

  • Weakening of judiciary.

  • Manipulated information.

Citizens must stay alert and responsible to safeguard democracy.



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📖 Questions & Answers (Pages 207–208)

Q1. Write names of the various types of government that you have learnt in the chapter.
Ans: Democracy (Direct, Representative → Parliamentary & Presidential), Monarchy (Absolute, Constitutional), Theocracy, Dictatorship, Oligarchy.

Q2. Which type of Government does India have? And why is that called that type?
Ans: India has a parliamentary democracy, because citizens elect representatives, and the executive (Prime Minister & Council of Ministers) comes from and is answerable to the legislature (Parliament).

Q3. 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.
Ans:

  1. To protect citizens’ fundamental rights.

  2. To ensure laws are applied fairly and equally.

  3. To act as a check on executive and legislature, preventing misuse of power.

Q4. Do you think democratic government is better than other forms of government? Why?
Ans: Yes, because democracy allows equality, freedom of speech, universal franchise, accountability of rulers, and ensures people’s welfare. Other forms often concentrate power in the hands of one/few and deny rights.

Q5. Match the practice with the type of government.

PracticeType of Government
I. All citizens are treated equally before lawDemocracy
II. Government refers to religious leader for decisionsTheocracy
III. After queen’s death, son became new kingMonarchy
IV. Ruler not bound to follow any ConstitutionDictatorship

Q6. Below is a list of countries. Find out the types of government these countries have:

  1. Bhutan → Monarchy (Constitutional)

  2. Nepal → Parliamentary Democracy (Republic)

  3. Bangladesh → Parliamentary Democracy

  4. South Africa → Parliamentary Democracy

  5. Brazil → Presidential Democracy

Q7. What are possible hurdles in a democracy in achieving its values and ideals? How can they be overcome?
Ans:

  • Hurdles: Corruption, inequality, excessive control by elites, weak judiciary, misinformation.

  • Solutions: Strong institutions, active citizen participation, transparency, education, and accountability of leaders.

Q8. Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain.
Ans:

  • In democracy, people elect rulers, enjoy equality and rights, and leaders are accountable.

  • In monarchy, power is inherited, often limited participation.

  • In dictatorship, power is concentrated in one person/group, citizens have no real rights or freedoms.



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