Chapter 9: From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments
Who should run a country, and how should they be chosen? In this chapter we use a school committee to understand democracy and the three functions of government, compare governments with four key questions, explore direct, parliamentary and presidential democracies, meet monarchies, theocracies, dictatorships and oligarchies, and see why democracy matters.
In this chapter you will
- explain the functions of government
- compare forms of government using four key questions
- describe the principles and types of democracy
- explain monarchy, theocracy, dictatorship and oligarchy, and why democracy matters
Topics
- What Is Government? What Are Its Functions? NCERT 9.1
Governments keep order, defend, provide services, manage the economy and work for welfare.
- What Makes Governments Different? NCERT 9.2
Governments differ in who gives them authority and how they are formed.
- Democratic Governments around the World NCERT 9.3
Democracies share equality, freedom, elections, universal adult franchise, fundamental rights and an independent judiciary.
- Other Forms of Government NCERT 9.4
Monarchies may be absolute or constitutional; Indian kings were expected to follow rājadharma.
- Why Democracy Matters NCERT 9.5
Democracy uniquely combines voting rights, equality, freedom, separation of powers and welfare for all.
Key words
- Representative
- a person chosen to act for others
- Universal adult franchise
- every adult citizen's right to vote
- Accountability
- the government answering to the people
- Separation of powers
- the three organs working independently
- Constitutional monarchy
- a monarchy where an elected parliament governs
- Theocracy
- rule by religious leaders and rules
- Dictatorship
- absolute rule by one person or group
- Oligarchy
- rule by a small, powerful group
Summary
- Governments make, carry out and enforce rules (legislative, executive, judicial).
- They differ in authority, formation, structure and goals.
- Democracies may be direct or representative, parliamentary (India) or presidential (USA).
- Monarchy, theocracy, dictatorship and oligarchy concentrate power; democracy protects rights but needs vigilant citizens.