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Cheat Sheet: Types Of Governments

1. From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments

1.1 Definitions

TermDefinition
GovernmentA system that runs a country, making rules and ensuring people's safety and welfare.
RepresentativeA person chosen to act or decide for others.
ConstitutionA book of basic rules for running a country.
AccountabilityThe government's responsibility to answer to the people.
SovereignA government's independent power, free from outside control.
RājadharmaThe duty of a king to rule fairly according to moral principles.
Separation of powerThe legislature, executive, and judiciary work independently without interfering with each other.

1.2 Functions of Government

FunctionDescription
Legislative functionMaking rules (laws) to run the country.
Executive functionCarrying out the rules and managing the country.
Judicial functionEnsuring everyone follows the rules and settling disputes.

2. Types, Forms, Principles and Differences

2.1 Types of Governments

TypeDefinition
Democracy"Rule of the people"; the people are the source of power.
RepublicA government where the head is elected, not a hereditary king.
MonarchyA government led by a king or queen.
TheocracyA government ruled by religious leaders and rules.
DictatorshipA government where one person or group has all power.
OligarchyA government where a small, powerful group rules.

2.2 Forms of Democratic Governments

  • Direct democracy: All citizens directly make rules and decisions.
  • Representative democracy: People elect representatives to govern.
  • Parliamentary democracy: Executive (prime minister and ministers) is part of the legislature and requires the legislature's support; people elect the legislature, not the executive.
  • Presidential democracy: President is elected separately and works independently of the legislature.
  • Election intervals: India - every 5 years; USA - every 4 years.

2.3 Democratic Governments Around the World

CountryYear adopted
USA1787
Switzerland1848
India1947
Germany1949
Kenya1964
Nepal2008

2.4 Fundamental Principles of Democracy

PrincipleMeaning
EqualityEveryone is treated the same, with equal access to education, health, and laws.
FreedomPeople can make choices and express opinions freely.
Representative participationPeople choose representatives through elections.
Universal adult franchiseEvery adult can vote to choose representatives.
Fundamental rightsRights like equality, free speech, and protection from exploitation are guarded.
Independent judiciaryCourts protect rights and ensure laws are followed by everyone, including the government.

2.5 Key Differences Between Governments

FeatureDistinction
Who decides "this is the government"?Democracy: people decide through voting; Theocracy: religious beliefs and leaders give power.
How is the government formed?Democracy: through elections; Monarchy: a king or queen from the family rules.
Parts of governmentThe legislative, executive, and judiciary parts may be separate or combined; democracies often have a constitution; monarchies may concentrate power in the monarch.
Government goalsSome governments aim for equality and prosperity for all; others may focus on certain groups or families.

2.6 Why Democracy Matters

  • Gives people more rights and choices.
  • Makes the government accountable to the people.
  • Allows citizens to change the government through elections.
  • Has challenges: corruption, wealth gaps, and control by a few; citizens must stay alert.
The document Cheat Sheet: Types Of Governments is a part of the Class 7 Course Social Science Class 7 - New NCERT ( Part 1 and Part 2).
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