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Indian Constitution At Work Chapter 3 Election And Representation

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    NCERT Solution For Class 11 Political Science Indian Constitution At Work

    Election And Representation Here is the CBSE Political Science Chapter 3 for Class 11 students. Summary and detailed explanation of the lesson, including the definitions of difficult words. All of the exercises and questions and answers from the lesson's back end have been completed. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Election And Representation Chapter 3 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Election And Representation Chapter 3 The following is a summary in Hindi and English for the academic year 2021-2022. You can save these solutions to your computer or use the Class 11 Political Science.

    Question 1
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    What do you mean by Universal Adult Franchise?

    Solution
    When all adult citizens irrespective of property, education, race, religion, gender or other differences have been given right to vote,the process is popularly known as Universal Adult Franchise.

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    Question 2
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    Write the full form of the following short forms:

    (i)     FPTP

    (ii) PR.

    Solution

    (i) FPTP = First past the post system
    (ii) PR = Proportional Representation

    Question 3
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    What is meant by a direct democracy?

    Solution
    A direct democracy is one where the citizens directly participate in the day-to-day decision making and in the running of the government.
    Question 4
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    Give one example of direct democracy from ancient world history.

    Solution
    The ancient city— states in Greece were considered good example of direct democracy. 
    Question 5
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    Write name of direct democracy institution or organization from India's today rural area.

    Solution
    Gram Sabhas of rural local government are the closest examples of direct democracy.
    Question 6
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    Which important amendment was done in the Indian Constitution in 1989?

    Solution
    An important amendment to the Indian Constitution in 1989, was done by reducing the eligibility age of adult universal franchise from 21 to 18.
    Question 7
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    What do you mean by electoral behaviour?

    Solution
    Elections provide the people an opportunity to influence the political process and also help directly or indirectly to determine who will hold power. Elections are also a visible expression of public interest. The reasons to vote and vote in favour of a candidate, therefore, is determined by both individuals' own reasons and perceptions as also by his/her being a part of a collectivity or group. At the same time the voting behaviour is shaped both by short-term and long-term influences.
    Question 8
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    What is meant by the term Simple Majority Representation System?

    Solution
    The simple majority representation system means that system in which a candidate securing votes more than those of others is declared elected. In this system securing of absolute majority of votes is not necessary. Normally in direct elections, the simple majority system is used. Many a time in this system, wherethere is a multi-cornered contests, candidate with less than 50% votes is elected. We in India, find such cases in every election.
    Question 9
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    What is the meaning of the term Election System?

    Solution
    In brief, election is the media or method through which the voters elect their representatives and these representatives form the government. The modern era is the age ofdemocracy and elections are of utmost importance. In the indirect type of democracy which is prevalent in the most of the countries of the world, the people do not participate in the government directly, but they participate indirectly through their elected representatives. The people elect their representative and these representatives act in accordance with the wishes of the people.
    Question 10
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    Explain clearly the Direct Method of Election.

    Solution
    When a voter himself/herself takes part in election directly and goes himself/herself to the polling booth and casts his vote to a candidate of his own choice, it is called direct election. In this method secret method of ballot is used. In this way the elected candidates hold the reins of government of the country. In modern days, in almost all advanced countries representatives are elected by direct method.
    Question 11
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    What do you mean by Indirect Method of Election?

    Solution
    According to this method, voters do not elect their representatives to the Legislative Assemblies directly, but elect intermediary electors collectively known as an 'Electoral College' and these intermediary electors elect representatives to the Legislative Assemblies. In this way, representatives are not elected directly by the primary voter, but are elected by an intermediary electoral college.
    Question 12
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    Write a short note on Mid-Term Elections.

    Solution
    In every country the general elections take place at a fixed intervals. As in India the election of the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies are held after every five years. But when due to some reason or other the Lok Sabha or the State Legislative Assembly is dissolved by the President of India or the Governor of the state before the expiry of 5 years, then in between the elections are held again and these elections are known as mid-term elections.

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    Question 13
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    Explain the term Bye-Election.

    Solution
    During the general elections a candidate is elected for a fixed period. As in the case of Lok Sabha a candidate is elected for five years, but if due to some reasons i.e., resignation or the sudden death of the member a seat falls vacant, then the election is held again in that constituency. This election is known as the bye-election.

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    Question 14
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    Write a short note on 'Political Minority.'
    Solution
    In simple words, the political minority means the opposition party in a country. Modern age is the age of democracy. The elections are held at regular intervals. In the elections the political party which gets majority of the seats in the Lok Sabha or State Assembly, forms the government and becomes the ruling party. The party or parties which do not get the majority, become the opposition party or parties. The opposition parties are known as political minorities, have the right to convert themselves into the political majority through constitutional method.
    Question 15
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    Write a short note on the cumulative vote system.

    Solution
    In this system, the voter can cast as many votes as the number of representatives to be elected, but he is free to distribute his votes in any manner i.e. giving all the votes to one candidate or distribute them among some or give one vote to one candidate. In this way, small minorities also have representation because they can cast all their votes to one candidate only and thus make him successful.
    Question 16
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    What is meant by the term Hare System of representation?

    Solution
    Meaning of the term Hare System: An English man Thomas Hare devised a system of representation through a pamphlet called 'The machinery for representation.' This pamphlet has brought out in 1957. Hence the system is known as the Hare System. This is also known with the name of single transferable vote system, which is widely prevalent in many countries of the world. A great political thinker J. S. Mill considered it the 'greatest improvement yet made in the theory and practice of government.'
    Question 17
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    Write a short note on Secret Ballot System.

    Solution
    In the modern time the states are very big, therefore, the indirect democracy prevails.The indirect democracy inevitably brings in election because that is the best way of choosing people's representatives. Voting also has gone through various states. But in most modern countries voting is done by a secret ballot. It means that everyone chooses his/her own candidate in secret. He does not disclose the views about the candidate to whom he favours. Thatway, there is less danger of other people trying to pressurise him.

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    Question 18
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    What are the shortcomings of the Simple Majority System of Elections?

    Solution
    In case of simple majority there is always an ambiguity that even if a candidate does not get an absolute majority, he/she is declared elected. Suppose in an area there are three candidates X, Y and Z and total number of voters is 5000. In the results of counting X gets 2000, Y-1800 and Z-1200. In this way X is declared elected because he has got the maximum votes, i.e. the simple majority. But he has not get the absolute majority as more than 50% voters do not like him. This is the contradiction in the system that the majority will not have a representative in the Legislative.
    Question 19
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    Explain the limited vote system.

    Solution
    In this method of providing representation to minorities, multi-member constituencies are formed. The election of at least three representatives is possible by this system.The number of votes to be cast by voter is generally short by one than the number of representatives are to be elected. But only one vote can be cast in favour of one candidate. In this way one or two representatives of the minorities are also elected.
    Question 20
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    A former Chief Election Commissioner joined a political party and contested elections. There are various views on this issue. One view is that a former Election Commissioner is an independent citizen and has a right to join any political party and to contest election. According to the other view, leaving this possibility open can effect the impartiality of the Election Commission. So, former Election Commissioners must not be allowed to contest any elections. Which position do you agree with and Why?

    Solution
    According to article 324 (i) of the Indian Constitution, there is a provision for Election Commission, who will be responsible for conducting the elections of the Union Parliament, the State Legislative Assemblies, President and Vice President. The Election Commission is an independent and impartial agency to conduct the free and fair elections in the country. A former Election Commissioner must not be allowed to contest any election because it can affect the impartiality of the Election Commission.
    Question 21
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    What do you mean by political participation?

    Solution
    The meaning of political participation means participation in elections or to elect their representatives. To become a member of the executive or to be selected for a government post, are the examples of political participation. In terms of participation in elections there has been a steady increase in percentage of voters turn-out although there have been some fluctuations here and there.
    Question 22
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    How is a secret ballot ensured in India?

    Solution
    In the modern times the secret ballot system is adopted at the time of elections in almost all the countries. The main advantage of the secret ballot system is that neither the voters nor the candidate, are able to know which voter has voted in favour of which candidate.
    In India, at the time of every election may it be of the President or the Vice-President, the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, the state legislative assembly or local body, the method of secret ballot system is adopted. According to this system the voter is given a ballot paper by the presiding officer of the polling booth. The voter goes behind the curtain along with the ballot paper and marks the stamp against the name of the candidate whom he likes to vote. In this way, no one comes to know that to whom the voter has given his vote. But, now-a-days EVMs (ElectronicVoting Machines) are being used in the place of ballot papers. On the screen the name of the candidates with the symbols assigned to them by EC is displayed. The voter is asked to press button against the his/her choice of condidate behind a curtain maintaining the complete secrecy.

    Question 23
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    What is the importance of Universal Adult Franchise in a Democracy?

    Solution
    Universal Adult Franchise means the right to vote should be given to all adult citizens without any discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, creed, sex or religion. There should be no qualifications property or education and others. Only lunatics, minors, bankrupts, criminals and aliens are deprived of the right to vote. The age of adulthood differs from country to country. For instance it is 21 years in America, 18 years in India and England and 23 years in Norway.

    In a democratic country like ours there is much significance of adult franchise because equality is the basic of democracy. And in the system of Universal Adult Franchise also everyone is treated equally without any type of discrimination. This system provides political education to the citizens and they also develop the feelings of self-respect.

    Question 24
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    Write a short note on the list system.

    Solution
    It this system of proportional representation large multi-member constituencies are formed and many representatives are elected from each constituency. Each political party submits a list of as many candidates as are to be elected from a political constituency. Each voter votes not to the individuals as candidates, but to the whole list, these votes are indivisible to be elected. Each candidate has to secure atleast as many votes as are fixed by the quota of votes, the number of representatives of each party to be elected in any constituency is elected to the quotient obtained by dividing the total number of votes polled to the party by the quota.The same number of candidates enumerated in the party list from the top are declared successful.

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    Question 25
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    What is meant by the term Election Manifesto? Mention its utility.

    Solution
    Election Manifesto is a document or pamphlet that tells about the programmes, policies and aims of a political party. It is declared by the political parties on the eve of the elections.
    Its utility: (i) Election manifesto clarifies the internal and external policies of political party concerned.
    (ii) The people came to know from the manifesto, what the party will do if wins the election.
    (iii) Even after the elections are over, the people can put pressure on the successful party to act according to its manifesto.
    Question 26
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    Which of the following statements are incorrect? Identify and correct them by substituting, adding or re-arranging only one word or phrase.

    (a) FPTP system is followed for all the elections in India.

    (b) Election Commission does not supervise Panchayat and Municipal elections.

    (c) President of India cannot remove an Election Commissioner.

    (d) Appointment of more than one Election Commissioners in the Election Commission is mandatory.

    Solution
    (a) FPTP system is followed for all the elections in India. This statement is incorrect. The correct statement is FPTP system is followed for all elections in India except election of the President, the Vice President and for the elections to the Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishad.
    (b) Election Commission does not Supervise Panchayat and Municipal elections. This statement is correct.
    (c) President of India can not remove an Election Commissioner. This statement is incorrect. The correct statement is: The President can remove an Election Commissioner.
    (d) This statement is incorrect. The correct statement is: The appointment of more than one Election Commissioners is not mandatory.
    Question 27
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    Indian electoral system aims at ensuring representation of socially disadvantaged sections. However we are yet to have even 10 per cent women members in our legislatures. What measures would you suggest to improve the situation?

    Solution
    The Indian Constitution makes the reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in our legislatives. But the constitution does not make similar reservation for other disadvantaged groups. As such there is no reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women. To improve the situation of women we should seek reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. For this purpose there should be demand for reserving one-third seats for women. For this purpose, we require an amendment to the constitution. Though several times such an amendment has been proposed in parliament but has not yet been passed.
    Question 28
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    Write short note on Functional Representation.

    Solution
    The Functional representation means that the seats for each profession should be fixed in the legislatures. The voters from each profession should elect their representatives separately to the legislatures. A great writer of Political Science, Prof. Duiguit is of the opinion that industry, trade and commerce, science,literature, art, etc. should be given their representation in the legislatures.
    Arguments in favour of FunctionalRepresentation:
    1. One representative cannot do justice to all the interests: It is also said that one representative cannot represent all the interests of a territorial constituency. A person can represent best the interest of that profession in which he is interested most. He cannot do justice with the people of other professions.
    2. Remedy for the defects of territorial representation: It is said that functional representation is the remedy for all the defects of territorial representation. The legislature, composed of representatives elected by specialized interest or functions would be a true representative house of the people.
    Question 29
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    How does the Election Commission recognize a regional party?

    Solution
    The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. Moreover, the Election Commission performs many functions. One of the major functions of the Election Commission is to provide recognition to the political parties.
    The Election Commission lays down the criterion for the recognition of the political parties on national and regional levels.
    The Election Commission of India recognizes a regional party on the following basis:
    1. The Election Commission takes the decision and declares that which political party is of the national level and which political party is of the regional level.
    2. The Election Commission has the power to see that the said political party is popular in its region or not. Before providing recognition to a political party, the Election Commission has to see the organization and membership of the party. It also has to see whether the party is working according to the code of conducts given by Election Commission.
    Question 30
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    What are the various theories of representation?

    Solution
    There have been different opinions regarding the role of the representatives in the decision making process.
    1. Authoritarian Theory of Rep-resentation: Thomas Hobbes and Alexander Hamilton were the main advocates of this theory. This theory emphasizes on the superior knowledge and wisdom of the politicians. Hobbes was particularly in favour of the authority of the monarchical Government. Monarch is created by a democratic method but after assuming power he becomes powerful.
    2. Radical Theory of Representation: The main supporter of this theory are Rousseau and the proponents of the New Left. This theory believes in the direct participation in the law making process or governance.
    3. Mirror Theory of Representation: Chief advocates of this theory were John Locke and Thomas Jefferson. It highlights the idea that legislatures must be the mirror images of the society. The representatives are the agents of the people. It was based on the principle of equality.
    4. Elitist Theory of Representation: This theory believes that once elected the representative has a special responsibility to provide leadership to the masses. This theory is undemocratic in the sense that it believes on the wisdom of an elitist group ofpoliticians. It considers this group as the custodian of public interest.
    Question 31
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    What is an election? Describe direct and indirect elections in India. What are the three kinds of direct elections?

    Solution
    I. Meaning of an Election: The method through which the people choose their representative is known as election.
    II. Two types of Election: Direct and Indirect.
    (a) In the direct type of elections, all the voters participate in the elections of their representatives.
    (b) In the case of indirect elections, the elected members of the people further elect their representatives.
    III. Three kinds of Direct Election :
    (1) General Elections are held for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies after every five years. The first general election on the basis of adult franchise through secret ballot was held in 1952.
    (2) By elections are held out of the normal schedule. If a candidate elected from a constituency dies while in office, or his office falls vacant because of any other reason such as resignation, fresh elections are held for that particular constituency.
    (3) Mid Term Elections are usually held to constitute a new house if the Lok Sabha or any of the State Legislative Assemblies is dissolved before the expiry of its full term.
    Question 32
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    What is the difference between the system of reservation of constituencies and the system of separate electorate? Why did the Constitution makers reject the latter?

    Solution
    I. There is much difference between the system of reservation of constituencies and the system of separate electorate. Separate electorate have been a curse to India. In the British period it was started by the British government that the Muslims, Sikhs and some other minorities select their representatives by their own separate vote. But it was most harmful. As a result the nation resorted to the partition (in India and Pakistan). So after partition, in India, the reservation of constituencies for the oppressed social group was adopted. In separate electorates, the candidates are elected by those voters who belong to that particular community. But in the system of reservation of constituencies all voters in a constituency are eligible to vote but candidates must belong to only a particular community for which the seat is reserved. The constitution provides for reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

    This provision was made initially for a period of 10 years and as a result of successive constitutional amendments has been extended upto 2010. Today of the 543 elected seats in the Lok Sabha, 79 are reserved for scheduled castes and 41 are reserved for scheduled tribes.
    II. The latter was rejected by the constitution makers because they were aware that the system of separate electorate destroyed the spirit of national integration.

    Question 33
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    Describe the various stages of electoral process in India.

    Solution
    The process of elections in India runs through several formal stages. This is prescribed under the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1950, and the Act of 1951. The stages are:
    1. Formation of constituencies: Constituency is a territorial area from where a candidate contests elections.
    2. Filling of nominations: Nomination papers are filled with the returning officers.
    3. Scrutiny of nomination papers: Scrutiny is done to check whether the information given in the nomination papers is correct or not.
    4. Withdrawal of nominations: Once the scrutiny is over, the candidates are given a date for withdrawal.
    5. Election campaign: Campaigning is the process by which a candidate tries to persuade the voters to vote for him rather than others. The various campaigning techniques are holding rallies, meetings, processions, pasting of posters, distributing hand bills, door-to-door canvassing etc.
    6. Polling: The election campaign stops 48 hours before polling is held on the due date. Presiding officers and Polling officers supervise the whole polling process. The voters exercise their vote through secret ballot.
    7. Counting and declaration of results: After the voting is over the ballot boxes are sealed and taken to a counting centre. On a fixed date and time, counting is done. Candidates getting the highest number of votes are declared elected.
    Question 34
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    Mention two alternative systems of representation.

    Solution
    There are two alternative systems of representation:
    1. Territorial Representation.
    2. Functional Representation.
    The territorial representation is also known as Geographical representation. Under this system the whole country is divided into nearly equal population based constituencies. Territorial representation is the simplest and most convenient system of representation. It is a practical system also and has been adopted almost in all the states.
    Under this system the basic principle of equality i.e., one person one vote is adopted. The operation of this system in several countries has proved that it can secure a stable majority in the legislature and ultimately can provide for a strong and stable government.
    The Functional Representation highlights representation of occupation or functions. People belonging to different occupations and functions are allowed to have their representatives on this basis.
    Although the territorial representation system enables people to have a close relationship but the functional representation would be true representative house of the people. The functional representation is the remedy for all defects of territorial representation. J. D. H. Cole, Dugu.it, Webbs and Grahm Wallace are of the opinion that the system of territorial representation should be replaced by the functional representation system.



    Question 35
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    Describe the role of Election Commission of India.

    Or

    Enumerate three functions of the Election Commission.

    Or

    Mention four important functions of India's Election commission.

    Solution
    1. Control over the election machinery: The main function of the Election Commission is to conduct free and impartial elections in the country. For this purpose the Election Commission issues directions and instructions to the staff working under it. It supervises and makes changes, if needed, in the electoral rules in elections.
    2. Preparation of the voters' list: It is the duty of the Election Commission to get the voters' list prepared. In this connection the permanent employees of the Election Commission lists the names of those citizens who are eligible to exercise the right to franchise. The commission also considers the objections raised by the citizens concerned with voters, list.
    3. To provide the election symbol to the political parties and to independents at the time of elections: The Election Commission allots symbols to various political parties permanently. For example, the symbol of 'Hand' has been provided to the Congress (I) and the symbol of 'Lotus' has been provided to the Bhartiya Janata Party. Those candidates who contest the election independently are provided the election symbols temporarily by the Election Commission.

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    Question 36
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    How is the independence of the Election Commission of India ensured?

    Solution
    According to the Article 324 (i) of the Indian Constitution, there is a provision for Election Commission, who will be responsible for conducting the election of the Union Parliament, the State Legislative Assemblies, President and Vice-President. The Election Commission is an independent and impartial agency to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
    Composition of Election Commission and Appointment of its Members:
    (i) The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and as such number of other Election Commissioners as the President may fix from time to time. Thus the Election Commission of India can either be a single member or a multi-member body. Till 1989, the Election commission was a single member. Just before the 1989 general elections, two Election Commissiones were appointed, making the body multi-member. Soon after the elections, the Commission reverted to its single member status.
    (ii) In 1993, two Election Commissioners were once again appointed and the Commission became of multi-member and has remained multi-member since then. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) presides over the Election Commission, but does not have more powers than the other Election Commissioners. The CEC and the two Election Commissioners have equal powers to take all decisions related to elections as a collective body and generally they take decisions on consensus.
    (iii) The Constitution of India has ensured the independence of our Election Commission and has made it an impartial body which is responsible to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections. The following provisions make the Election Commission of India an independent body.
    1. Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners and Regional Election Commissioners, if any, are appointed for a fixed term.
    2. Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed from office before the expiry of his term except on the grounds and in the manner a judge of the Supreme Court can be removed. It means the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office by the President before the expiry of his term on grounds of incapacity and misbehaviour, only if a resolution to this effect is passed by both the houses of Parliament by a two-third majority.
    3. Other Election Commissioners and Regional Election Commissioners can be removed from office only on the recommendations of the Chief Election Commissioner.
    4. Salary and other allowances of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
    5. Tenure and other service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are fixed by the President, but they cannot be changed to their disadvantage during their term of the office.

     

    Question 37
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    Examine the major suggestions for electoral reforms.

    Solution
    The various reports of committees on electoral reforms particularly the Goswami Committee Report (1990) and the Tarkunde Committee Report (1975) have so far not led to substantial changes in electoral system and law. It seems that political parties are indifferent to electoral reforms.
    In some cases parties in the name of electoral reforms have tried to neutralize the steps taken by the Election Commission or judiciary to bring in some desired changes. The latest example in this regard is consensus among all parties in their July 2002 meeting to water down the directives given by Supreme Court and followed by the Election Commission to debar criminals from contesting elections and candidates to provide information about their assets, qualification etc.
    Nevertheless it is now widely recognized that in order to preserve and strengthen the democratic setup a comprehensive agenda of reforms is necessary.
    Electoral reforms include reforms in the system, structure and processes. They are required to:
    (i) Check criminalization of politics.
    (ii) Curb use of money and muscle power in election.
    (iii) Regulate the functioning of political parties.
    (iv) Provide reasonable representation to various sections of society, including women in Parliament and State Legislatures.
    (v) Ensure voter participation and voter awareness.
    (vi) Make the election machinery effective and credible.


    Question 38
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    Write a short note on 'Regulating Political Parties'.

    Solution
    Political parties have their significant position in modern mass democracy. The conduct of election is largely dependent on the behaviour of political parties. Unfortunately, today the political parties do not follow their own Constitution. They hold no party elections and continue to function for years.
    A few persons holding the apex position, strangulate the democratic functioning and aspirations of the members of the party at the grassroots. Therefore, it is most needful to reform political parties and make them open, democratic and accountable.
    The laws apart from making it obligatory for parties to have internal democracy and work in an accountable manner should empower the Election Commission to make regulations for:
    (i) Compulsory registration of political parties.
    (ii) Compulsory maintenance, auditing and publication of accounts.
    (iii) Submission of reports to the commission.
    (iv) Mandatory publication of membership rolls, election of office bearers at every level by secret ballot.
    The commission has suggested that anyperson who is accused of any offence punishable with imprisonment for five years or more should be disqualified, even when his trial is pending, provided that the competent court of law has taken cognizance of the offence and framed the charges against him.
    In August, 1997 the Election commission issued an order. This order made it mandatory for every candidate to file affidavit about his/her convictions in cases covered by law. The Commission also clarified that the conviction by Trial Court itself is sufficient to attract disqualification and even those who are released on bail during the pendency of their appeals against their conviction are disqualified for contesting elections.
    The Election Commission's position was further strengthened by a judgement of the Supreme Court delivered on May 2, 2002 asking the government to amend the rules to make it obligatory for candidates for elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies, to give information about their assets and liabilities, qualifications and criminal antecedents, if any.


    The Election Commission by an order of May 14,2002 implemented Supreme Court's directives. Election Commission has taken some steps to control use of muscle power also. These include ordering fresh poll in case of destruction of EVMs in polling booths and coercion, intimidation and impersonation at polling stations. Withholding the result, pending investigation by the Commission on complaints of booth capturing and recommending actions against officers for negligence in duties.

    Question 39
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    Explain any five points of criticism raised against the Universal Adult Franchise.

     
    Solution
    Adult Franchise means that the right to vote should be given to all adult citizens without distinction of caste, religion, class or sex.There should be no qualification of property or education also. Only lunatics, minors, bankrupts, criminals and aliens are deprived of the right to vote and all others are given this right without any distinction. The age of adulthood differs from country-to-country. For instance it is 21 years in America, 18 in Russia, India and England; 23 in Norway. The voters cast their votes by secret ballot system.
    The five points of criticism is raised against the Universal Adult Franchise are the following:
    Points of criticism against the Universal Adult Franchise:
    1. It is not proper to give the right to vote to ignorants: The right to vote is not a natural or an inherent right, which everybody can enjoy. In fact, it is a sort of special privilege, which is conferred only on those persons who are best fitted to utilize it for the welfare of the state. Some people are of the opinion that the right to vote should be given only to the educated people. The educated persons can make the proper use of their right. An uneducated person cannot understand who is the best candidate out of all.


    2. Ordinary man is the slave of instincts: The masses are ignorant and illiterate. They do not even possess the capacity of understanding to elect the best candidates and to judge the worth of governmental policy. Therefore, to entrust the right of voting to ignorant masses is to welcome dangerous consequences. The system of Universal Adult Franchise establishes a government of the fools, because, the fools and the ignorants are in majority in the society.
    3. Adult Franchise encourages corruption: The common persons of the country are the poor citizens. And the persons who contest the elections are mostly the rich persons. As a result, the candidates, who mostly belong to the rich classes, attract the poor people towards themselves by purchasing their votes. The poor people, who have the right to vote, sell their votes. In this way system of adult franchise fails and encourages corruption.
    4. All citizens are not equal: It is also wrong that all the people are not equal. Nature has not created anybody equal, some are wise from their very birth and others are fool. All thepeople cannot be given similar type of work because all are not equally competent. Therefore, all the people cannot be given the right to vote and to contest elections on equal footing.
    5. Franchise is not a right, but a responsibility: Many scholars consider that the right to vote is not a right, but it is a responsibility. This right can be extended only to those persons who are really capable to use it properly. If it is extended to an incompetent person, it proves very useless. Therefore, the right to vote should be extended only to the capable and educated persons.



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    Question 40
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    'Indian democracy is now ready to shift from a crude First Past the Post system to a system of Proportional Representation'. Do you agree with this statement? Give your reasons for or against this statement.

    Solution
    Yes, I agree with the statement that Indian democracy is now fully ready to shift froma crude first past the post system to a system of proportional representation. I can give the following reasons for this statement:
    (i) Indian system of elections would ensure the political parties get seats as far as possible in proportion to the votes get them.
    (ii) India is having a multi-party system. There are some national parties while majority of the political parties are regional. To provide the shape to all political parties the propotional representation system is far better.
    (iii) Decentralization of power and responsibilities strengthen the national unity and integrity. If a political party or a group of leaders are given responsibilities they would behave in a better form- with more responsibility and sincerity.
    (iv) In countries where representation democracy is practiced, elections and the representative character of those elections are crucial factors in making democracy effective and trust worthy. The success of India's election system can be ganged from a number of factors. Such as:

    (i) Our election system has allowed the voters not only to freely choose representatives, but also to change governments peacefully both at the state and national level.

    (ii) Secondly, voters have consistently a keen interest to the election process and participated in it. The number of candidates and parties that contest is on the rise.



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