Types of Governments

Overview

Every society needs a government to make rules, keep order and look after people. Over time, different types of government have existed - some ruled by one person, some by a few, and some by the people themselves. Understanding these helps us value democracy, where power lies with the people.

Key points

• In a monarchy, a king or queen rules, often by birth.
• In an oligarchy, a small group holds power.
• In a democracy, the people choose their rulers through elections.
• India is the world's largest democracy with a system of universal adult franchise.
• Ancient India also had republics (ganas/sanghas) where leaders were chosen by discussion.

Important terms / dates

• Government - the body that rules and makes decisions for a country.
• Democracy - rule by the people.
• Monarchy - rule by a king or queen.
• Franchise - the right to vote.

Important questions

1. Why do we need a government?
2. What is the difference between a monarchy and a democracy?
3. What is meant by universal adult franchise?
4. What were the ganas or sanghas of ancient India?

Quick revision

Governments may be monarchies, oligarchies or democracies. In a democracy, people elect their rulers through voting. India is the world's largest democracy, where every adult citizen has the right to vote and choose the government.