Elections

People of India directly elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha and the ............... .

1. Rajya Sabha
2. State Legislative Council
3. State Legislative Assemblies
4. Parliamentary Committees.

Answer

State Legislative Assemblies

Reason — Indian citizens directly elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha (Members of Parliament) and the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). Conversely, members of the Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Councils, and Parliamentary Committees are chosen through indirect election or internal appointment rather than direct public voting.

If a person runs for election as the President of India, he/she requires the votes of

P : Elected Members of both Houses of Parliament.

Q : Elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.

R : Elected Members of Legislative Councils.

S : Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha.

1. P and Q
2. R and S
3. P and R
4. Q and R

Answer

P and Q

Reason — The President of India is elected by an Electoral College consisting exclusively of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament (P) and the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (Q). Nominated members of Parliament (S) and members of State Legislative Councils (R) are excluded from this voting process.

Which of the following refers to a group of people holding similar views or beliefs?

1. Government
2. Political Party
3. Election Commission
4. Candidate

Answer

Political Party

Reason — A political party is a group of people holding similar views or beliefs who unite to contest elections and form the government.

The election held upon dissolution of Legislature before its full term of five years is ............... .

1. General elections
2. Direct elections
3. Indirect elections
4. Mid-term elections

Answer

Mid-term elections

Reason — A Mid-term election is held when a State Legislative Assembly or the Lok Sabha is dissolved before the completion of its full term of five years.

(A) The members of the State Legislative Assemblies are directly elected by the people of the States.

(R) Every adult person holds the right to vote.

1. (A) is true but (R) is false.
2. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
3. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
4. Both (A) and (R) are false.

Answer

Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation — The members of the State Legislative Assemblies are directly elected by the people of the States through general elections. Every adult citizen of India (18 years and above) holds the right to vote irrespective of caste, religion, or gender.

Indirect Elections are held to elect members of

1. Lok Sabha
2. Rajya Sabha
3. Vidhan Parishad
4. Both (2) and (3)

Answer

Both (2) and (3)

Reason — Indirect elections are held to elect the members of the Upper Houses — the Rajya Sabha at the Union level and the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) at the State level.

Who appoints the Election Commissioners?

1. President of India
2. Prime Minister of India
3. Chief Justice of India
4. Act of Parliament

Answer

President of India

Reason — The Chief Election Commissioner and the other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a Selection Committee. The Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India do not appoint them, and an Act of Parliament only lays down their terms and conditions of service.

What is the normal term of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners?

1. Five years
2. Four years
3. Six years
4. Ten years

Answer

Six years

Reason — The Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners are appointed for a term of six years, though they must vacate office on attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

How is the difference of opinion amongst the Election Commissioners settled?

1. In favour of the majority
2. The Supreme Court settles it
3. The Chief Election Commissioner’s opinion is final
4. The President intervenes and decides

Answer

In favour of the majority

Reason — As the Election Commission is a multi-member body, any difference of opinion between the Chief Election Commissioner and the other Commissioners is decided in favour of the majority opinion.

The Election Commission conducts

1. Parliamentary Elections
2. State Legislative Elections
3. Election of the Office of President
4. All of the above

Answer

All of the above

Reason — The Election Commission conducts elections to Parliament (Parliamentary Elections), to the State Legislatures (State Legislative Elections) and to the offices of the President and Vice-President.

(A) An election held before the completion of the full term of Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly is called By-Election.

(R) An election held for a particular seat or seats which falls vacant due to the death, resignation of the member before completing his/her term is called Mid-term Election.

1. (A) is true but (R) is false.
2. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
3. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
4. Both (A) and (R) are false.

Answer

Both (A) and (R) are false.

Explanation — An election held when a State Legislative Assembly or the Lok Sabha is dissolved before the completion of its full term (5 years) is called Mid-term Election. The new house will normally have a full five year term.
An election held for a particular seat or seats which falls vacant due to the death, resignation of the member before completing his/her term is called By-Election. The person so elected remains the member for the unexpired term of the House.

Every registered Political Party is allotted a symbol. Which of the following statements is correct about the allotment of a symbol to a Political registered party?

1. A registered Political Party is allotted a symbol from its list of 'reserved symbols'.
2. A registered Political Party selects a symbol of its choice from the list of 'free symbols'.
3. A registered Political Party selects a symbol of its choice from a list of 'reserved symbols'.
4. A registered Political Party can take any symbol of its choice.

Answer

A registered Political Party is allotted a symbol from its list of 'reserved symbols'.

Reason — On recognition of a political party, the Election Commission allots it a reserved common symbol which it uses for all its candidates. Free symbols are meant for independent candidates or non-registered parties, so a registered party does not select a free symbol, choose a reserved one on its own, or take any symbol of its choice.

Election symbols are allotted to Political parties by the ............... .

1. President of India
2. Chief Election Commissioner
3. Election Commission
4. Political party itself

Answer

Election Commission

Reason — Election symbols are allotted to political parties by the Election Commission, which keeps some symbols reserved and others free. This power does not rest with the President of India, the Chief Election Commissioner acting alone, or the political party itself.

Constituency : Returning Officer :: .............. : Presiding Officers

1. Polling booths
2. Counting centres
3. Both (1) and (2)
4. None of the above

Answer

Both (1) and (2)

Reason — Just as a Returning Officer is placed in charge of a constituency, Presiding Officers are appointed in-charge of the polling booths and the counting centres. Hence both polling booths and counting centres correctly complete the analogy.

Which of the following helps the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections?

1. Code of Conduct
2. Severe punishment for booth capturing
3. Central Observers
4. All of the above

Answer

All of the above

Reason — To ensure free and fair elections, the Election Commission prescribes a Code of Conduct, sends Central Observers to sensitive constituencies, and provides for severe punishment for booth capturing.

What is meant by the term: election?

Answer

Election is a procedure whereby persons are chosen, by voting, to represent the voters for running the government.

Under which method of elections are the elections to Lok Sabha held? Name the system of election to the office of the President of India.

Answer

The Lok Sabha elections are held by Direct election method. People of India directly elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha.

The system of election to the office of the President of India is indirect Elections.

What is meant by (a) By-Election and (b) Mid-term Election ?

Answer

(a) By-elections — When a seat held by any member of the Legislative Assembly in the Centre or State falls vacant on account of death or resignation of the member before completion of his/her term, to fill up this vacancy the election which is held is called By-Election.

(b) Mid-term election — This type of election is held when a State Legislative Assembly or the Lok Sabha is dissolved before the completion of its full term (5 years).

Who allots the symbols to political parties? What role do election symbols play in an election?

Answer

The Election Commission allots symbols to political parties.

The election symbols give identification to the political parties on ballot paper/electronic voting machine. It helps illiterate voters to identify the party they want to vote for.

Name two important powers and functions of the Election Commission.

Answer

Two important powers and functions of the Election Commission are:

1. Preparation of Electoral Rolls and Photo Identity Cards.
2. Registration and Recognition of Political Parties.

What is known as the Voters' List? Who prepares the Voters' list?

Answer

The Commission identifies eligible voters in each constituency and prepares the list of all eligible voters. This is called voters list.

The Election Commission prepares the voters list.

Write a short note on the advisory function of the Election Commission.

Answer

The Election Commission advises the President and State Governors on electoral matters, member disqualifications, disputes, and petitions. It similarly advises the judiciary on post-election disqualification issues and provides its formal opinion to the Supreme and High Courts on cases involving corrupt electoral practices.

With reference to Democracy and Elections, answer the following questions:

(a) Distinguish between two types of elections.

(b) What type of elections are direct and what type are indirect in a Parliamentary Democracy?

(c) How are the elections of the President and Vice-President of India held? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer

(a) Below are the differences between the two types of elections:

(b) Election of Legislative Assemblies and Lok Sabha are direct and the election of State Legislative Councils, Rajya Sabha, the President of India and the Vice President are indirect in a Parliamentary Democracy.

(c) The President of India is elected indirectly by the members of an Electoral college consisting of the elected members of both the houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States including National Capital Territory of Delhi and Union Territory of Pondicherry. The election takes place in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. Like the President, the election of the Vice-President is also indirect. The Vice-President is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament. In this election, the State Legislatures do not take part.

With reference to types of elections, answer the following:

(a) What is known as General Elections?

(b) State two points of difference between By-Election and Mid-term Election.

(c) When were the last General Elections held in India? What do you understand by the term 'Electorate'? What are the rights of the Electorate?

Answer

(a) The Elections held to elect the members of the Lok Sabha after expiry of the normal term of five years are called the General Elections.

(b) Two points of difference between a by-election and mid-term election are:

(c) The last General Elections were held in 2024 in India.

An electorate can be defined as all the people who are eligible to vote. Alternatively, a very large body of voters is called the electorate.

The Indian Constitution grants the right to vote to all Indian citizens of sound mind above the age of 18, irrespective of an individual’s caste, religion, social or economic status. Every voter is allowed one vote only. A voter can vote at the constituency where they have registered themselves.

With reference to terms of office and conditions of service of the Election Commission, answer the following questions:

(a) Who constitutes the Election Commission? Who is the head of the Election Commission? Who appoints him?

(b) What is the term of the Election Commissioners? What happens in case there is a difference in opinion between the Election Commissioners?

(c) State any four functions of the Election Commission.

Answer

(a) The Election Commission consists of three members — a chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners.

The chief election commissioner is the head of the Election commission. He is appointed by the President of India

(b) The term of the Election Commissioners is six years. During this tenure if they attain the age of 65 years, they shall vacate office on the day of attaining this age.

In case there is a difference in opinion between the Election Commissioners, decision is taken in favour of the majority opinion.

(c) Following are the four functions of the Election Commission:

1. Preparation of electoral rolls and photo identity cards.
2. Registration and recognition of political parties.
3. Fixing dates and conducting elections.
4. Ensuring free and fair elections.

With reference to the newspaper clipping given below, answer the following:

(a) Which major national event is highlighted in the headline of the newspaper? Which is the constitutional authority associated with announcing this event? What is the term of office for this authority?

(b) The event stated in the clipping refers to which type of election—direct or indirect? For which bodies is this type of elections held? Why?

(c) State any four points of difference between Direct and Indirect Elections.

Answer

(a) The major national event highlighted in the headline is the General Elections (Lok Sabha Elections).

The constitutional authority associated with announcing this event is the Election Commission of India.

The Chief Election Commissioner and the other Election Commissioners hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

(b) The event stated in the clipping refers to Direct election.

This type of election is held for the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies.

It is called direct election because the people of India directly elect their representatives to these bodies by casting their votes themselves.

(c) Four points of difference between Direct and Indirect Elections:

Suppose the Class Representative of your class is to be elected by means of single transferable vote through secret ballot. Write down the steps for election starting from filling the forms by those who want to stand for election till the final selection is made.

Answer

Following are the steps for election of Class Representative:

1. Nomination of Candidates — Candidates will fill the nomination form.
2. Election Campaign — It will continue after nomination till the date of polling.
3. Polling — Students will vote for their favourite candidate.
4. Counting — The votes in secret ballot are counted to decide the winner.
5. Announcement of result — Name of the winning candidate will be announced.

If you have to bring certain reforms in the system of elections to Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in States, which ones would you like to introduce and why?

Answer

I would introduce following changes in elections to Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha:

1. One Nation One Election — I would introduce simultaneous or synchronised elections in which voters can exercise their separate choices for both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in one outing. It will optimise public funds and reduce the cost to the exchequer for conducting elections.
2. Preventing Criminalisation of Politics — I would introduce more reforms to prevent people with criminal backgrounds to stand for elections.
3. No campaign or voting on the basis of caste — Although this rule exists but it is not being followed strictly in our system.
4. Paid News — Paid news is any news or analysis appearing in any media (Print and Electronic) for a price in cash or kind. It is quickly becoming a big hurdle in conducting free, fair and transparent elections. I would introduce strict rules to prevent paid news from disrupting elections.

Find out the changes in the pattern of elections in India from the first General Election in India to the last one held in 2024, in terms of the time period, number of constituencies, total number of voters, voter turnout, mode of elections, participation of women as candidates and as voters and other related aspects.

Answer

Following are the major changes in the pattern of elections in India from the first General Election (1951–52) to the last one held in 2024:

1. Time period — The first General Election was held in 68 phases spread over about four months (25 October 1951 to 21 February 1952). The 2024 General Election was completed in 7 phases spread over about six weeks (April to June 2024).
2. Number of constituencies — The number of Lok Sabha seats increased from 489 in 1951–52 to 543 in 2024.
3. Total number of voters — The electorate grew from about 17.3 crore (17.3 crore/173 million) eligible voters in 1951–52 to nearly 97 crore (about 968 million) registered voters in 2024.
4. Voter turnout — Turnout rose from about 45% in the first election to nearly 66% in 2024.
5. Mode of elections — Earlier, voting was done using paper ballots with separate ballot boxes; today elections are conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) along with VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail).
6. Participation of women — Both the number of women candidates and the turnout of women voters have increased greatly. In recent elections the turnout of women voters has become almost equal to that of men.
7. Other aspects — Introduction of the Voter Photo Identity Card (EPIC), the NOTA (None of the Above) option, use of technology for voter registration and awareness, and stronger measures by the Election Commission (Code of Conduct, Central Observers, action against booth capturing) to ensure free and fair elections.