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Which of the following statements about the reasons for conducting elections are false?
Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government.
People select the representative of their choice in an election.
Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.
People can indicate which policies they prefer.
C.
Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.
Which of these is not a good reason to say that Indian elections are democratic?
India has the largest number of voters in the world.
India’s Election Commission is very powerful.
In India, everyone above the age of 18 has a right to vote.
In India, the losing parties accept the electoral verdict.
A.
India has the largest number of voters in the world.
Match the following options:
| 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 representative |
| 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 |
A. It is necessary to keep the voters list up to date because | (i) some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last |
B. Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that | (ii) there is a fair representation of all sections of our society |
C. Everyone has one and only one vote so that | (iii) everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representative |
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 |
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.
1. Delimitation of Constituencies
2. List of Voters
3. Announcing election schedule
4. Polling Stations are established
5. Filing of Nomination Papers
6. Withdrawal of Nominations
7. Scrutiny and objection
8. Election Campaign
9. Election Manifesto
10. Polling (Casting of Votes)
11. Ordering of re-poll
12. Counting of Votes
13. Declaration of election results.
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:
Election campaign
Surekha should see that all political parties and candidates should follow the code of conduct during election campaign.
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 :
Polling day
On polling day Surekha should supervise that polling takes place peacefully. There should be no bogus voting and no rigging of election. There should also be no booth capturing.
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:
Counting day.
Surekha should supervise the counting of votes and the candidate getting the highest votes is declared elected.
The table given ahead 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?
|
Proportion of the community (in per cent) in the |
||
|
House of representatives |
Population of US |
|
|
Blacks |
8 |
13 |
|
Hispanics |
5 |
13 |
|
Whites |
86 |
70 |
There should be no reservation for any community in the American Congress. Reservation is, in fact, against the democratic principles. Democracy is based on the principle of equality. Every citizen enjoys one vote and equal value of vote. Moreover, reservation for any community creates sense of disunity and factionalism.
If representation is to be given in accordance with the percentage of the population then it is better to adopt proportional representation method.
Can we draw the following conclusions from the information given in this chapter? Give two facts to support your position for each of these.
Election Commission of India does not have enough powers to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
This statement is not true. Election Commission of India is very powerful
(i)Election Commission supervises, directs and controls the elections.
(ii)It implements the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it.
Can we draw the following conclusions from the information given in this chapter? Give two facts to support your position for each of these.
There is high level of popular participation in the elections in our country.
(i)In India the poor, illiterate and underprivileged people vote in larger proportion as compared to
the rich and privileged sections.
(ii)Election-related activities in the last few years have seen a larger participation by the people.
Can we draw the following conclusions from the information given in this chapter? Give two facts to support your position for each of these.
It is very easy for the party in power to win an election.
The statement is not true.
(i)The ruling parties routinely lose elections in India both at the national and state level.
(i)Candidates who are known to spend a lot of money often lose elections.
Can we draw the following conclusions from the information given in this chapter? Give two facts to support your position for each of these.
Many reforms are needed to make our elections completely free and fair.
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?
This decision is not against the principles of democratic elections. Criminals should not be allowed to contest elections. The court has done a right thing. The court order is in accordance with the provision of law.
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?
To check malpractices at the time of counting of votes, it is better to use EVMs.
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?
To conduct free and fair election code of conduct should be framed. All political parties and candidates should follow the code of conduct strictly.
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?
In U.S.A. there is a great need for uniformity in the procedure of election for all states. For this purpose, an independent Election Commission should be established. Elections should be conducted by the Election Commission.
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?
Following the announcement of elections, the minister promised to provide financial aid to reopen the closed sugar mill.
The minister has violated the code of conduct. Hence action should be taken against the minister by Election Commision.
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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?
Opposition parties alleged that their statements and campaign were not given due attention on Doordarshan and All India Radio.
This is a misuse of Doordarshan and All India Radio by the government. This malpractice can be checked by making Doordarshan and All India Radio autonomous body.
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?
An inquiry by the Election Commission showed that electoral rolls of a state contain name of 20 lakh fake voters.
All fake voters’ name should be removed from the electoral roll. Electoral roll should be thoroughly checked and revised and action should be taken against the officials concerned.
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?
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.
The election commission should order the arrest of the hoodlums and bar the party from the elections.
All political parties should have election meetings peacefully.
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?
Women always vote the way men tell them to. So what is the point of giving them the right to vote?
Women should be given the right to vote because democracy is based on the principle of equality. Women are capable enough of taking decisions on their own and selecting the candidate they like.
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?
Party politics creates tension in society. Elections should be decided by consensus not by competition.
No doubt party politics creates tension in the locality, but still electoral competition is the best method to elect people’s representative.
Electoral Competition gives chance to the voters to elect the candidate of their choice.
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?
Only graduates should be allowed to stand as candidates for elections.
This statement is wrong because it is not in accordance with the democratic principles. Educational qualification is not relevant in politics. People’s representative should have ability to understand people’s problems and to represent their interests.
Even if education was relevant, it should be left to the people to decide how much impor tance they give to educational qualifications.
Moreover, if only graduates are allowed to contest election then more than 90 per cent of the citizens will not be eligible to contest election.
Universal Adult Franchise means when
The whole population has a right to vote
The adults of a specific age have a right to vote
The educated people have a right to vote
The propertied people have a right to vote
B.
The adults of a specific age have a right to vote
Which one of the following arguments is against Universal Adult Franchise?
Illiterate persons should not have a right to vote
Everyone should have a right to vote
It is very just to give everyone a right to vote
Right to vote is an inherent right
A.
Illiterate persons should not have a right to vote
Territorial Representation means
Geographical representation
Minority representation
Functional representation
Class representation
A.
Geographical representation
Single-member constituency means
From where one candidate contests and one is elected
From where many candidates contest and one candidate is elected
From where one candidate contests and many are elected
B.
From where many candidates contest and one candidate is elected
Multi-member constituency means
From where one candidate contests and one is elected
From where many candidates contest and one candidate is elected
From where many candidates contests and many are elected
From where one candidate contests and many are elected
C.
From where many candidates contests and many are elected
Direct elections exits in Or Direct democracy exists in
Japan
India
Switzerland
England
C.
Switzerland
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The Chief Election Commission is appointed by
Parliament
President
Prime Minister
Governor
B.
President
At present Election Commission consists of
Four Members
Three Members
Two Members
One Member
B.
Three Members
Which one of the following has been encouraging electoral participation in India?
Money and Muscle power
Casteism
Communalism
Mass Political Consciousness
D.
Mass Political Consciousness
Electoral process mean
the process by which civil servants are appointed
the process by which judges are appointed
the process by which political parties work
the process by which elections are held
D.
the process by which elections are held
Direct election means
When the representatives are elected by the civil servants
When the representatives are elected by the people
When the representatives are elected by women
When the representatives are nominated by the President
B.
When the representatives are elected by the people
Which one of the following is directly elected in India
President of India
Vice-President of India
Members of Legislative Assemblies
Members of Rajya Sabha
C.
Members of Legislative Assemblies
Which one of the following is not the demerit of direct election?
An ordinary voter cannot make proper use of his vote
An ordinary voter being a poor man may bargain for his vote
An ordinary voter being indolent does not care to know as to who is a deserving candidate
This system is quite cheap
D.
This system is quite cheap
Territorial Representation means
Geographical representation
Minority representation
Functional representation
Class representation
A.
Geographical representation
Define the term ‘election’.
Election is a process of electing the representatives for legislature.
What is meant by ‘nomination’?
Nomination means act of offering one’s name as candidate for elections.
What do you mean by general election?
General election is a democratic method employed to elect people’s representatives.
When an election takes place after the expiry of fixed tenure of the legislative body, it is called a general election.
What is mid-term election?
When the general election is held before it is due, it is called mid-term election.
What is bye-election?
A special election that is held between regular elections to replace someone who has died or resigned from office.
Who decides the date for general elections in India?
The dates for general election in India are decided by the Election Commission.
Followings are the legal declaration made by the candidate when filing the nominations:
(i)Serious criminal cases pending against the candidate;
(ii)Details of the assets and liabilities of the candidate and his or her family; and
(iii)Education qualifications of the candidate.
What is the composition of the Election Commission?
Election Commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two other members.
Examine the powers possessed by the Election Commission of India.
The powers of the Election Commission of India are:
(i)EC takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results.
(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.
Who enjoys right to vote in India?
In India right to vote is enjoyed by those citizens who are above 18 years of age.
State any two key features of the electorate system in India.
The key features are:
(i)Multi Party
(ii)Secret ballot system
Discuss the minimum conditions of a democratic election.
The minimum conditions of a democratic election are discussed below:
(i)First, everyone should be able to choose. This means that everyone should have one vote and every vote should have equal value.
(ii)Second, there should be something to choose from. Parties and candidates should be free to
contest elections and should offer some real choice to the voters.
(iii)Third, the choice should be offered at regular intervals. Elections must be held regularly after every few years.
(iv)Fourth, the candidate preferred by the people should get elected.
(v)Fifth, elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner where people can choose as they really wish.
State any two criteria to be a voter in India.
They are:
(i) He must be a citizen of India.
(ii) He must be above 18 years of age.
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List out any four successful slogans given by different political parties in various elections.
The four successful slogans given by different political parties in various elections are listed below:
(i)The Congress party led by Indira Gandhi gave the slogan of Garibi Hatao (Remove poverty) in the Lok Sabha elections of 1971. The party promised to reorient all the policies of the government to remove poverty from the country.
(ii)Save Democracy was the slogan given by Janata Party in the next Lok Sabha election held in 1977. The party promised to undo the excesses committed during Emergency and restore civil liberties.
(iii)The Left Front used the slogan of Land to the Tiller in the West Bengal Assembly elections held in 1977.
(iv)‘Protect the Self-Respect of the Telugus’ was the slogan used by N. T. Rama Rao, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in 1983.
Mention any three election provisions which no
party or candidate can practice.
The provisions are:
(i)Bribe or threaten voters or appeal to them in the name of caste or religion;
(ii)Use government resources for election campaign; and
(iii)Spend more than Rs. 25 lakh in a constituency for a Lok Sabha election or Rs. 10 lakh in a constituency in an Assembly election.
What is a 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.
Write any three features of the election period.
The features are:
(i)candidates contact their voters,
(ii)political leaders address election meetings and
(iii)political parties mobilise their supporters.
When was the election for 16th Lok Sabha election held?
The general election for the 16th Lok Sabha was held in 2014.
What are used to record votes nowadays ?
Nowadays electronic voting machines (EVM) are
used to record votes.
What are the unfair practices carried out in elections? State any four.
The unfair practices are:
(i)Inclusion of false names and exclusion of genuine names in the voters’ list;
(ii)Misuse of government facilities and officials by the ruling party;
(iii)Excessive use of money by rich candidates and big parties; and
(iv)Intimidation of voters and rigging on the polling day.
Examine the outcome of India’s elections.
The outcome of India’s elections are examined below:
(i)The ruling parties routinely lose elections in India both at the national and state level.
(ii)In fact in every two out of the three elections, held in the last fifteen years, the ruling party lost.
(iii)In India about half of the sitting MPs or MLAs lose elections.
(iv)Candidates who are known to have spent a lot of money on ‘buying votes’ and those with known
criminal connections often lose, elections.
(v)Barring very few disputed elections, the electoral outcomes are usually accepted as ‘people’s verdict’ by the defeated party.
Explain the limitations and challenges of
Indian elections.
Followings are the limitations and challenges of
Indian elections:
(i)Candidates and parties with a lot of money may not be sure of their victory but they do enjoy a big and unfair advantage over smaller parties and independents.
(ii)In some parts of the country, candidates with criminal connection have been able to push others out of the electoral race and to secure a
‘ticket’ from major parties.
(iii)Some families tend to dominate political parties; tickets are distributed to relatives from these
families.
(iv)Very often elections offer little choice to ordinary citizens, for both the major parties are quite similar to each other both in policies and practice.
(v)Smaller parties and independent candidates suffer a huge disadvantage compared to bigger
parties.
What does voters turnout indicate?
Voter turnout indicates the per cent of eligible voters who actually cast their vote.
Write the name along with numbers of Lok Sabha seats of any six states?
The states are:
(i)Haryana -10
(ii)Punjab -13
(iii)Himachal Pradesh -4
(iv)Uttar Pradesh -80
(v)Uttarakhand -5
(vi)Rajasthan 25
Name the states having more than 30 Lok Sabha constituencies in India.
The states are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Who can remove the Chief Election Commissioner in India?
Indian Parliament can remove the Chief Election Commissioner.
What is Code of Conduct?
Code of Conduct is a set of norms and guidelines to be followed by political parties and contesting candidates during election time.
Describe Booth capturing.
Booth capturing: Supporters or hired musclemen of party or a candidate gain physical control of a polling booth and cast false votes by threatening everyone or by preventing genuine voters from reaching the polling booth.
What is Constituency?
Voters in a geographical area who elect a representative to the legislative bodies.
What is meant by rigging?
Rigging:
(i)Fraud and malpractices indulged by a party or candidate to increase its votes.
(ii)It includes stuffing ballot boxes by a few persons using the votes of others;
(iii)recording multiple votes by the same person; and
(iv)bribing or coercing polling officers to favour a candidate.
What is a level playing field in an election?
Condition in which all parties and candidates contesting in an election have equal opportunities to appeal for votes and to carry out election campaign.
Who attach a lot of importance to elections in India and why?
Common people in India attach a lot of importance to elections.
(i)They feel that through elections they can bring pressure on political parties to adopt policies and programmes favourable to them.
(ii)They also feel that their vote matters in the way things are run in the country.
Who in India vote in larger proportion?
In India, the poor, illiterate and underprivileged people vote in larger proportion as compared to the rich and privileged sections.
State any three code of conduct imposed by Election Commission during elections.
The code of conduct are:
(i)Use any place of worship for election propaganda;
(ii)Use government vehicles, aircrafts and officials for elections; and
(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.
What was N. T. Rama Rao?
N. T. Rama Rao was the leader of the Telugu Desam Party from Andhra Pradesh.
For whom some constituencies are reserved in India?
Some constituencies are reserved for people who belong to the :
(i)Scheduled Castes [SC]
(ii)Scheduled Tribes [ST]
How many seats are reserved for ST and SC in Lok Sabha?
In the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 47 for the Scheduled Tribes.
How many seats are reserved in rural and urban local bodies for women candidates?
One-third of the seats are reserved in rural and urban local bodies for women candidates.
What is voters list?
In a democratic election, the list of those who are eligible to vote is prepared much before the election and given to everyone.
This list is officially called the Electoral Roll and is commonly known as the Voters’ List.
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