From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments

1. Duties of a Ruler (Arthaśāstra Perspective)

According to Kauṭilya, a ruler’s internal duties are threefold:

• Rakṣha → Protection of the state from external invasion or threats.

• Pālana → Upholding internal peace by maintaining law & order.

• Yogakṣhema → Ensuring welfare, prosperity, and safety of people.
  These duties highlight that governance involves security, justice, and welfare.

2. Meaning & Role of Government

Government is an organized system that manages public affairs of a country. It performs many roles including:

• Law & Order: Preventing crime, resolving disputes, enforcing laws.

• Peace & Security: Ensuring external and internal safety.

• Foreign Relations: Handling diplomacy and cooperation with other nations.

• Defence: Maintaining armed forces to safeguard borders.

• Public Services: Providing education, healthcare, roads, electricity, water etc.

• Economic Management: Controlling taxation, trade, employment etc.

• Welfare: Improving citizens’ well-being and quality of life.
  Government affects almost every part of citizens’ lives.

3. Concept of Democracy

• The term Democracy means “rule of the people”.

• Power originates from citizens, not from kings or religious authorities.

• Citizens decide who governs them by choosing representatives.
  This makes democracy a people-centered and participatory system.

4. School Example Explaining Democracy

To understand representation, the chapter uses a school scenario:

• Many tasks exist in a school (timetable, meals, sports, discipline etc.).

• A Student Committee is needed to manage responsibilities.
  Three methods were considered:

1. Entire school becomes the committee → leads to confusion.

2. Head Teacher selects members → students have no say.

3. Students elect representatives from each grade → democratic method.
   This shows how elections help represent diverse groups fairly.

5. Core Functions of Government

Government has three major functions similar to Student Committee duties:

Function

Meaning

Legislatie

Makes rules/laws for the country

Executive

Implements laws & runs administration

Judiciary

Ensures laws are followed & delivers justice

These functions ensure that law-making, execution, and justice are handled properly.

6. Abraham Lincoln’s Definition of Democracy

Lincoln described democracy as:

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
This highlights three aspects:

• of the people → citizens form the basis of authority

• by the people → leaders are chosen by citizens

• for the people → government works for citizens’ welfare

7. Why Governments Differ Across Countries

Governments are different because countries vary in history, culture, religion, and political needs. Differences arise based on:

1. Source of Authority

   • Democracy → authority from citizens

   • Theocracy → authority from religion/religious leaders

   • Monarchy → authority from royal family lineage

2. Method of Formation

   • Elections (Democracy)

   • Inheritance (Monarchy)

   • Religious appointment (Theocracy)

3. Government Structure

   • Some countries separate powers (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary)

   • Others combine them (e.g., monarch controlling all powers)

4. Purpose & Values

   • Some aim at equality & welfare for all (e.g., India)

   • Others prioritize a small group/family/elite

8. Fundamental Principles of Democracy

Democracy works on certain essential principles:

• Equality → Equal treatment before law; equal access to facilities like education & healthcare.

• Freedom → Citizens can express opinions, choose beliefs, dress, and speak freely (without harming others).

• Representative Participation → People choose leaders through elections.

• Independent Judiciary → Courts ensure rights are protected and laws are respected by everyone including the government.

These principles evolved over time. Example:

• India had universal adult voting since 1950

• Women in Switzerland got the right to vote in 1971
  This shows democracies can evolve and improve.

9. Universal Adult Franchise

• Means all adult citizens (usually 18+) have the right to vote.

• It ensures fairness & equal participation in political processes.

• Without it, democracy is incomplete.
  Example timeline differences:

• India → Universal franchise from 1950

• USA → Achieved in 1965 (after civil rights struggles)
  

10. Types of Democracy

A. Direct Democracy

• Citizens directly make laws and policies.

• Suitable for small populations.

• Example: Switzerland uses elements of direct democracy (referendums).

• Limitation: Hard to use in countries with millions of citizens.

B. Representative Democracy

• Citizens elect representatives through elections.

• Representatives govern on behalf of the people.

• Elections are periodic (India: 5 years, USA: 4 years).

• Most modern democracies belong to this category.

11. Establishment of Democracy – Country Timeline

Important years when countries adopted democracy:

Country

Year

USA

1787

Switzerland

1848

India

1947

Germany

1949

Kenya

1964

Nepal

2008

Shows that democracy spread at different times globally.

12. Types of Representative Democracy

1) Parliamentary Democracy

Features:

• Executive (PM + Ministers) are part of Legislature.

• Government remains in power as long as it has majority support.

People elect the legislature, not the executive directly.
Example: India — PM and Ministers are also Members of Parliament.