SOCIAL SCIENCE -VII (PART-1) CHAPTER 9 FROM THE RULERS TO THE RULED: TYPES OF GOVERNMENT

    

SOCIAL SCIENCE -VII (PART-1)

CHAPTER 9

FROM THE RULERS TO THE RULED: TYPES OF GOVERNMENT

 

v Introduction

   Ø The duties of a ruler, as described in the Arthaśhāstra by Kauṭilya, include protection of the state, maintenance of law and order, and safeguarding the welfare of the people.

   Ø The chapter explains different types of government and how they function.

   Ø It explores where governments get their authority from and why democracy is important.

 

 

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1. What is Government?

v Meaning of Government

   Ø Government is a system or group of people that governs a country.

   Ø It plays an important role in maintaining order and ensuring welfare.

v Functions of Government

  Ø The government maintains law and order in society.

  Ø It ensures peace, stability, and security for the people.

  Ø It manages relationships with other countries.

  Ø It takes care of national defence.

  Ø It delivers essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

  Ø It manages the economy and economic activities.

  Ø It works for the welfare and improvement of people’s lives.

2. Functions of Government

v Government performs three major functions:

1. Legislative Function

   Ø The legislative function involves making laws for the country.

  Ø These laws form the framework for governance.

2. Executive Function

  Ø The executive function involves implementing and enforcing the laws.

  Ø It administers the country according to the laws made by the legislature.

3. Judicial Function

  Ø The judicial function ensures that laws are followed properly.

  Ø It interprets laws and settles disputes.

3. What is Democracy?

v Meaning of Democracy

  Ø Democracy means “rule of the people.”

  Ø The people are the ultimate source of power and authority.

  Ø Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

v Example of School Committee

  Ø A school committee formed through elections reflects democratic principles.

  Ø Students choose representatives through voting.

  Ø Representatives speak on behalf of their class.

  Ø This system ensures participation and fairness.

4. Fundamental Principles of Democracy

1. Equality

  Ø Every person has the right to be treated equally.

  Ø Everyone has equal access to education and healthcare.

  Ø All citizens are equal before the law.

2. Freedom

  Ø Citizens have the freedom to express their opinions.

  Ø People can make their own choices.

3. Representative Participation

  Ø Citizens have the right to vote and elect their representatives.

  Ø Elections are conducted regularly.

4. Universal Adult Franchise

  Ø Every adult citizen has the right to vote.

  Ø India adopted universal adult franchise in 1950.

5. Independent Judiciary

  Ø The judiciary works independently from the executive and legislature.

  Ø It protects fundamental rights of citizens.

5. Types of Democratic Governments

1. Direct Democracy

  Ø A form of democracy in which citizens directly participate in decision-making.

  Ø It is difficult to implement in large countries.

  Ø Switzerland follows certain elements of direct democracy.

2. Representative Democracy

  Ø The form of democratic government in which People elect their representatives who govern on their behalf.

  Ø Elections are held at regular intervals.

  Ø The government remains accountable to the people.

A. Parliamentary Democracy

  Ø In this form of the government the executive is part of the legislature.

  Ø The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are members of Parliament.

  Ø The executive must have the confidence of the legislature.

  Ø India follows parliamentary democracy.

B. Presidential Democracy

  Ø In this form of the government the executive works independently of the legislature.

  Ø The President is elected directly by the people.

  Ø The President does not require legislative confidence.

  Ø The United States follows presidential democracy.

6. Structure of Democratic Government

v Legislature

  Ø The legislature is the body of the government which is responsible for making laws.

  Ø It is known by different names in different countries. In India, it is called Parliament; in the USA, it is called Congress.

  Ø It usually has two houses: Lok Sabha (Lower)  and Rajya Sabha (Upper House)

  Ø In most countries, the Lower House is elected by direct voting and is generally more powerful than the Upper House, which is formed either by election or nomination.

v Executive

  Ø The executive is the organ of the government which is responsible for implementing the law. But the process of its election is different in different countries

v Judiciary

  Ø It interprets laws and ensures justice.

v Separation of Powers

  Ø The legislature, executive, and judiciary function independently.

  Ø This prevents misuse of power.

7. A Peek into History

v Early Republics in India

  Ø Vajji Mahajanapada (Lichchhavi clan, )practised collective decision-making.

  Ø Leaders were chosen based on merit rather than birth.

  Ø Key positions were filled through elections, and representatives from various clans met regularly to address issues and develop solutions to ensure the people’s welfare.

  Ø Uttaramerur inscriptions describe democratic village elections during the Chola period.  

  Ø Members involved in corruption were removed immediately.

  Ø In the 5^th and 4th centuries BCE, Rome and Greece had republics. In some regions of Greece, free men could vote, but women, workers and slaves could not.

8. Other Forms of Government

1. Monarchy

• Ø Monarchy a type of government that is ruled by a king or queen.
• Ø Power is usually hereditary.
• Ø They exercise their sovereign power

A. Absolute Monarchy

• Ø The monarch has complete control over law-making and governance.
• Ø However, he appoints a council that advises and assists him on governance; but he is not bound by the council’s advice.
• Ø Saudi Arabia is an example.

B. Constitutional Monarchy

• Ø A type of government in which head of the state is king or queen but he o she has nominal power.
• Ø Real power lies with elected representatives.
• Ø The United Kingdom is an example.

2. Theocracy

• Ø A theocracy is a form of government where the country is ruled by the rules of religion and religious leaders.
• Ø  Laws are based on religious principles.
• Ø There are also an elected president and a parliament that take care of everyday governance.
• Ø Iran combines theocratic and democratic elements.
• Ø Vatican City and Afghanistan are examples of theocracy.

3. Dictatorship

• Ø A dictatorship is ruled by one person or a small group with absolute power.
• Ø The ruler is not bound by a constitution.
• Ø Adolf Hitler in Germany and Idi Amin in Uganda were dictators.
• Ø Dictatorships often violate human rights.

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4. Oligarchy

• Ø The word ‘oligarchy’ is of Greek origin, where olígos means a few and árkhō means to rule or command.
• Ø  It is a type of government where a small, powerful group makes all the important deci-sions An oligarchy is ruled by a small powerful group.
• Ø Wealthy families or influential individuals control governance.
• Ø It may exist within some democracies if power is concentrated.

8. Why Democracy Matters

• Ø Democracy provides universal adult franchise.
• Ø It ensures equality among citizens.
• Ø It protects freedom of speech.
• Ø It ensures separation of powers.
• Ø It focuses on the well-being and prosperity of all citizens.
• Ø Citizens can change their government through elections.
• Ø It promotes accountability and transparency.
• v Challenges to Democracy
• Ø Corruption weakens democratic values.
• Ø Wealth disparity creates inequality.
• Ø Excessive control by a few individuals harms institutions.
• Ø Manipulation of information misleads citizens.
• Ø Weak judiciary reduces protection of rights..

v Summary of the Lesson

Ø Government is responsible for maintaining order, security, and welfare.
Ø Government performs legislative, executive, and judicial functions.
Ø Democracy means rule of the people.
Ø Fundamental principles of democracy include equality, freedom, and participation.
Ø Democratic governments may be direct or representative.
Ø Representative democracies are parliamentary or presidential.
Ø Other forms of government include monarchy, theocracy, dictatorship, and oligarchy.
Ø Democracy ensures accountability and protection of rights.
Ø Democracy faces challenges such as corruption and inequality.
Ø Citizens must remain vigilant to protect democratic values.