From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government

Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (40)

Q1. According to Kautilya, what are the three main duties of a ruler?
a) Rakṣha, Pālana, Yogakṣhema
b) Law, Order, Peace
c) Defence, Economy, Education
d) Justice, Equality, Freedom
Ans: a) Rakṣha, Pālana, Yogakṣhema

Q2. Which of these is NOT a function of government?
a) Maintaining law and order
b) Ensuring security
c) Organizing family rituals
d) Delivering essential services
Ans: c) Organizing family rituals

Q3. Democracy literally means:
a) Rule of law
b) Rule of the people
c) Rule of the king
d) Rule of religion
Ans: b) Rule of the people

Q4. In a democracy, who is the source of power?
a) Military
b) Religious leaders
c) People
d) Bureaucracy
Ans: c) People

Q5. Which function is called the legislative function?
a) Implementing rules
b) Making rules
c) Enforcing discipline
d) Providing justice
Ans: b) Making rules

Q6. Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as:
a) Government of the king
b) Government of religion
c) Government of the people, by the people, for the people
d) Government of wealth
Ans: c) Government of the people, by the people, for the people

Q7. The Indian form of government is:
a) Presidential democracy
b) Absolute monarchy
c) Theocracy
d) Parliamentary democracy
Ans: d) Parliamentary democracy

Q8. In a representative democracy, people:
a) Directly take all decisions
b) Elect representatives who govern
c) Have no role in governance
d) Are ruled by a king
Ans: b) Elect representatives who govern

Q9. Universal Adult Franchise means:
a) Right to property
b) Right to vote for all adults
c) Right to education
d) Right to freedom
Ans: b) Right to vote for all adults

Q10. Which country gave women voting rights only in 1971?
a) India
b) USA
c) Switzerland
d) UK
Ans: c) Switzerland

Q11. Which organ ensures laws are followed?
a) Legislature
b) Executive
c) Judiciary
d) Parliament
Ans: c) Judiciary

Q12. In which type of democracy is the executive independent of the legislature?
a) Parliamentary
b) Presidential
c) Direct
d) Theocratic
Ans: b) Presidential

Q13. In India, general elections are held every:
a) 3 years
b) 4 years
c) 5 years
d) 6 years
Ans: c) 5 years

Q14. The UK today is:
a) Absolute monarchy
b) Constitutional monarchy
c) Theocracy
d) Dictatorship
Ans: b) Constitutional monarchy

Q15. Saudi Arabia is an example of:
a) Democracy
b) Dictatorship
c) Absolute monarchy
d) Oligarchy
Ans: c) Absolute monarchy

Q16. Iran’s political system is:
a) Only democracy
b) Only monarchy
c) Theocracy + Democracy
d) Dictatorship
Ans: c) Theocracy + Democracy

Q17. Adolf Hitler became dictator of Germany in:
a) 1918
b) 1933
c) 1945
d) 1965
Ans: b) 1933

Q18. The Holocaust killed at least:
a) 1 million Jews
b) 3 million Jews
c) 6 million Jews
d) 10 million Jews
Ans: c) 6 million Jews

Q19. Idi Amin was dictator of:
a) Kenya
b) Uganda
c) Nigeria
d) Egypt
Ans: b) Uganda

Q20. The word “Oligarchy” means rule by:
a) One person
b) Many people
c) A few people
d) Religion
Ans: c) A few people

Q21. In democracy, elections are held at:
a) Irregular times
b) Fixed intervals
c) Rare occasions
d) Only once
Ans: b) Fixed intervals

Q22. Lower House in India is called:
a) Rajya Sabha
b) Lok Sabha
c) Senate
d) House of Representatives
Ans: b) Lok Sabha

Q23. Upper House in India is:
a) Lok Sabha
b) Senate
c) Rajya Sabha
d) Congress
Ans: c) Rajya Sabha

Q24. A republic means the head of state is:
a) A monarch
b) Elected
c) A religious leader
d) A dictator
Ans: b) Elected

Q25. Vajji Mahājanapada practised:
a) Dictatorship
b) Republic system
c) Absolute monarchy
d) Oligarchy
Ans: b) Republic system

Q26. Which inscription gives details of Chola elections?
a) Sanchi
b) Uttaramerur
c) Nalanda
d) Ellora
Ans: b) Uttaramerur

Q27. Bhīṣhma’s advice in Mahābhārata emphasised:
a) Absolute power
b) Dharma and justice
c) Wealth and expansion
d) Military conquest
Ans: b) Dharma and justice

Q28. North Korea is an example of:
a) Democracy
b) Dictatorship
c) Constitutional monarchy
d) Theocracy
Ans: b) Dictatorship

Q29. Who makes laws in a constitutional monarchy like UK?
a) Monarch
b) Prime Minister alone
c) Parliament
d) Military
Ans: c) Parliament

Q30. Which principle protects citizens from unfair treatment?
a) Universal Franchise
b) Independent Judiciary
c) Monarchy
d) Dictatorship
Ans: b) Independent Judiciary

Q31. In democracy, accountability means:
a) Government answers to military
b) Government answers to people
c) People answer to rulers
d) No one is accountable
Ans: b) Government answers to people

Q32. Which of these is NOT a democratic principle?
a) Equality
b) Freedom
c) Hereditary rule
d) Representation
Ans: c) Hereditary rule

Q33. Which form of government gives least rights to citizens?
a) Democracy
b) Dictatorship
c) Constitutional monarchy
d) Republic
Ans: b) Dictatorship

Q34. Who elects the US President?
a) Parliament
b) People
c) Monarch
d) Judiciary
Ans: b) People

Q35. The term “sovereign” means:
a) Dependent on others
b) Independent authority
c) Controlled by monarch
d) Limited by religion
Ans: b) Independent authority

Q36. Equality before law means:
a) Rich get preference
b) All citizens are equal
c) Officials decide randomly
d) Only men are equal
Ans: b) All citizens are equal

Q37. The Roma people originally migrated from:
a) Africa
b) India
c) China
d) Europe
Ans: b) India

Q38. In which democracy is the President not required to take legislature’s confidence?
a) India
b) USA
c) UK
d) Nepal
Ans: b) USA

Q39. Which is considered the most suitable form of government worldwide?
a) Theocracy
b) Dictatorship
c) Monarchy
d) Democracy
Ans: d) Democracy

Q40. Citizens must remain ______ to safeguard democracy.
a) Silent
b) Vigilant
c) Dependent
d) Fearful
Ans: b) Vigilant


📘 Part B – Short Answer Questions (with Answers)

Q1. What are the three duties of a ruler as per Kautilya?
Ans: Kautilya said a ruler must perform Rakṣha (protection from external threats), Pālana (maintaining law and order), and Yogakṣhema (ensuring the welfare of the people).

Q2. Mention three functions of government.
Ans: The government maintains law and order, provides essential services like education and healthcare, and manages national defence.

Q3. Define democracy in simple words.
Ans: Democracy means “rule of the people,” where citizens are the ultimate source of power and authority.

Q4. What does the term “representation” mean?
Ans: Representation means choosing someone to make decisions and act on behalf of others, like electing members of parliament.

Q5. Name the three organs of government.
Ans: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.

Q6. What is the legislative function of government?
Ans: It is the creation of laws and rules to run the country.

Q7. What makes governments different across countries?
Ans: Their source of authority, method of formation, structure of organs, and goals/values.

Q8. What is theocracy? Give an example.
Ans: A theocracy is government based on religious laws and leaders. Example: Iran.

Q9. What is universal adult franchise?
Ans: The right of all adults above a certain age to vote in elections, regardless of caste, gender, or wealth.

Q10. Why is freedom important in democracy?
Ans: It allows citizens to make choices, express opinions, and live according to their beliefs.

Q11. Name two forms of representative democracy.
Ans: Parliamentary democracy and Presidential democracy.

Q12. How often are general elections held in India?
Ans: Every five years.

Q13. What is a parliamentary democracy?
Ans: In it, the executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is part of the legislature and is accountable to it.

Q14. What is a presidential democracy?
Ans: The executive (President) is independent of the legislature and directly elected by the people.

Q15. Give two features of dictatorship.
Ans: Absolute power in one person/group, and denial of rights to people.

Q16. Who was Adolf Hitler?
Ans: Hitler was dictator of Germany (1933–1945) responsible for World War II and the Holocaust.

Q17. Who was Idi Amin?
Ans: A military dictator of Uganda who killed thousands and forced Indians to leave the country.

Q18. What is oligarchy?
Ans: A system where a small group of wealthy or powerful people control the government.

Q19. Name one ancient Indian republic.
Ans: Vajji (Vṛiji) Mahājanapada.

Q20. What did the Chola inscriptions describe?
Ans: The Uttaramerur inscriptions described village elections, rules for members, and conditions for removal.

Q21. What does “sovereign power” mean?
Ans: Independent authority of a state not controlled by external powers.

Q22. Which country is an example of constitutional monarchy?
Ans: The United Kingdom (UK).

Q23. What is meant by accountability in democracy?
Ans: It means the government is answerable to the people who elected it.

Q24. Why is an independent judiciary important?
Ans: It protects rights, ensures fairness, and prevents misuse of power by other organs.

Q25. Give two hurdles in democracy.
Ans: Corruption and inequality.

Q26. How is a republic different from monarchy?
Ans: In a republic, the head of state is elected; in monarchy, the ruler inherits power.

Q27. Name one feature common in all democracies.
Ans: Universal adult franchise.

Q28. What is the role of executive in government?
Ans: To implement laws and administer the country.

Q29. Who makes laws in India?
Ans: The Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).

Q30. Why is democracy considered better than monarchy?
Ans: Because it ensures equality, people’s participation, accountability, and rights.

📘 Part C – Long Answer Questions (with Answers)

Q1. Explain Kautilya’s three duties of a ruler with examples.
Ans: Kautilya in Arthaśāstra mentioned three duties:

  • Rakṣha: Protect the state from external aggression (like maintaining the army).

  • Pālana: Maintain peace and law internally (police, courts).

  • Yogakṣhema: Ensure citizens’ welfare (health, education).
    These remain the core of governance even today.

Q2. Describe the functions of government in detail.
Ans: Government maintains law and order, ensures peace and security, manages defence, runs foreign relations, provides services like healthcare and education, builds infrastructure, manages the economy, and works for citizens’ welfare.

Q3. Explain the school example that shows how democracy works.
Ans: In a school, when activities became too many, a student committee was suggested. Options were: everyone joins, head teacher selects, or students elect representatives. The third option, election of representatives, reflects democracy – where people elect leaders to make decisions for all.

Q4. Differentiate between legislative, executive, and judiciary.
Ans:

  • Legislative – makes laws.

  • Executive – implements laws.

  • Judiciary – interprets laws and ensures justice.
    Together they balance power in government.

Q5. Explain Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy.
Ans: Lincoln called it “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” meaning people are both the source and beneficiaries of governance, and leaders must be accountable to them.

Q6. What are the four aspects that make governments different?
Ans:

  1. Source of authority (people, monarch, religion).

  2. Method of formation (elections, inheritance).

  3. Structure of organs (separation or combination).

  4. Goals (welfare of all or benefit of few).

Q7. Describe the core principles of democracy.
Ans: Democracy is based on equality (all equal before law), freedom (right to choice and expression), representation (electing leaders), universal franchise, fundamental rights, and an independent judiciary.

Q8. Explain the difference between direct and representative democracy.
Ans:

  • Direct democracy – people themselves decide on all laws (e.g., Switzerland).

  • Representative democracy – people elect representatives to decide and govern (e.g., India).

Q9. Compare parliamentary and presidential democracies.
Ans:

  • Parliamentary – Executive comes from legislature, accountable to it (India, UK).

  • Presidential – Executive (President) is independent, not answerable to legislature (USA).

Q10. Give examples of countries with different forms of democracy.
Ans: USA (Presidential), India (Parliamentary), Switzerland (Direct), Australia (Parliamentary), South Korea (Presidential).

Q11. Explain how India practices parliamentary democracy.
Ans: In India, people elect Parliament. The majority party forms the government, with the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, who remain in office as long as they have Lok Sabha’s confidence.

Q12. Write a note on early republics in India.
Ans: Vajji Mahājanapada had elected leaders, collective decision-making, and councils. Chola inscriptions also show village-level elections. These highlight India’s early democratic traditions.

Q13. Describe the Uttaramerur inscriptions and their importance.
Ans: The 10th-century CE inscriptions detail village elections – sealed ballot boxes, qualifications, duties, and dismissal of members – showing advanced democratic practices in Chola times.

Q14. Compare monarchy and democracy.
Ans:

  • Monarchy – Power inherited, people have little say.

  • Democracy – Leaders elected, accountable to people, ensures equality and rights.

Q15. Distinguish between absolute monarchy and constitutional monarchy.
Ans:

  • Absolute monarchy – Monarch holds all powers (Saudi Arabia).

  • Constitutional monarchy – Monarch is symbolic, real power lies with elected parliament (UK).

Q16. Explain the role of religion in a theocracy.
Ans: In a theocracy, laws are based on religious scriptures and leaders (e.g., Iran’s Supreme Leader has ultimate authority based on Islamic principles).

Q17. Describe Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany.
Ans: Hitler became Chancellor in 1933, abolished opposition, gained full power, believed in racial superiority, caused WWII, and killed 6 million Jews in the Holocaust.

Q18. Write a note on Idi Amin’s dictatorship in Uganda.
Ans: Amin seized power militarily, killed thousands, forced Indians to flee, and ruled brutally, causing immense suffering.

Q19. Explain with example how dictatorship controls daily life.
Ans: In North Korea, citizens face strict rules on dress, haircuts, compulsory military service, and no internet freedom. Government monitors all aspects of life.

Q20. What is oligarchy? Give ancient and modern examples.
Ans: Oligarchy means rule by a few powerful people. Ancient Greek aristocratic families ruled oligarchies; today, wealthy groups sometimes dominate politics in democracies.

Q21. Why is democracy considered the most suitable government?
Ans: Because it ensures equality, freedom, representation, universal franchise, accountability, and welfare for all – unlike dictatorship or monarchy.

Q22. Compare features of democracy, dictatorship, monarchy, oligarchy.
Ans:

  • Democracy – Equality, freedom, elections.

  • Dictatorship – One person/group, no rights.

  • Monarchy – Hereditary rule.

  • Oligarchy – Rule by a few powerful elites.

Q23. Explain Bhīṣhma’s teachings on governance in Mahābhārata.
Ans: Bhīṣhma advised Yudhiṣṭhira that a king must prioritize people’s welfare, apply laws without bias, avoid attachment to power, and rule according to dharma with wise counsel.

Q24. What lessons can we learn from King Chandrāpīḍa’s story?
Ans: It shows rulers must value subjects’ rights, respect even the poor, and act with humility and justice, ensuring fairness and compassion in governance.

Q25. Discuss problems faced by democracies today.
Ans: Corruption, wealth inequality, erosion of judiciary independence, control of media, and dominance by a few elites weaken democracy.

Q26. Suggest measures to strengthen democracy.
Ans: Ensure transparency, empower independent institutions, promote education, reduce inequality, enforce accountability, and encourage active citizen participation.

Q27. Why is equality important in democracy?
Ans: It ensures fair treatment of all citizens, equal access to opportunities, and prevents discrimination, making democracy just and inclusive.

Q28. Explain the importance of elections in democracy.
Ans: Elections allow citizens to choose representatives, hold governments accountable, change rulers peacefully, and express their will.

Q29. Discuss how Indian democracy protects people’s rights.
Ans: Through the Constitution, Fundamental Rights, independent judiciary, universal franchise, reservation policies, and accountability of government.

Q30. Why must citizens remain vigilant in a democracy?
Ans: Because corruption, misinformation, and concentration of power can weaken democracy. Vigilance ensures rights are protected and government remains accountable.