class 9 political science electoral politics MCQ & SAQ

class 9 political science electoral politics NCERT SOLUTION

1. Which of the following statements about the reasons for conducting elections are false?

(a) Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government.

(b) People select the representative of their choice in an election.

(c) Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.

(d) People can indicate which policies they prefer.

Answer:

(c) Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.

2. Which of these is not a good reason to say that Indian elections are democratic?

(a) India has the largest number of voters in the world.

(b) India’s Election Commission is very powerful.

(c) In India, everyone above the age of 18 has a right to vote.

(d) In India, the losing parties accept the electoral verdict.

Answer:

(a) India has the largest number of voters in the world.

3. Match the following:

(a) It is necessary to keep the voters’ list up to date because	(i) there is a fair representation of all sections of our society
(b) Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that	(ii) everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representatives
(c) Everyone has one and only one vote so that	(iii) all candidates must have a fair chance of competing in elections
(d) Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles because	(iv) some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last

Answer:

(a) It is necessary to keep the voters’ list up to date because	(iv) some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last
(b) Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that	(i) there is a fair representation of all sections of our society
(c) Everyone has one and only one vote so that	(ii) everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representatives
(d) Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles because	(iii) all candidates must have a fair chance of competing in elections

Page No: 75

4. List all the different election-related activities mentioned in the chapter and arrange them in a time sequence, beginning with the first activity and ending with the last. Some of these activities are given below: releasing election manifestos; counting of votes; making of voters’ list; election campaign; declaration of election results; casting of votes; ordering of re-poll; announcing election schedule; filing nomination.

Answer:

Making of voters’ list → Announcing election schedule → Releasing election manifesto → Election campaign → Filing nomination → Casting of votes → Ordering of re-poll → Counting of votes → Declaration of election results.

5. Surekha is an officer-in-charge of ensuring free and fair elections in an assembly constituency in a state. Describe what should she focus on for each of the following stages of election:

(a) Election campaign

(b) Polling day

(c) Counting day

Answer:

(a) She will have to focus on various duties such as ensuring that candidates cannot bribe or threaten voters, expenditure limit is not crossed by a candidate, candidates not appeal to voters in the name of religion or caste, they do not use worship places for a campaign or use any government resources.

(b) She will have to cross check the voters’ list and check the ID proof of the voters, booth capturing not taking place. Ensure that Free and fair elections should be conducted.

(c) She has to look on counting is carried out, representatives of all parties present at the counting area in order to avoid malpractices,

6. The table below gives the proportion of different communities among the candidates who won elections to the US Congress. Compare these to the proportion of these communities in the population of the US. Based on this, would you suggest a system of reservations in the US Congress? If yes, why and for which communities? If no, why not?

Answer:

Blacks and Hispanics should be given reservation in the US Congress as per their percentage in the US population.

7. Can we draw the following conclusions from the information given in this chapter? Give two facts to support your position for each of these.

(a) Election Commission of India does not have enough powers to conduct free and fair elections in the country.

(b) There is a high level of popular participation in the elections in our country.

(c) It is very easy for the party in power to win an election.

(d) Many reforms are needed to make our elections completely free and fair.

Answer:

(a) The Election Commission of India is powerful enough to conduct free and fair elections:

• It implements the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it.

• In Elections, Government officials work under the EC and not the government.

(b) There is a high level of popular participation in the elections:

• Voter turnout has increased over the past years.

• Election-related activities in the last few years have seen larger participation by the people.

(c) It is not very easy for the party in power to win an election:

• The ruling parties routinely lose elections.

• Candidates who are known to spend a lot of money often lose elections.

(d) Certain Reforms are necessary to make our elections completely free and fair:

•  To ensure that independents and small parties do not suffer in elections.

• To ensure candidates with criminal records do not participate.

8. Chinappa was convicted of torturing his wife for dowry. Satbir was held guilty of practicing untouchability. The court did not allow either of them to contest elections. Does this decision go against the principles of democratic elections?

Answer:

This decision does not go against the principles of democratic elections. Any person who is convicted for a crime has no right to remain a part of the society and hence has no right to contest the election.

9. Here are some reports of electoral malpractices from different parts of the world. Is there anything that these countries can learn from India to improve their elections? What would you suggest in each case?

(a) During an election in Nigeria, the officer in charge of counting votes deliberately increased the votes of one candidate and declared him elected. The court later found out that more than five lakh votes cast for one candidate were counted in favor of another.

(b) Just before elections in Fiji, a pamphlet was distributed warning voters that a vote for former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry will lead to bloodshed. This was a threat to voters of Indian origin.

(c) In the US, each state has its own method of voting, its own procedure of counting, and its own authority for conducting elections. Authorities in the state of Florida took many controversial decisions that favored Me. Bush in the presidential elections in 2000. But no one could change those decisions.

Answer:

(a) In this case, representatives of each candidate should be present to make sure that the votes are counted in a fairway.

(b) The election commission should set up an inquiry into the case and debar the candidate or party involved in distributing such pamphlets.

(c) There should be a single election commission which should be free from political influence and should be responsible for conducting elections throughout the country.

Page No: 76

10. Here are some reports of malpractices in Indian elections. Identify what the problem in each case is. What should be done to correct the situation?

(a) Following the announcement of elections, the minister promised to provide financial aid to reopen the closed sugar mill.

(b) Opposition parties alleged that their statements and campaign were not given due attention in Doordarshan and All India Radio.

(c) An inquiry by the Election Commission showed that electoral rolls of a state contain the name of 20 lakh fake voters.

(d) The hoodlums of a political party were moving with guns, physically preventing supporters of other political parties from meeting the voters and attacking meetings of other parties.

Answer:

(a) After the announcement of the election, it is not legal to announce policy decisions according to the Code of Conduct. The minister should be immediately taken to task by the Election Commission.

(b) The election commission must ensure that all political parties are given equal opportunity to appear on Doordarshan and All India Radio. EC takes action against the misuse of this media.

(c) The presence of the fake voters means that the elections were rigged by the authorities who prepared the electoral rolls. The election commission should supervise the preparation of fresh electoral rolls.

(d) By using hoodlums, the political party is terrorizing its rivals. The election commission should order the arrest of the hoodlums and bar the party from the elections.

11. Ramesh was not in class when this chapter was being taught. He came the next day and repeated what he had heard from his father. Can you tell Ramesh what is wrong with these statements?

(a) Women always vote the way men tell them to. So what is the point of giving them the right to vote?

(b) Party politics creates tension in society. Elections should be decided by consensus, not by competition.

(c) Only graduates should be allowed to stand as candidates for elections.

(a) The statement is wrong because the policy of secret ballot ensures that an individual can vote for whoever he/she wants. Women are fully capable of taking decisions on their own and selecting the candidate they like.

(b) Competition works as both a deterrent and motivator for the political candidates. Fear of losing the election and motivation for winning the elections works in favor of people.

(c) Educational qualification is not required to understand the people’s needs, and to represent their interests. Therefore, it is not necessary for politicians to be graduates.

class 9 political science electoral politics MCQ 

 

 

Question: Which one of the following provisions fails to ensure fair and equal chance to compete for candidates and political parties?

• a) No party or candidate is bound by the model code of conduct

• b) No party or candidate can bribe or threaten voters

• c) No party or candidate can use government resources for election campaign

• d) Nobody can appeal to the voters in the name of caste or religion

Answer: No party or candidate is bound by the model code of conduct

 

Question: Following is a weakness (challenge to) Indian election system:

• a) Misuse of Official Machinery

• b) Secret Ballot

• c) Use of Electronic Voting Machines

• d) Universal Adult Franchise

Answer: Misuse of Official Machinery

 

Question: In Democracy Elections are important because

• a) All of the above

• b) The formation of government becomes easy

• c) They help in the formation of opposition party

• d) They are a check on the working of the government

Answer: All of the above

 

Question: By-Election is the election which is held

• a) To fill up a vacancy in the legislature

• b) Directly

• c) Indirectly

• d) When a legislature is dissolved before the expiry of its normal term.

Answer: To fill up a vacancy in the legislature

 

Question: Members of Election Commission are appointed by

• a) President of India

• b) Prime Minister of India

• c) Elected by the people

• d) Chief Justice of India

Answer: President of India

 

Question: Elections in India for Parliament and State Legislatures are conducted by

• a) Election Commission of India

• b) President

• c) Prime Minister

• d) Governor

Answer: Election Commission of India

 

Question: Which of the following is not a feature of Election system in India?

• a) Communal Electorate

• b) Universal Adult Franchise

• c) Secret Voting

• d) Reservation of seats in the legislature for the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Answer: Communal Electorate

 

Question: Which of the following statements regarding elections and election commission hold true? (i) Election Commission of India has enough powers to conduct free and fair elections in the country. (ii) There is a high level of popular participation in the elections in our country. (iii) It is very easy for the party in power to win an election. (iv) Many reforms are needed to make our elections completely free and fair.

• a) (i), (ii) and (iv)

• b) (i), (ii), and (iii)

• c) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

• d) only (iii)

Answer: (i), (ii) and (iv)

 

Question: Which is the new reform introduced in the electoral process by the Election Commission?

• a) Electronic voting machine

• b) Indelible ink

• c) Polling booths

• d) Voters list

Answer: Electronic voting machine

 

Question: Which among the following is not correct?

• a) The Election Commission cannot fix the election dates

• b) The Election Commission conducts all elections for the Parliament and Assemblies.

• c) The Election Commission directs and controls the preparation of electoral rolls.

• d) The Election Commission does the scrutiny of Nomination papers.

Answer: The Election Commission cannot fix the election dates

Question: During elections the voters make many choices. Select the correct options.

• a) Who will make laws for them?

• b) Who will form the government and take major decisions?

• c) Who will grant Fundamental Rights?

• d) Who will check the functioning of courts?

Answer: Who will make laws for them?

 

Question: What are the main challenges to free and fair elections in India? Select the correct options.

• a) Model of Code of Conduct

• b) Lack of Internal Democracy among Political Parties

• c) Influence of Money and Muscle Power

• d) Dynastic Rule

Answer: Model of Code of Conduct

 

Question: Is it good to have Political Competition? Which of the following statements justify this?

• a) Political Competition helps to force political parties and leaders to serve people

• b) It creates a sense of disunity and factionalism

• c) It gives fair chance to people for the responsible government

• d) Political competition causes divisions and some ugliness

Answer: Political Competition helps to force political parties and leaders to serve people

 

Question: Which of the following is not allowed while carrying out an election campaign?

• a) Giving money to voters to cast vote for particular candidate

• b) Using television channels.

• c) Door-to-door canvassing.

• d) Contacting voters on the phone.

Answer: Giving money to voters to cast vote for particular candidate

 

Question: Which of the following does not include election procedure?

• a) Booth capturing

• b) Voting

• c) Nomination of Candidate

• d) Canvassing

Answer: Booth capturing

 

Question: What makes an election democratic? Select the correct option.

• a) Free and fair Election.

• b) Universal Adult Franchise

• c) Fundamental Rights

• d) Directive Principles of State Policy

Answer: Free and fair Election.

 

Question: Which of the following statements about the reasons for conducting elections are false?

• a) Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government

• b) Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary

• c) People select the representative of their choice in an election

• d) People can indicate which policies they prefer

Answer: Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government

 

Question: Which one of the following provisions fails to ensure fair and equal chance to compete for candidates and political parties?

• a) No party or candidate is bound by the model code of conduct

• b) No party or candidate can bribe or threaten voters

• c) No party or candidate can use government resources for election campaign

• d) Nobody can appeal to the voters in the name of caste or religion

Answer: No party or candidate is bound by the model code of conduct

 

Question: The number of seats reserved for scheduled caste in Lok Sabha is:

• a) 79

• b) 59

• c) 89

• d) 99

Answer: 79

 

Question: Which of the following statements is against the democratic process of elections?

• a) The Right to Vote should be given to selected people only

• b) Parties and candidates should be free to contest elections

• c) Elections must be held regularly immediately after the term is over

• d) Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner

Answer: The Right to Vote should be given to selected people only

 

Question: The voters list is also known as:

• a) Electoral Roll

• b) Election

• c) Voter Identity Card

• d) None of these

Answer: Electoral Roll

 

Question: The number of Lok Sabha Constituencies in India at present is:

• a) 543

• b) 541

• c) 546

• d) 540

Answer: 543

 

Question: What is the age of a person who can contest election for Lok Sabha in India?

• a) 25 Years

• b) 30 Years

• c) 35 Years

• d) 40 Years

Answer: 25 Years

 

Question: Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner (CCE) of India?

• a) The President of India

• b) The Chief Justice of India

• c) The Prime Minister of India

• d) The People of India

Answer: The President of India

 

Question: Which of these is not a good reason to say that Indian elections are democratic?

• a) India has the largest number of voters

• b) India's Election Commission is very powerful

• c) In India, everyone above the age of 18 has a right to vote

• d) In India, the losing parties accept the electoral verdict

Answer: India has the largest number of voters

class 9 political science electoral politics SAQ

Q.1. Mention the provisions laid down under the Model Code of Conduct to regulate the election campaign.

Ans.According to the Model Code of Conduct, no party can:

(i)  Use any place of worship for election propaganda.

(ii)Use government vehicles, aircraft and officials for elections.

(iii) Once elections are announced ministers shall not lay foundation stones of any projects, take any big policy decisions or make any promises of providing public facilities.

 

Q2.What are the choices that voters make in an election? Ans. In an election, the voters make many choices:

(i)  They can choose who will make laws for them.

(ii)They can choose who will form the government and take major decisions.

(iii) They can choose the party whose policies will guide the government and law-making.

 

Q.3.In which way does the Election Commission enjoy the same kind of independence as the judiciary? And.The Election Commission enjoys the same kind of independence that the judiciary enjoys. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India. But once appointed, he is not answerable to the President or the government. Even if the ruling party or the government does not like what the Commission does, it is virtually impossible for it to remove the CEC.

 

.Q.4. Mention any three techniques of election campaign.

Ans. (i) Candidates contact their voters             

(ii) They address election meetings

(iii) Use newspapers and TV for publicity

 

Q.5 Discuss the importance of elections in a democracy.

Ans. Elections give people a chance to choose the representatives of the government and policies they prefer. The democratic way of selecting representatives can be had by holding elections. The voters can make their choice.

 

Q.6.  Discuss the importance of an election manifesto.

Ans.An election manifesto is a statement by a political party explaining its policies, saying what they will do if they win the election.

 

Q.7.  What is a reserved constituency? How does it strengthen democracy?

Ans.In a reserved constituency only someone who belongs to the scheduled caste or scheduled tribe community can stand for election. In the Lok Sabha, 79 seats are reserved for SC and 41 for ST Communities.  This reservation system makes our democracy a representative democracy

 

Q.8.  What are the demerits of political competition? 

And.The political competition has many demerits –

(i)  It creates a sense of disunity and factionalism in every locality. Different political parties and leaders often level allegations against one another. Parties and candidates often use dirty tricks to win elections.

(ii) This pressure to win electoral fights does not allow sensible long-term policies to be formulated.

(iii)                 Some good people who wish to serve the country do not enter this area as they do not like to be dragged into unhealthy competition.

Q.1. Why is there a provision of reservation of seats in the legislatures?

Ans.1-The constitution makers were worried that in an open electoral competition, certain weaker sections may not stand a good chance to get elected to the Lok sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

2-They may not have the required resources, education and contacts to contest and win elections against the more influential contestants. So seats are reserved for them in the legislature.

 

Q.2.What is the check on the political leaders which makes them serve the people?

Ans.1-The check on the political leaders comes from the need to serve the people if they want to win the next elections. Regular electoral competition provides incentives to political parties and leaders.

2-They know that if they raise issues that people want to be raised with, their popularity and chances of victory will increase in the next elections.

3-But if they fail to satisfy the voters with their work, they will not be able to win again.

 

Q.3.What are the trends of popular participation in India? And.The trends of popular participation in India are:

(i)  People’s participation in elections is usually measured by voter turnout figures. In India the turnout over all these years has either remained stable or gone up.

(ii) In India, the poor illiterate and underprivileged people vote in larger proportion as compared to rich sections.

(iii)                 Common people in India attach a lot of importance to elections as they feel that through elections they can bring pressure on political parties to adopt policies favoring them.

 

Q.4. Write about any three challenges which an ordinary citizen would have to face if he wants to contest an election.

Ans An ordinary citizen would have to face some of the following challenges if he wants to contest the elections:

(i)  Candidates with a lot of money enjoy a big and unfair advantage over contestants.

(ii)Sometimes candidates with criminal connections push others out of the electoral race and Secure a ‘ticket’.

(iii)                 Some families tend to dominate political parties

 

Q.5. Why is there no educational qualification prescribed for the political leaders who hold such an important position of governing the country?

Ans. (i) Educational qualifications are not relevant to all kinds of jobs. Just as a cricketer needs an ability to play well, irrespective of educational qualification, similarly the relevant qualification for an MLA or an MP is the ability to understand people’s concerns, problems, and to represent their interests.

(ii) In our country, putting an educational qualification would go against the spirit of democracy as it would mean depriving a majority of the country’s citizens the right to contest elections. For example, if graduation is made a compulsory qualification, then 90 % of the citizens will become ineligible to contest elections.

 

Q.6. Explain the term constituency. Give reasons why the system of reserved constituencies was introduced by our constitution makers.

Ans.1-The country is divided into different areas for the purposes of elections. These are called Constituencies’. 2- The voters who live in an area elect one representative. For Lok Sabha elections the country is divided into 543 constituents. The representative elected is called an MP.

3-Similarly, each state is divided into a specific number of assembly constituencies. In this case the elected representative is called an MLA.

4-To give protection to the weaker section, the makers of our constitution thought of reserved constituencies. These are reserved for people who belong to SC or ST. The Lok Sabha has 79 reserved seats for SCs and 41 for STs.

class 9 political science electoral politics LONG QUESTION

Q.1 states how the elections are held in India?

Ans.1-For elections, the country is divided into different areas called ‘electoral constituencies’. 2-The voters who live in an area elect one representative.

3-  For Lok Sabha elections, the country is divided into 543 constituencies.

4-  The representative elected from each constituency is called a Member of Parliament (MP).

Similarly, each state is divided into Assembly constituencies. In this case, the elected representative is called the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

 

Q.2.How can you say that very few Election Commissions in the world have such wide ranging powers as the Election Commission of India?

Ans. (i) Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections.

(ii)  It implements the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it.

(iii)During the election period, the EC can order the government to follow some guidelines, To prevent use and misuse of governmental power to enhance its chances to win elections, Or to transfer some government officials.

(iv)                  When on election duty, government officers work under the control of the EC and not the government.

 

Q.3 Explain how the outcome of elections is a final test of free and fair elections.

Ans. (i) The ruling parties routinely lose elections in India both at the national and state level. In fact, in every two out of the three elections held so far, the ruling party lost.

(ii)  In the US, an incumbent or ‘sitting’ elected representative rarely loses an election. In India, about half of the sitting MPs or MLAs lose elections.

(iii)Candidates who are known to have spent a lot of money on ‘buying votes’ and those with known criminal connections often lose elections.

 

Q.4.What are the main functions of the Election Commission of India? 

Ans.1-It takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of election

.2- It implements code of conduct. It orders guidelines for the government to prevent misuse of power to win elections.

3-It EC feels unfairness in polling it orders a repoll.

 

Q.5.What are some of the activities undertaken by political parties to carry out election campaigns?

Ans.1-In election campaigns, political parties try to focus public attention on some big issues, e.g.,the Congress party led by Indira Gandhi gave the slogan of "Garibi Hatao" in the Lok Sabha elections of 1971. "Save Democracy" was the slogan of Janata Party in the Lok Sabha election of 1977.

2-    Secondly,  political  leaders  contact  their voters,  address  election  meetings,  and  promise  to  remove the grievances of the people.

3-    Thirdly, support of media – TV Channels and newspaper columns – is also taken by the political parties to further their cause to gather more votes.

 

Q.6. Explain the nomination process as practiced in Indian elections.

Ans.1-Every candidate who wishes to contest an election has to fill a nomination form and give some money as deposit.

2-According to a recent directive from the Supreme Court every candidate has to make a legal declaration giving full details of assets, liabilities, educational qualification & details of any serious criminal cases pending against them.

 

Q.7. Describe any four demerits of electoral competition. 

Ans. An electoral competition has many demerits.

(i)  It creates a sense of disunity and factionalism.

(ii)Different political parties level allegations against each other.

(iii)                 Long-term policies cannot be formulated.

(iv)                Some good people who wish to serve do not enter this arena.

 

Q.8. Explain any four conditions that make an election democratic. 

Ans. (i) Every section of citizens should get equal representation.

(ii)  Everyone should get an equal opportunity to choose representatives.

(iii)Voters' list which is revised every five year.

(iv)                  Election Photo-Identity Card.

 

Q.9.  What is a reserved constituency? Why did India introduce this system?

In a reserved constituency only someone who belongs to the SC/ST or weaker section can stand for election. This was done to give a fair representation to the weaker section who did not stand a good chance to get elected to the Lok Sabha.

 

Q.10.                 Explain any four challenges faced by the election system in India.

Ans. (i) A few candidates may win purely on the basis of money money power sun four wean.

(ii) Are people's preferences based on real knowledge?                

(iii) Are the voters getting a real choice?

(iv) Is Election legally level playing field for everyone?

 

Q.11. Explain any four powers enjoyed by the Election Commission in India.

Ans.  (i)  Election  Commission  takes  decisions  on  every  aspect  of  conduct  and  control  of  elections  from announcement of elections to declaration of results.

(ii)  It implements the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it.

(iii)During Elections EC can order the government to follow some guidelines to use/misuse governmental power, its chances to win.

(iv)                  When on election duty, government officials work under control of the EC.

 

Q.12.What is the Secret Ballot System? Give three reasons why the Secret Ballot System is good.

Ans.A ballot paper is a sheet of paper on which the names of the contesting candidates along with party names and symbols are listed.

(i) The voter can vote in securities                                      (ii) The voter feels secure, safe and fearless

(iii) The voter is free of threat and coercion.

 

Q.13.What are the conditions which make an election democratic?

Ans. (i) The presence of an independent and very powerful Election Commission (EC). It enjoys the same kind of independence that the judiciary does.

(ii)  The Chief Election Commissioner is not answerable to the President or the government.

(iii)It is virtually impossible to remove the CEC, once he is appointed.

(iv)                  When election officials come to the opinion that polling was not fair in some booths or even in an entire constituency, they order a repoll.

 

Q.14. Enumerate any four challenges to free and fair elections.

Ans. (i) Inclusion of false names and exclusion of genuine names in the voters list.

(ii)  Misuse of government facilities and officials in the ruling party.

(iii)Excessive use of money by rich candidates and big parties.

(iv)                  Intimidation of voters and rigging on the polling day.

What are the minimum conditions needed for a democratic election?

Solution:

There are five minimum conditions needed for a democratic election. They are :-

• Everyone should have the right to vote and every vote should have equal value.

• Parties and candidates should be free to contest elections and they should offer some real choice to the voters.

• Elections must be held regularly .

• Candidates preferred by the people should be elected.

• Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner.

Can elections be considered as competition ?

Solution:

Elections can be considered as a competition. It is a political competition. The competition is among political parties. At the constituency level, it is a competition among several candidates. If there is no competition, elections will become pointless.

An electoral competition also has many demerits . It creates a sense of disunity and ‘factionalism’ in every locality. Different political parties and leaders often level allegations against one another. Parties and candidates often use dirty tricks to win elections.

Some good people who may wish to serve the country do not enter this arena because of this unhealthy competition.

What is our system of elections?

Solution:

Elections for the Lok sabha are held every 5 years. After five years the term of all the elected representatives comes to an end. The Lok Sabha stands ‘dissolved’.

Elections for the Lok Sabha are held in all constituencies on the same day or within a few days. This is called a general election. Sometimes elections are held only for one constituency to fill the vacancy caused by death or resignation of a member. This is called a by-election.

What are electoral constituencies?

Solution:

India is divided into different areas for the purposes of elections. These areas are called electoral constituencies. We follow an area-based system of representation. The voters who live in a particular constituency elect one person to represent their constituencies.

How many constituencies do we have in India?

Solution:

India is divided into 543 constituencies for Lok Sabha elections. The representative elected from each constituency is called a Member of Parliament.

Similarly, each state is divided into a number of Assembly constituencies, depending on its population and its size.The elected representative of the Assembly constituencies are called the Member of Legislative Assembly or an MLA.

Each Parliamentary constituency has several Assembly constituencies .

What are Reserved Constituencies ?

Solution:

Reserved Constituencies are constituencies that are set aside for certain weaker sections of the society.

Weaker sections of the society may not stand a good chance to get elected to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies. They may not have the required resources, education and contacts to contest and win elections against others. Those who are influential and resourceful may prevent them from winning elections.

As our Constitution entitles every citizen to elect its representative, Reserved Constituencies are a necessity.

Who can vote and who cannot vote in India ?

Solution:

In India , all the citizens above the age of 18 can vote in an election. They have the right to vote, regardless of their caste, religion or gender.

The government gets the names of all the eligible voters and prepares the voters’ list. As new persons attain voting age names are added to the voters’ list. Names of those who move out of a place or those who are dead are deleted. A complete revision of the list takes place every five years.

Criminals and persons with unsound minds are denied the right to vote.

What should a citizen do if he or she wants to contest the elections?

Solution:

Every person who wishes to contest an election has to fill a ‘nomination form’ and pay a ‘security deposit’. They are requested to present a declaration. The legal declaration has to have the following details:-

1. Details of any serious criminal cases pending against them. (If applicable).

2. Details of the assets and liabilities they have and that of their family members.

3. Educational qualifications.

This information will be made public. This provides an opportunity to the voters to voice their objections, if any, and make the right decision during elections.

What are the two methods of voting?

Solution:

The two methods of voting are …

• The Ballot Paper

A ballot paper is a sheet of paper on which the names of the contesting candidates along with their party name and symbols are listed. The voters indicate whom they want to vote for by putting a stamp on the ballot paper.• Electronic Voting

Electronic voting machines (EVM) are used to record votes. The machine shows the names of the candidates and the party symbols. The voter has to press the button corresponding to the name of the person he wants to vote for. Then the vote gets registered automatically.

Independent candidates too have their own symbols, allotted by election officials. Voting is conducted in total secrecy.

Why do we need elections?

Solution:

Elections are essential for any representative democracy. In an election the citizens have many choices. They are :-

• They can choose the people who will make laws.

• They can choose the government that will rule them.

• They can decide on the party whose policies they prefer.

What is the percentage of reservation for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok sabha?

Solution:

In the Lok Sabha, 79 seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 41 for the Scheduled Tribes. This number is proportionate to their population. This reservation does not lessen the legitimate share of any other social group.

What is called a ticket in politics?

Solution:

Party’s nomination of a candidate is often called party ‘ticket’.

Mention a few successful slogans that were used during election campaigns.

Solution:

The most successful slogans used during election campaigns were:-

• Garibi Hatao or Remove poverty.

This slogan was used by the Congress party led by Indira Gandhi in the Lok Sabha elections of 1971. The party promised to remove poverty from the country.• Save Democracy.

This slogan was used by the Janata Party in the Lok Sabha election held in 1977. The party promised to undo the excesses committed during the Emergency and restore civil liberties.• Land to the Tiller.

This slogan was used by the Left Front in the West Bengal Assembly elections held in 1977.• Protect the Self-Respect of the Telugus.

This slogan is used by N. T. Rama Rao, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in 1983.

Write a brief note on the Election Commission.

Solution:

The Election Commission is independent and very powerful . It enjoys the same kind of independence that the judiciary enjoys. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India. He heads the Election Commission. After his election the C E C is not answerable to the President or the government. It is impossible for the government to remove the CEC, even if it is dissatisfied with him. The powers of the Election Commission of India are as follows:-

• EC takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results.

• It implements the Code of Conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it

• During the election period, the EC can order the government to follow some guidelines, to prevent use and misuse of governmental power to enhance its chances to win elections, or to transfer some government officials

• When on election duty, government officers work under the control of the EC and not the government.

What is meant by rigging?

Solution:

Fraud and malpractices indulged by a party or candidate to increase its votes in an election is called rigging.

• Using the votes of others

• Recording multiple votes by the same person.

• Bribing polling officers to favor a candidate are considered as rigging during elections.