From Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government – Very Short Answer Type Questions

CBSE Class 7 Social Science - Chapter 8: Very Short Q&A

Class: 7

Subject: Social Science

Chapter: 8

From Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government — 50 Very Short Q&A

NCERT-aligned very short questions and answers covering what a government is, its functions, and the main types of governments — ideal for CBSE Class 7 revision.

CBSE Board Examination — Study Order

Understand definitions & key terms
Memorise functions and features
Practice short and very short answers
Compare types with examples
Revise glossary and practice questions

Content Bank — Chapter 8 (Topics covered)

Meaning of government
Functions of government
Types of governments (democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, oligarchy, theocracy)
Unitary vs Federal; Centralised vs Decentralised
How governments are formed
Role of citizens and key terms

Topic 1: What is a Government? (1–6)

1. What is a government?

An organisation that makes and enforces rules for a society.

2. Who can be part of a government?

Elected representatives, appointed officials, or hereditary rulers.

3. Give one simple example of a government.

The central government of India led by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

4. What does "enforcing rules" mean?

Making sure people follow laws using institutions like police and courts.

5. Why do societies need governments?

To maintain order, provide services and protect citizens.

6. Is government the same as the state?

Not exactly; the state is the larger political organisation while the government runs it.

Topic 2: Functions of Government (7–16)

7. Name one law-making body.

Parliament (in India) or legislature.

8. What is law and order?

Keeping peace and ensuring people follow the law.

9. Give one public service provided by governments.

Education or healthcare.

10. Why do governments collect taxes?

To raise money for public services and development.

11. What is national defence?

Protection of the country from external threats using armed forces.

12. How do governments help poor people?

Through welfare schemes and subsidies.

13. What does resolving disputes mean?

Settling conflicts through courts or tribunals.

14. Give one example of a public good.

Roads or public parks.

15. What role do local governments play?

They manage local services like water supply and sanitation.

16. What is regulation?

Setting rules for businesses and services to protect consumers and environment.

Topic 3: Types of Government — Basic (17–26)

17. What is democracy?

Rule by the people through free and fair elections.

18. What is a monarchy?

Rule by a king or queen, often hereditary.

19. What is a dictatorship?

Rule by one person with strong, often unchecked power.

20. Define oligarchy.

Rule by a small group of people, such as elites or military leaders.

21. What is a theocracy?

A system where religious leaders or laws govern the state.

22. Can a monarchy be constitutional?

Yes — the monarch's powers are limited by law (constitutional monarchy).

23. Give one example of an absolute monarchy.

Saudi Arabia (example of an absolute monarchy).

24. Give one example of a constitutional monarchy.

United Kingdom (has a constitutional monarchy).

25. Is democracy the same everywhere?

No — democracies differ in how they work and protect rights.

26. What is military rule?

When the army controls the government, often after a coup.

Topic 4: Democracy — Features & Working (27–34)

27. Name one feature of democracy.

Regular free and fair elections.

28. What is rule of law?

Everyone, including rulers, must follow the law.

29. Why is an independent judiciary important?

To ensure laws are applied fairly and protect rights.

30. What role does the press play in a democracy?

Informs citizens and holds the government accountable.

31. What is a representative?

An elected person who speaks and acts for citizens in government.

32. How do citizens choose their leaders?

By voting in elections.

33. What is political competition?

Different parties and leaders compete to win public support and power.

34. Give one way citizens can participate besides voting.

Joining debates, signing petitions, or participating in local meetings.

Topic 5: Other Distinctions (Unitary, Federal, Centralisation) (35–40)

35. What is a unitary system?

A system where the central government has most power.

36. What is a federal system?

Power is shared between central and regional governments.

37. Give one example of a federal country.

India is an example of a federal country.

38. What does centralised mean?

Decisions are mostly made by the central government.

39. What does decentralised mean?

Power and decision-making are given to local bodies or regions.

40. Name one local government body in India.

Panchayats (rural local bodies) or municipal councils (urban local bodies).

Topic 6: How Governments are Formed (41–45)

41. How are governments formed in democracies?

By electing representatives in regular elections who form the government.

42. What is heredity in government?

When power passes within a family, common in monarchies.

43. What is a coup?

A sudden takeover of government, usually by the military.

44. Can religious leaders form a government?

Yes, in theocracies religious leaders may rule or influence the state.

45. What is coalition government?

When two or more parties join to form a government because no single party has a majority.

Topic 7: Citizens, Rights & Key Terms (46–50)

46. What is a citizen?

A person recognised as a member of a country with rights and duties.

47. Name one duty of a citizen.

Voting in elections or obeying the law.

48. What is a constitution?

A set of rules that describes how a country is governed.

49. Define referendum.

A direct vote by the people on a specific issue or policy.

50. What does "accountability" mean?

When rulers must explain and justify their actions to citizens and can be voted out.

These 50 very short questions and answers follow the NCERT syllabus and are ideal for quick revision before CBSE Class 7 exams. Use them to test memory and understanding.

From Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government – Very Short Answer Type Questions

From Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Government — 50 Very Short Q&A

Topic 1: What is a Government? (1–6)

Topic 2: Functions of Government (7–16)

Topic 3: Types of Government — Basic (17–26)

Topic 4: Democracy — Features & Working (27–34)

Topic 5: Other Distinctions (Unitary, Federal, Centralisation) (35–40)

Topic 6: How Governments are Formed (41–45)

Topic 7: Citizens, Rights & Key Terms (46–50)

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