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NCERT Class 9 Social Science Chapter 16 Electoral Politics
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Electoral Politics
Chapter: 16
DEMOCRATIC POLITICS – I (POLITICAL SCIENCE)
NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q. 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.
Ans. (a) Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government.
Q. 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.
Ans. (a) India has the largest number of voters in the world. It is not good reason for the Indian election.
Q. 3. Match the following:
| 1. It is necessary to keep the voters list up to date because | (a) there is a fair representation of all sections of our society. |
| 2. Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that | (b) everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representative. |
| 3. Everyone has one and only one vote so that | (c) all candidates must have a fair chance of competing in elections. |
| 4. Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles because | (d) some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last. |
Ans.
| 1. It is necessary to keep the voters list up to date because | (d) some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last. |
| 2. Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that | (a) there is a fair representation of all sections of our society. |
| 3. Everyone has one and only one vote so that | (b) everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representative. |
| 4. Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles because | (c) all candidates must have a fair chance of competing in elections. |
Q. 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.
Ans. Election related activities in correct sequence are as under:
1. Announcing election schedule.
2. Making of voters list.
3. Filing nomination.
4. Releasing election manifestos.
5. Elections campaign.
6. Casting of vote.
7. Ordering of re-poll.
8. Counting of votes.
9. Declaration of election result.
Q. 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.
Ans. Election campaign: Surekha as an election incharge should focus to regulate campaigns to ensure every political party and the candidate to get fair and equal chance to complete. She should take steps to stop each party and candidate from practicing:
– bribe or threaten the voters.
– appeal to the voters in the name of caste or religion.
– use of government resources for election campaign.
(b) Polling day.
Ans. Polling day: She focus to conduct free and fair election at each and every booth of the state by taking some hostile decision to stop rigging, booth-capturing by any candidate or party.
(c) Counting day.
Ans. Counting day: She should make security arrangement to stop any party to use unfair means to affect free and fair counting of the votes. She must be ready to face the supporters of the party and candidate who will be defeated.
Q. 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?
Ans. 1. The Blacks have lesser number of seats (i.e., 8) in the House of Representatives as compared to their population (13%) so a system of reservation should be there for them in U.S. Congress.
2. In case of Hispanics, the need of reservation is some what hat more as the number of their members in the House of Representatives is far less (5) as compared to their population (13%).
3. There is no need of reservation for the Whites as they have already more seats (86) in the house of Representatives as compared to their population (70%).
Q. 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.
1. Election Commission of India does not have enough powers to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
Ans. Election Commission is an independent agency and no body can challenge its power.
2. There is a high level of popular participation in the elections in our country.
Ans. Yes, the participation of people is as per our democratic norms. We have rights of participation in the elections.
3. It is very easy for the party in power to win an election.
Ans. It is not necessary that a party in power can win the election because according to the code of conduct no body can use of official machinery or person in its favor so often we see that the party in power is not winning the election.
4. Many reforms are needed to make our elections completely free and fair.
Ans. It is fact that reforms are needed to make our election completely free and fair because we can observe that the candidates are spending more than the allotted expenditure of the Election Commission.
No doubt there is proper security arrangement but still booth capturing and use of force and money is still there. So we must check these problems and make election completely free and fair.
Q. 8. Chinappa was convicted for 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?
Ans. The decision of the court is correct regarding Chinappa and Satbir that they cannot contest elections. This decision is not against the principle of democratic election because of the Election Commission is also in favor of such decision that the criminals or convicts should not be contest the elections.
Q. 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.
Ans. In this matter the Nigerian government should send their representatives in India to learn and operate the electronic voting machines (EVM).
(b) Just before elections in Fiji. a pamphlet was distributed warning voters that a vote for former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhary will lead to bloodshed This was a threat to voters of Indian origin.
Ans. (b) In this matter we can see the Indian origin voters are not say in other countries that is why the threat is being given to him. In such condition Indian government can suggests the Fizzi government to make proper security arrangement for the Indian voters specially.
(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 Mr. Bush in the presidential elections in 2000. But no one could change those decisions.
Ans. Process of Elections in US and its states of different because their is no unified agency like Election Commission of India, that is why their election process is different according to their will.
Q. 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.
Ans. After the announcement of the election no minister can announce any benefit to any section of people or as a whole because it is against the code of conduct.
(b) Opposition parties alleged that their statements and campaign was not given due attention in Doordarshan and All India Radio.
Ans. The government should asked the Doordarshan and All India Radio to give due attention in case of opposition parties election campaign.
(c) An inquiry by the Election Commission showed that electoral rolls of a state contain name of 20 lakh fake voters.
Ans. The Election Commission should order to make another voters list of the genuine voters. So that the people of the state can see their name in the voter list and mark or report any fault done by the press or the official on duty.
(d) The hoodlums of a political party were moving with guns, physically preventing supporters of other political parties to meet the voters and attacking meetings of other parties.
Ans. The activities of any such party taking the help of hoodlums to threaten the voters of other parties and disturbing the meeting of other parties can be noted by the Election Commission they should take strict action against the hoodlums and the party concerned.
Q. 11. Arun 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?
Ans. This is not right that women can be pressed by their husbands to vote to any particular party. This will not show the democratic attitude because according to our constitution they have equal rights. So the statement given was wrong.
(b) Party politics creates tension in society. Elections should be decided by consensus not by competition.
Ans. In this statement this is not proper election process. We cannot decide election only by consensus because at the time of voting they have to see many things regarding the candidate.
(c) Only graduates should be allowed to stand as candidates for elections.
Ans. This is against the constitutional way. Everyone have equal rights to contest elections without any discrimination of caste, creed education on status etc.
SOME OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Which of these is not a feature of indian democracy?
(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 refuse to accept the electoral verdict.
Ans. (d) In India, the losing parties refuse to accept the electoral verdict.
Q. 2. What is an election held for only one constituency to fill the vacancy caused due to the death or resignation of a member called?
(a) By-election.
(b) Mid-term election.
(c) General election.
(d) None of these.
Ans. (a) By-election.
Q. 3. Constituencies called ‘wards’ are made for the election to:
(a) Parliament.
(b) State Legislative Assembly.
(c) State Legislative Council.
(d) Panchayats and municipal bodies.
Ans. (d) Panchayats and municipal bodies.
Q. 4. For voting, the voter has to show which of these as identity proof?
(a) Ration card.
(b) Driving license.
(c) Election Photo Identity Card.
(d) None of these.
Ans. (c) Election Photo Identity Card.
Q. 5. What is the details the candidates have to give in the legal declaration before Contesting the elections?
(a) Serious criminal cases pending against them.
(b) Details of assets and liabilities of the candidate and his or her family.
(e) Educational qualification of the candidate.
(d) All the above.
Ans. (d) All the above.
Q. 6. When on election duty, under whose control does the government officers Work?
(a) Central Government.
(b) Election Commission.
(c) District Magistrate.
(d) District Court.
Ans. (b) Election Commission.
Q. 7. What does the term ‘incumbent’ mean?
(a) The current holder of a political office.
(b) The candidate contesting the election.
(c) The outgoing candidate of the dissolved House.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (a) The current holder of a political office.
Q. 8. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
(a) All citizens above the age of 21 can vote in an election.
(b) Every citizen has the right to vote regardless of caste religion or gender.
(c) Some criminals and persons with unsound mind can be denied the right to vote in rare situations.
(d) It is the responsibility of the government to get the names of all eligible voters put in the voters list.
Ans. (a) All citizens above the age of 21 can vote in an election.
Q. 9. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): The citizens, social activists and organizations have been demanding reforms in our electoral system.
Reason (R): The party that wins an election and forms government does so because people have chosen it over its rivals.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (B) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (b) Both (A) and (B) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Q. 10. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Common people in India attach a lot of importance to elections.
Reason (R): They feel that during elections they will be able to spend more time in election campaign.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) (A) is true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
Q.11. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): If the ruling party or the government does not like what the Commission does, it is virtually possible for it to remove the CEC.
Reason (R): The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India and once appointed, the Chief Election Commissioner is not answerable to the President or the government.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) (A) is true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Q. 12. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): The agents of all candidates are present when the EVMs from a constituency are opened and the votes secured by each candidate are counted.
Reason (R): They ensure that the counting is done properly.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) (A) is true but (A) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) the correct explanation of (A).
Q. 13. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Immediately after the voters cast their vote, the election results are declared.
Reason (R): This is done to save time and money.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (B) are false.
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (b) Both (A) and (B) are false.
Fill in the Blanks:
(i) __________ refers to the number of positions in any legislature.
Ans. Seat.
(ii) All the citizens of 18 years age and above can __________ in an election.
Ans. vote.
(iii) _________ gave the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’.
Ans. Indira Gandhi.
(iv) The voter’s list is officially called the _________.
Ans. electoral roll.
(v) _________ persons are not able to exercise their right to vote properly.
Ans. Illiterate.
True and False:
(i) Small state like Goa has an assembly comprising of 30 members only.
Ans. False.
(ii) The Election Commission has the power to implement the code of conduct.
Ans. True.
(iii) Goa has the largest Vidhan Sabha.
Ans. False.
(iv) The term, Franchise means right to vote.
Ans. True.
(v) The names of the contesting candidates with the party names and symbols are listed on the ballot paper.
Ans. True.
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. What is the significance of Election Photo Identity Card?
Ans. This card is given to every person on the voter’s list. The voters are required to carry, this card when they go out to vote, so that no one can vote for someone else.
Q. 2. What do you mean by ‘Polling Booth’?
Ans. A polling booth is a place where voters go inside to caste their vote. Inside the booth, and election officials identify them and put a mark on their finger and allow them to cast their rote.
Q. 3. What is the importance of Universal Adult Franchise?
Ans. It promotes the national unity and integrity. It gives a chance to people to gain political education.
Q. 4. What are the reserved constituencies?
Ans. The constituencies that are reserved for people who belong to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, are called reserved constituencies.
Q. 5. What do you mean by ‘code of conduct’?
Ans. It is a set of norms and guidelines to be followed by all political parties and contesting candidates during the election time.
Q. 6. Why do we have representatives in most democracies?
Ans. In most democracies people rule through their representatives because it is not possible for everyone to have time and knowledge to take decisions on all matters.
Q. 7. Give one reason why it is good to have political competition.
Ans. Political competition is good because it gives the power to the people to reward or punish the leaders according to their performance. This is what the election does, it forces the parties and leaders to serve the people.
Q. 8. Are elections in India free and fair?
Ans. Yes, elections in India are free and fair because these are conducted by an independent Election Commission and all parties accept the outcome of the elections. Usually, the party that loses the election does not accept the outcome of rigged election.
Q. 9. Why are election campaigns needed?
Ans. The main purpose of elections is to give people a chance to choose their representatives, the government and the policies they prefer. Therefore it is necessary to have a free and open discussion about which is better government or what is a good policy. It is possible during election campaigning.
Q. 10. What are general elections?
Ans. The elections conducted in all the constituencies to elect the representatives are known as General Elections. Such elections are held every five year.
Q. 11. Write the name of the state in India which has the largest Vidhan Sabha seats.
Ans. Uttar Pradesh has the largest Vidhan Sabha seats.
Q. 12. Write the name of the state which has the smallest Vidhan Sabha seats.
Ans. Goa has the smallest Vidhan Sabha.
Q. 13. Who appoints the ‘Chief Election Commissioner’ in India?
Ans. The President of India.
Q. 14. How are representatives elected in a democracy?
Ans. On the basis of universal adult franchise.
Q. 15. What is the Election Manifesto?
Ans. The Election Manifesto is the pamphlet issued by a political. It tells people about the programmes and policies of the political party. Besides, every political parties issue this election manifesto during elections.
Q. 16. How many seats are reserved for women at the Village Panchayat or Municipal Council?
Ans. At least one-third of seats are reserved for women at the Village Panchayat or Municipal Council.
Q. 17. How is the government elected in a democracy?
Ans. The common people elects the government in a democracy. For this general elections are held every five years to choose their representatives.
Q. 18. What is the motive behind reservation of constituencies?
Ans. The motive behind reservation of constituencies is to ensure proper represent-ation to the weaker sections like SC and ST.
Q. 19. What do you understand by the two party system?
Ans. The two party system means the dominance of the voters in all the elections. In India there are two big political parties.
Q. 20. What is the term Franchise mean?
Ans. The term, Franchise means right to vote.
Q. 21. Who is the head of Election Commission?
Ans. The Chief Election Commissioner of India is the head of Election Commission.
Q. 22. What is rigging?
Ans. Rigging means any unfair practice used during election process.
Q. 23. What is meant by Reservation Policy?
Ans. Reservation policy is a policy declares some positions in government employment and educational institutions reserved for people and communities, who have been discriminated against, Actually they are disadvantaged and backward.
Q. 24. What is the meaning of free and fair elections?
Ans. Free and fair elections means the elections held in the strict observance of the code of elections.
Q. 25. What does the term ‘Secret ballot’ mean?
Ans. The term ‘Secret ballot’ means no one except the voter knows in whose favor he/she has voted. In our country, the elections are held through secret ballot.
Q. 26. What is called the ‘party ticket?
Ans. During elections the candidates are nominated by the political parties. They get the party symbol and support. Such party nomination is often called party ticket.
Q. 27. What is a ballot paper?
Ans. A ballot paper is a long sheet of paper. The names of the contesting candidates with the party names and symbols are listed on it. The voters has to choose from these candidates.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. What do you mean by Adult Franchise?
Ans. In a democratic setup, citizens are given the right to vote after attaining a particular age. When every citizen, at the attainment of a particular age, irrespective of his caste, creed, religion, sex, property or education is given the right to vote, the system is known as Adult Franchise or Universal Adult Franchise. In India, every citizen who has completed 18 years of age is given the right to vote and no discrimination is made on the basis of caste, creed, sex, religion, property or education of the person.
Q. 2. Discuss the main functions of the Election Commission of India.
Ans. Main functions of the Election Commission:
(i) To prepare electoral rolls, a record of name, father’s name, age and sex of the voters is duly prepared.
(ii) To delimit (mark) the constituencies in an organized way.
(iii) To fix and announce dates of elections whether these are of State Assembly elections or Lok Sabha elections.
(iv) To carry on scrutiny and screening of nomination papers, allot election symbols, get ballot papers printed, create circumstances for free and fair election and finally to declare the result of the elections.
Q. 3. What are Bye-election and Mid-term election?
Ans. By-election: Election held to fill a vacancy caused by either death, resignation or any other reason.
Mid-term election: Election held before the expiry of Lok Sabha’s full term.
Q. 4. Mention any three rights which the citizens of India enjoy but the citizens of Saudi Arabia are deprived of it. (Any three points)
Ans. (i) Unlike India, Saudi Arabia is not a democratic country in the true spirit. The ruler or king of this country is all in all. He is not elected by the people of the country.
(ii) In Saudi Arabia women do not have rights to vote.
(iii) In Saudi Arabia, the legislatures are elected by the king. Here people are not free to enjoy their religion.
Q. 5. How we can say that in India all voters are equal? Give any three provisions.
Ans. (i) The principle of universal adult franchise states that everyone should have one vote and each vote should have equal value.
(ii) No one should be denied the right to vote without a good reason.
(iii) Different citizens are differ from one another in many ways. But all of them are human beings with their own needs and views. That is why all of them deserve to have an equal say in decisions that affect them.
Q. 6. What is an Election Manifesto? What is its use?
Ans. I. Meaning: The pamphlet that tells us about the programmes, policies and aims of a political party is called the Election Manifesto.
II. It has the following uses:
(i) The people know it for certain as to what the party will do if it comes out successful at the Polls.
(ii) Manifestos bring forth the differences between various political parties.
(iii) Even when the elections are over, the people can put pressure on the successful party to act according to its manifesto.
Q. 7. What are the different methods used by political parties during the election campaign to seek vote?
Ans. The different methods used by the political parties during the election campaign to seek vote are:
1. Issuing of election manifesto.
2. Addressing public meetings and making promises to the voters.
Q. 8. Why should elections be held regularly?
Ans. Election should be held regularly because it provides incentives to the political parties and leaders. They know that if they do work that would make them popular and increase their chances of victory in the next elections. But if they fail to satisfy the voters with their work they will not be able to win again.
Q. 9. Why are the elections considered essential in our times for any representative democracy?
Ans. (i) People 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. 10. What is the purpose to issue Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to the voters? Name any two other identity proof which can be shown at the time of voting.
Ans. The voters are required to carry Election Photo Identity Card [EPIC] when they go out to vote, so that no one can vote for someone else.
For voting, the voters can show many other proofs and Identity like the ration card and the driving license.
Q. 11. What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Ans. It means everyone should have one vote and each vote should have one value. No one should be denied the right to vote on account of race, caste and religion. Rich and poor, all have right to vote. In India every person above the age of 18 years has right to vote without any discrimination.
Q. 12. What do you mean by Election Petition?
Ans. If any candidate or voter feels that election in his constituency has not been held properly or if he has any objection against the result he can file an election petition in the court. If the objections raised by him are found to be correct the court can set aside that election. In that constituency, the election is held again.
Q. 13. How can we say that the quality of the election process is improving in India?
Ans. The quality of election process is improving in India in the following ways:
(i) Election Commission takes decisions of every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results.
(ii) During the election time, the Election Commission 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.
(iii) The candidates have to give information about assets, movable and immovable, debts to financial institutions, tax status, income and wealth. Hence, the voters become to know more about the candidates and make their effective choice.
Q. 14. Write down three arguments against Universal Adult Franchise.
Ans. Following arguments are given against Universal Adult Franchise:
(i) Illiterate persons are not able to exercise their right to vote properly, so this right should be given only to the educated citizens.
(ii) Poor people are liable to sell their votes. So this right should not be given to them.
(iii) The system is very expensive. Large-scale arrangements have to be made for the election.
Q. 15. What choices do voters make during elections? Write any two.
Ans. (a) Responsible person for making laws.
(b) The party which will guide the govern-ment.
(c) The party which can take decision.
Q. 16. What are the different trends of political participation in India?
Ans. (i) Turnout has either remained stable or actually gone up.
(ii) The poor and illiterate and underprivileged people vote in large proportion as compared to the rich and privileged sections.
(iii) Great importance is given to elections.
(iv) The interest of voters in election related activities has been increasing over the years.
Q. 17. One final test of the free and fairness of election lies in the outcome itself. Justify the statement with any three suitable examples.
Ans. The above statement can be justified through the following points:
(i) If the elections are not free and fair, the outcome always favors the powerful.
(ii) The ruling parties lose elections in India.
(iii) Most of the candidates who use money and muscle power often lose the elections.
(iv) The electoral outcomes are usually accepted as ‘people’s verdict’ by the defeated party.
Q. 18. What are the challenges to free and fair election in India?
Ans. The challenges to free and fair elections are given below:
(i) Candidates and parties with a lot of money may not be sure of their victory but they enjoy advantage over smaller parties, and independents. Some candidates with criminal records are able to secure party tickets from major parties.
(ii) Some families tend to dominate political parties a tendency for dynastic rule is very common these days.
(iii) Elections offer only little choice to ordinary citizens. All the major parties are quite similar to each other both in politics and practice.
Q. 19. What is election campaign? How is the code of conduct controlled during election campaign?
Ans. 1. In our country such campaign take place for a two weeks period between the announcement of the final list of candidates and the date of polling. During the period candidates contact their voters, political leaders and join election meetings etc.
2. This is also the period when newspapers and T.V. news are full of election related news and debates. Political parties start preparing for elections months before they actually take place.
3. In election campaign political parties try to focus public attention on some big issues. They want to attract the public to that issue and get them to vote for their party on that basis. After the announcement of the election code of conduct is prepared, all the parties are abide to follow the code of conduct. In this way the election campaign is over.
Q. 20. Mention powers of the Election Commission of India.
Or
Describe the role of Election Commission in holding election free and fair in India.
Ans. 1. Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results.
2. It implements the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it.
3. 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.
4. When on election duty, government officials work under the control of the EC and not the government.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTION
Q. 1. Define the following:
(a) Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
Ans. E.V.M.: Electronic voting machines (EVM) are used to record votes. These machine shows the names of the candidates and the party symbols. Independent candidates too have their own symbols, allotted by election officials.
(b) Ballot Paper.
Ans. Ballot Paper: A ballot paper is a sheet of paper on which the names of the contesting candidates along with party name and symbols are listed.
(c) Election Day.
Ans. Election Day: The final stage of an election is the day when the voters cast or ‘poll’ their vote. That day is usually called the election day.
Q. 2. Which value should contestants keep in mind during the election campaign of a country?
Ans. Contestants when takes part in election, he should have the following values in his mind:
(i) Honesty: The contestant should be honest in all respect in action and wordings. He should not give any such promise for which he is unable to work. Generally he demands bribe directly or indirectly.
(ii) Nationalism: He should be faithful for his duty. He should work as he is serving his nation.
(iii) Patriotism: He should not do any such work which reflects bad name towards the country. He should be ready to give up his life for the nation.
(iv) National Integration: He should be loyal in his work. He should try for unity and integrity. He should try to remove the ideas about differences in religions.
Q. 3. Define the following:
(a) Universal Adult Franchise.
Ans. Universal Adult Franchise: If is a right to vote given to every citizen after the attainment of a particular age, irrespective of his caste, creed, religion, sex, property or education.
(b) Election Photo Identity Card.
Ans. Election Photo Identity Card: If is a special election card. The voters are required to carry this card when they go out to vote. So that no one can vote for someone else.
(c) Voters List.
Ans. Voter’s List: The list of those persons who are eligible to vote is prepared much before election and given to everyone. This list is officially called “Electoral Roll” and is commonly known as, voters list.
Q. 4. Evaluate and determine the following principles with the features of our electoral system.
(a) Universal Adult Franchise.
Ans. Universal Adult Franchise: reflects the ideals of equal political rights in which every adult of above 18 years of age has a right to vote.
(b) Open political competition.
Ans. Open Political Competition: reflects the ideals spirit of political competition in which any one can form a party or contest elections.
(c) Representation of weaker sections.
Ans. Representation of weaker sections: reflects the ideals of proportional representation in which reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes is recognized.
(d) One vote one value.
Ans. The principle of one vote one value: signifies that each constituency has roughly the same population.
Q. 5. Suggest any five reforms in the electoral system of India?
Ans. Since independence, many reforms in the Indian electoral system has been done. Some of these are given under following heads:
(i) Provision of Identity Cards: Provision for identity cards along with photographs should be made to check impersonation and bogus voting. No one should be allowed to enter a polling station without showing the identity card.
(ii) Prevention of Booth Capturing: To prevent booth capturing, provision for severe punishments should be made and this activity should be included in the list of ‘heinous crimes’. Besides, adequate arrangement should be made for the security of the polling booths, to deter musclemen and potential booth capturers’.
(iii) Use of Voting Machines: For recording and counting votes, voting machines should be used. This will put an end to poll-rigging.
(iv) Revision of Electoral Rolls: Electoral rolls should be revised from time to time. Names of new voters should be included in them and the names of voters who have left the place or expired should be deleted.
(v) Multi-member Election Commission: Some persons are of the view that a multi-member election commission is more effective than a single-member Election Commission. It is to be remembered that a law passed in December 1993 provides for multi-member election commissions.
(vi) Revision of Electoral Rolls: Electoral rolls should be revised from time to time. Names of new voters should be included in them and the names of voters who have left the place expired should be deleted.
Q. 6. How does the participation of the people indicate that elections are free and fair?
Ans. If the election process was not free and fair people would not have participated in the elections. The following facts indicate that elections are free and fair:
1. Turnout of Voters: People’s participation in the election is usually measured by the percent of eligible voters who critically cast their votes. It is called turnout. The turnout in India had increased or remained stable.
2. Pressure of Voters: The common people feel that through elections they can bring pressure on political parties to adopt policies and programmes favorable to them. So they attach lot of importance to elections.
3. Role of People: The voters participate in the election related activities.
4. Voting Interest: In India, poor, illiterate and underprivileged people vote in large number as compared to the rich and privileged people. In western democracies for e.g., in USA, poor people do not show interest in election.
Q. 7. What are the main functions of Election Commission of India?
Ans. The Main Functions of Election Commission of India: Election Commission in India does the following important functions (duties):
1. Election Commission first of all, prepare electoral rolls. When this work is performed, where in the name, father’s name, age and sex of the voters are clearly mentioned.
2. Delimitation of constituencies is done by the Election Commission of India. Elections are held in an organized way by the Commission in marked constituencies.
3. Election dates (of State Assemblies, Lok Sabha etc.) are fixed and announced by the Election Commission of India.
4. Scrutiny of nomination papers, allotment of election symbols, arrangement of EVMs holding of free and fair elections and declaration of results etc. are also done by the Election Commission of India.
HOTS QUESTION
Q. 1. What are the different measures taken to ensure free and fair elections in India?
Ans. (i) The Election Commission has the power to implement the code of conduct and punish any candidate or party that violates it.
(ii) During the period of the election, the Election Commission can order the Government to follow some guidelines, including transferring some Government officials like Collector or S.P.
(iii) No bribe or threatening to the voters.
(iv) No appeal by the candidates in the name of caste or religion.
(v) Election expenditure should not exceed more than 25 lakhs for Lok Sabha and 10 lakhs in the Assembly elections.
Q. 2. What is a reserved constituency? Why do we have this system?
Ans. When any constituency is reserved for people who belong to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, such a constituency is called a reserved constituency.
Now a question generally arises as to why we have reserved constituencies. Some reasons for adopting such a system are the following:
(i) This system of reserved constituencies makes our democracy a real representative democracy.
(ii) If there would have not been this provision, very few persons from the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes would had been elected in the Lok Sabha or the Vidhan Sabhas for lack of resources, education, contacts etc.
(iii) Such classes were victims of discrimination for centuries. Though much has been improved but still there are many people who will not allow these people to win elections.
(iv) If people belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes had not been elected, our parliament and assemblies would have been deprived of the voice of a significant section of the society.
PASSAGE BASED QUESTIONS
1. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
Once the constituencies are decided, the next step is to decide who can and who cannot vote. This decision cannot be left to anyone till the last day. In a democratic election, the list of those who are eligible to vote is prepared much before the election and given to everyone.
(i) What is a voters’ list?
(a) A list of those who are eligible to contest election.
(b) A list of those who are below the age of 18 years.
(c) A list of those who are eligible to vote.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (c) A list of those who are eligible to vote.
(ii) The voter list is also called:
(a) Election Manifesto.
(b) Electoral Roll.
(c) Party Ticket.
(d) Election Photo Identity Card.
Ans. (b) Electoral Roll.
(iii) On what basis is the voter list prepared?
(a) On the basis of religion.
(b) On the basis of language spoken.
(c) On the basis of wealth held.
(d) On the basis of Universal Adult Franchise.
Ans. (d) On the basis of Universal Adult Franchise.
(iv) Who among the following do not have the right to vote in our country?
(a) Elderly people.
(b) Some criminals and persons with unsound mind.
(c) Uneducated people.
(d) Unemployed people.
Ans. (b) Some criminals and persons with unsound mind.
2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
We noted above that in a democratic election people should have a real choice. This happens only when there are almost no restrictions on anyone to contest an election. This is what our system provides. Anyone who can be a voter can also become a candidate in elections.
(i) Anyone who can be a voter can also become a candidate in elections, but there is one difference. What is it?
(a) To be a candidate in election the minimum age is 18 years, while it is only 25 years for being a voter.
(b) To be a candidate in election the minimum age is 45 years, while it is only 21 years for being a voter.
(c) To be a candidate in election the minimum age is 25 years, while it is only 18 years for being a voter.
(d) To be a candidate in election the minimum age is 21 years, while it is only 18 years for being a voter.
Ans. (c) To be a candidate in election the minimum age is 25 years, while it is only 18 years for being a voter.
(ii) What is a party ticket?
(a) Personal information made public by the candidate.
(b) Party to which a candidate is nominated.
(c) Party’s policies.
(d) Rules to contest election.
Ans. (b) Party to which a candidate is nominated.
(iii) Why has personal information of a candidate to be made public?
(a) It allows voters to know the wealth of the candidate.
(b) It allows voters to seek benefit from the candidate.
(c) It allows voters to decide who is a weather to vote in the election or not.
(d) It provides an opportunity to the voters to make their decisions on the basis of the information provided by the candidates.
Ans. (d) It provides an opportunity to the voters to make their decisions on the basis of the information provided by the candidates.
(iv) Why is there no educational qualification required to contest election?
(a) Many people are illiterate.
(b) Education has nothing to do with contesting elections.
(c) Ability to understand people’s concerns, problems and to represent their interest is more important.
(d) None of these.
Ans. (c) Ability to understand people’s concerns, problems and to represent their interest is more important.
3. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
The party that wins an election and forms government does so because people have chosen it over its rivals. This may not be true for every constituency. A few candidates may win purely on the basis of money power and unfair means. But the overall verdict of a general election still reflects popular preference. There are very few exceptions to this rule in the last 60 years in our country. This is what makes Indian elections democratic.
(i) How do the outcomes of India’s elections speaks for itself?
(a) Elections are held every year.
(b) Anyone can contest elections.
(c) People are fed up regular elections.
(d) Barring very few disputed elections, the electoral outcomes are usually accepted as ‘people’s verdict by the defeated party.
Ans. (d) Barring very few disputed elections, the electoral outcomes are usually accepted as ‘people’s verdict by the defeated party.
(ii) Which of the following is the limitations and challenges of Indian elections?
(a) Candidates with criminal connection have been able to push others out of the electoral race.
(b) Some families tend to dominate political parties.
(c) Use of money and muscle power.
(d) All of the above.
Ans. (d) All of the above.
(iii) What do you mean by level playing field’?
(a) Conditions where the poor are given more chances to win.
(b) Conditions in which all parties and candidates contesting in an election have equal opportunities to appeal for votes and to carry out election campaign.
(c) Conditions where the powerful candidates are given more chances to win.
(d) Only major political parties are allowed to contest elections.
Ans. (b) Conditions in which all parties and candidates contesting in an election have equal opportunities to appeal for votes and to carry out election campaign.
(iv) Very often elections offer little choice to ordinary citizens because:
(a) there are very less political parties in India.
(b) there are very less chances of getting a party nomination.
(c) only the rich have the right to contest elections.
(d) for more or less all the major parties are quite similar to each other both in policies and practice.
Ans. (d) for more or less all the major parties are quite similar to each other both in policies and practice.
