Important Questions for Chapter 3 Electoral Politics Class 9 Political Science
Important Questions1
Why do we need elections? Give one reason.
Answer
Through elections we can choose the party whose policies will guide the government and law making.
VSAQ
2
Who led the ‘Nyaya Yudh’?
Answer
Chaudhary Devi Lal.
VSAQ
3
What was the promise Chaudhary Devi Lal made to the farmers and small businessmen?
Answer
He would waive the loans of farmers and small businessmen.
VSAQ
4
How are candidates elected in India?
Answer
The candidate who secures the highest number of votes is elected.
VSAQ
5
What is meant by ‘reserved constituency‘?
Answer
In a reserved Constituency only someone who belongs to the SC/ST or voter section can stand for election.
VSAQ
6
Which proof of identity can be shown at the time of Voting.
Answer
EPIC (Election Photo Identity Card).
VSAQ
7
What is the use of electronic voting machines.
Answer
To record the votes of people.
VSAQ
8
What is an election manifesto?
Answer
The pamphlet or the booklet issued by a political party that tells people about its programmes and policies.
VSAQ
9
What is the tenure of the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha?
Answer
5 years.
VSAQ
10
Which state has the largest Vidhan Sabha in the country?
Answer
Uttar Pradesh.
VSAQ
11
Into how many constituencies is the country divided for Lok Sabha elections?
Answer
543.
VSAQ
12
What is the duration for which an election campaign can continue?
Answer
Election campaign starts for two weeks period between announcement of final list of candidates and the date of polling.
VSAQ
13
What is ‘General Election’.
Answer
Election held for electing representative of Lok Sabha constituency is known as general Elections.
VSAQ
14
Define the term ‘incumbent‘?
Answer
Current holder of a political office.
VSAQ
15
Who implements the Code of Conduct?
Answer
The Election Commission implements the Code of Conduct.
VSAQ
16
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner in India?
Answer
The President of India.
VSAQ
17
When on election duty, under whose control do the government officers work?
Answer
Election Commission.
VSAQ
18
What is meant by the term ‘constituency’?
Answer
A particular area from where voters elect a representative to the Lok Sabha / Vidhan Sabha is known as constituency.
VSAQ
19
What is an election held for only one constituency to fill the vacancy caused due to the death or resignation of a member called?
Answer
By-election.
VSAQ
20
What is the minimum age required to contest an election to Lok Sabha?
Answer
18 years.
VSAQ
21
What is the age of a person who can contest election for the Lok Sabha in India?
Answer
25 years.
VSAQ
22
Who has given the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’?
Answer
Indira Gandhi.
VSAQ
1
Name the movement led by Chaudhary Devi Lal of Haryana in 1987. What promise did he make to lure the voters before election? Which political party did he form?
Answer
The name of this movement was ‘Nyaya Yudh’.
• The popular promise was, if his party won the elections, his government would waive the loans of farmers and small businessmen.
• The name of the party that he formed was Lok Dal.
SAQ
2
Why are elections considered essential for any representative democracy? Give three reasons.
Answer
• In an election, the voters are presented with many choices. They are free to choose their representative who will make laws for them and change them if they wish to do so.
• They can choose the one who will form the government and take major decisions.
• They can choose the party whose policies will guide the government in law-making
SAQ
3
Are you in favour of universal adult franchise? Support your answer with arguments.
Answer
Yes, I am in favour of universal adult franchise. Arguments;
• It ensures Political equality
• It establishes a fair and true democratic government
• It makes a responsible government.
SAQ
4
What is meant by ‘seats‘ the in election? Explain with example.
Answer
• In India, for Lok Sabha election, the country is divided into 543 constituencies.
• Similarly, each state is divided into a specific number of assembly constituencies. Each Parliamentary Constituency has within it several assembly constituencies.
• The same principle applies to Panchayat and municipal elections.
• Each village or town is divided into several ‘wards‘ that are like constituencies. Each ward elects one member of the village or the urban local body. Sometimes these constituencies are counted as ‘seats‘ for each constituency represents one seat in the assembly.
Example: When we say a party has won 20 seats. It means that candidates of that party won in 20 assembly constituencies in the state and that it has 20 MLAs in the state assembly.
SAQ
5
Define the following:
(a) Universal Adult Franchise
(b) Election Photo Identify Card
(c) Voter’s List
Answer
(a) Universal Adult Franchise: It is a right granted to all adults–men or women, rich or poor, white or black, to vote for their representatives to run the government. In practice it means that everyone should have one vote and each vote should have equal value.
(b) Election Photo Identify Card: This is introduced by the government to stop rigging. The voters are required to carry this card when they go out to vote so that no one can vote for someone else. The government has tried to give this card to every person on the voters list. But the card is not yet compulsory for voting.
(c) Voter’s 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.
SAQ
6
Define the following:
(i) Election
(ii) Election Campaign
(iii) Voters Turn out
Answer
(i) Elections: The process by which people choose their representatives at regular intervals is known as election.
(ii) Election Campaign: It refers to a process by which a candidate tries to persuade the voter to vote for him rather than for others.
(iii) Voters Turn out: The percentage of eligible voters who cast their votes in an election
SAQ
7
What is universal adult franchise? Why has it been adopted in India?
Answer
All the adults have the right to vote and the value of each vote is the same. This is known as universal adult franchise.
Reasons are:
• Political equality
• Establishment of a fair and true democratic government
• Making a government responsible and answerable to people.
SAQ
8
Describe the legal declaration which every candidate has to make at the time of filling his /her nomination papers for the election.
Answer
Declaration is made regarding:
• Serious criminal cases pending against the candidates.
• Details of the assets and liabilities of candidate and his or her family.
• Educational qualifications of the candidates.
SAQ
9
Define the following:
(a) Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
(b) Ballot Paper
(c) Election Day
Answer
(a) Electronic Voting Machine (EVM): The machine shows the names of the candidates and the party symbols. All the voters have to press the button against the name of the candidate they want to cast their vote to.
(b) 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. Earlier the voters used to indicate who they wanted to vote for by putting a stamp on the ballot paper.
(c) 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.
SAQ
10
Mention any three slogans used by different political parties at the time of election and the purpose behind them.
Answer
• ‘Garibi Hatao’ by Congress in 1971. It was regarding removal of poverty by reorienting government policies.
• ‘Save Democracy’ by Janata Party in 1977. It was to Undo the excesses committed during Emergency and restore civil liberties.
• ‘Land to the Tiller’ by Left Front in West Bengal to safeguard the rights of peasants.
• ‘Protect the Self Respect of the Telugus’ by Telugu Desam Party in 1983.
(Any three)
SAQ
11
What is Model Code of Conduct? Mention any two restrictions imposed by the Election Commission on the party and the candidates.
Answer
All the political parties in our country have agreed to a Model Code of Conduct for election campaigns. All of them have to abide by certain rules and regulations which are supposed to follow after the announcement of polling dates by election commission of India. No candidate should:
• Bribe or threaten voters.
• Appeal to them in the name of religion.
• Use government vehicles or government resources.
SAQ
12
Make an ideal Code of Conduct for Elections.
Answer
An ideal Code of Conduct for Elections is made for election campaigns. According to this, no party or candidate can:
• Use any place of worship for election propaganda.
• Nobody can use government vehicles, air crafts and officials for elections.
• 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.
SAQ
13
What are the main functions of the Election Commission of India?
OR
Mention any three powers and functions of the Election Commission of India.
Answer
• The Election Commission (EC) has the right to take decisions on every aspect of conduct and controlling of elections.
• It implements the Code of Conduct and punishes violators.
• It prevents misuse of government machinery at the time of elections.
• All government officers on election duty are under the control of the Election Commission.
(Any three)
SAQ
14
Why is there a provision of reservation of seats in the legislatures?
Answer
The constitution makers were worried that in an open electoral competition, certain weaker sections may not stand a good chance to get elected to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative. Assemblies.
• They may not have the required resources, education and contacts to contest and win elections against the more influential contestants.
• The powerful sections of society may dominate lower section candidates or harass them by the means of power. So, seats are reserved for them in the legislature.
SAQ
15
Does the Election Commission of India has power to conduct free and fair elections? Support your answer with three arguments.
Answer
• ECI is an autonomous body and is not answerable to government of India.
• The Election Commission takes independent decision on all aspects of election.
• The Election Commission has power to implement code of conduct and punish any party who violates it.
• Government officials on election duty, work under its control.
• The Election Commission can order government to follow some guidelines to prevent undue misuse.
SAQ
1
Describe the procedure for nomination of candidates for election in India.
Answer
Any one, who can be a voter, can also become a candidate in elections. Political parties nominate their candidates who get party symbol and support. Party‘s nomination is often called party ‘ticket‘.
• Every person who wishes to contest an election has to fill a ‘nomination form‘ and give some money as a ‘security deposit‘.
• Recently, a new system of declaration has been introduced on direction from the Supreme Court. Every candidate has to make a legal declaration, giving full details of
(a) Serious criminal cases pending against the candidate,
(b) Details of the assets and liabilities of the candidate and his or her family
(c) Educational qualifications of the candidate.
• This information has to be made public.
• This provides an opportunity to the voters to make their decision on the basis of the information provided by candidates.
LAQ
2
Describe the rules and regulations regarding election campaign in India?
Answer
No party or candidate should do the following:
• Use government resources for campaigning.
• Bribe or threaten voters.
• Appeal to voters in the name of caste or religion
• Spend more than the prescribed amount more than 10 lakh in assembly election.
• If any candidate violates the above laws or rules his election can be rejected by the court.
LAQ
3
Mention the eligibilities for Indian citizens to be the member of Parliament.
Answer
• The constitution stipulates that only Indian citizens of not less than 25 years of age are qualified to be the members of Lok Sabha. Similarly, only Indian citizens of not less than 30 years of age may be the members of the Rajya Sabha.
• The Parliament may prescribe additional qualifications under Article 84 of the constitution.
• But a citizen is disqualified to become a member of the Parliament:
(a) If he/she holds an office of profit under the union of a state government.
(b) If he/she is declared to be of unsound mind by a court.
(c) If he/she is a bankrupt.
(d) If he/she has lost his Indian citizenship through voluntary renunciation or through any other means.
(e) If he/she has any criminal records.
LAQ
4
Analyse the concept of one person, one vote, one value.
Answer
• The Indian Constitution provides equal rights of representation to all the citizens of India in elections and to choose their representatives.
• All citizens of age 18 years or above are eligible to vote and a citizen aged 25 years or above is also eligible for contesting an election.
• According to universal adult franchise, everyone should have one vote and each vole should have equal value. No one should be denied the right to vote without a good reason.
• Citizens differ from one another in many ways: some are rich, some are poor, some are highly educated, some are not so educated or not educated at all, some are kind, others are not. 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 especially politics.
LAQ
5
In your opinion which five norms should parties follow for campaigning?
Answer
Parties should follow some norms for campaigning:
• They should not spend extra amount on campaign.
• They should not abuse each other.
• They should not put false allegations on others.
• They should not try to bribe the voters.
• They should not make false promises or mislead people.
LAQ
6
Describe the various methods of election campaign used by political parties.
Answer
Methods of election campaign are:• Candidates contact the voters personally.
• Election meetings are held.
• Political parties mobilise their supporters.
• Advertisements and articles are published in newspapers.
• Slogans on big issues are used to attract the voters.
LAQ
7
Distinguish between voting and rigging.
Answer
Voting
• It is the process through which voters make an official choice.
• They can choose who will make laws for them.
• They can choose who will form the government and take major decisions.
• They can choose the party whose policies will guide the government and help in law-making. Rigging is a fraud and malpractices indulged by a party or candidate to increase its votes.
Rigging
• Stuffing ballot boxes by a few persons using the votes of others.
• Recording multiple votes by the same person.
• Bribing or coercing polling officers to favour a candidate.
LAQ
1
What are constituencies? How many constituencies are there in India for Lok Sabha? What is the basis of the division of these constituencies?
Answer
• The country is divided into different areas for the purpose of elections. These areas are called electoral constituencies.
• For Lok Sabha elections, the country is divided into 543 constituencies at present.
• The basis of the division of the constituencies is on the basis of population.
HOTS
2
What do you understand by election. Explain the nomination process as practised in Indian elections.
Answer
Election is a process by which representatives get elected, who will further make policies and rule our country.
Nomination Process:
• Party tickets are given.
• Nomination form is filled.
• Security amount is deposited.
• Nomination papers are scrutinized.
HOTS
3
Highlight any three conditions essential for a democratic election.
Answer
Essential conditions for a democratic election:
• Everyone should have one vote and every vote should be of equal value.
• Parties and candidates should be free to contest elections.
• Elections must be held regularly.
• The candidates preferred by the people should be elected.
• Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner.
HOTS
4
How has the interest of the voters in the election– related activities increased in recent years in India?
Answer
• More than 1/3rd voters participate in campaign related activities.
• More than half of the people identify themselves as being close to one or the other political party.
• One out of every seven voters is a member of a political party.
HOTS
5
Do you think educational qualifications should be necessary for the candidate aspiring to stand in elections? Give your views in favour or against it.
Answer
• Educational qualifications are not relevant to all kind of jobs.
• Relevant qualification for being an MLA or an MP is the ability to understand people’s concerns, problems and the way to solve them.
• Putting an educational qualification would go against the spirit of democracy.
• If educational qualification was made compulsory it would mean depriving a majority of the country’s citizen to contest elections.
HOTS
1
Why should seats be reserved for women in Parliament and state legislatures? Express your viewpoint.
Answer
• In our Indian society, women are considered less privileged, they are thought to be weaker section of the society, fit to do only household chores. They are not treated at par with men.
• If women are given reserved seats in them Parliament and state legislatures, then they could prove their abilities to the men society by removing the old rational thinking. They would certainly prove to be a good leader like Mrs. Pratibha Patil, etc.
VBQ
2
Why do most non- democratic countries also hold some kind of elections? Which values are reflected by this practice.
Answer
Ruler in non-democratic held education just for sake of formality. Every citizen do not get voting rights. Sometimes the winners are decided. Non-democratic thinking of authorities is reflected.
VBQ
3
Which values should be maintained by the Election Commission of India during election process?
Answer
• Impartiality
• Independent
• Fearless and fairness.
VBQ
4
Why is there a provision of reservation of seats in the legislatures?
Answer
• The constitution makers were worried that in an open electoral competition, certain weaker sections may not stand a good chance to get elected to the Lok Sabha and state Legislative assemblies.
• They may not have the required resources, education and contacts to contest and win elections against the more influential contestants. So seats are reserved for them in the legislature.
VBQ