Electoral Politics - Olympiad Level MCQ, Class 9 SST - Class 9 MCQ

Explanation:
The feature of Universal Adult Franchise in India that is not valid is that every voter should be educated up to the primary level. The correct features of Universal Adult Franchise in India are:
1. Every citizen should have one vote: Every citizen of India, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, or economic background, has the right to vote.
2. Each vote should have equal value: Every vote cast during elections holds equal value, irrespective of the social or economic status of the voter.
3. Every adult citizen has the right to vote: Every Indian citizen who is 18 years of age or older has the right to vote, regardless of their gender, religion, or social status.
However, the feature that is not valid is:
4. Every voter should be educated up to the primary level: Education level is not a requirement for exercising the right to vote in India. Every adult citizen, regardless of their educational background, has the right to vote.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not align with the feature of Universal Adult Franchise in India.

Explanation:

The number of 'Reserved Seats' for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the Lok Sabha is determined based on their population share. This is done to ensure representation and political empowerment of these marginalized communities in the Parliament.
The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. The proportion of reserved seats is determined by the population share of these communities as per the latest census data.
Key Points:
- The reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is a constitutional provision aimed at promoting social justice and inclusivity.
- The Election Commission does not have the authority to decide the number of reserved seats. It is determined based on population share.
- All political parties are expected to abide by the constitutional provision of reservation and support the representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha. However, the decision on the number of reserved seats is not solely based on the decision of political parties.
Answer: A - The number of 'Reserved Seats' for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the Lok Sabha is according to their population share.

False Statement: C: Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.
Explanation: The statement C is false because elections are not specifically conducted to evaluate the performance of the judiciary. The primary purpose of elections is to allow people to choose their representatives and express their preferences on various policies. While the judiciary is an important part of the government, its evaluation and performance assessment are not the main objectives of elections.
Correct Statements:
A: Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government.
- Elections provide an opportunity for the public to assess how well the government has performed and make decisions based on their satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
B: People select the representatives of their choice in an election.
- Elections allow individuals to vote for the candidates they believe will best represent their interests and values.
D: People can indicate which policies they prefer.
- Elections give citizens the chance to express their preferences on different policies by voting for candidates who support those policies.
Overall, elections serve as a mechanism for democratic decision-making and representation, allowing individuals to have a say in the government and its policies.

Quality Check of Election Process

Various factors contribute to checking the quality of the election process. Among the given options, the most suitable choice is:

• Independent and powerful Election Commission: The presence of an independent and powerful Election Commission is essential for ensuring the quality of the election process. This institution is responsible for overseeing and regulating the conduct of elections, ensuring fairness, transparency, and impartiality.

The other options mentioned do play a role in the election process, but they do not directly contribute to checking the quality of the process as much as an independent and powerful Election Commission does.

• Election campaign: Election campaigns are an important aspect of the electoral process, but they focus more on promoting candidates and political parties rather than evaluating the quality of the election process.


• Reservation of seats for women: While reservation of seats for women aims to promote gender equality and representation, it does not directly assess the quality of the election process.


• Nomination of candidates: The nomination of candidates is a procedural requirement for participating in elections, but it does not specifically contribute to checking the overall quality of the election process.

Therefore, option C, an independent and powerful Election Commission, is the most appropriate choice for checking the quality of the election process.

Boundaries of a constituency are decided on the basis of:
There are several factors that are considered when deciding the boundaries of a constituency. These factors ensure the fair representation of the population and maintain a balance in terms of population size. The primary factor among them is the population of the area. Let's discuss these factors in detail:
1. Population:
The population of an area is the most important factor in deciding the boundaries of a constituency. The aim is to ensure that each constituency has a similar number of voters, so that each vote carries equal weight. To achieve this, the population of an area is taken into account and constituencies are drawn in a way that the population within each constituency is roughly the same.
2. Culture:
Although culture is not the primary factor, it can be considered in some cases. In regions where there is a distinct cultural or ethnic group, the boundaries of a constituency may be drawn in a way that ensures the representation of that particular group. This is done to ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are represented in the legislative body.
3. Language:
Similar to culture, language can also be a consideration in some cases. In regions where there is a dominant language spoken by a significant portion of the population, the boundaries of a constituency may be drawn in a way that ensures the representation of that language group. This is done to ensure that their language rights and interests are protected.
4. Number of Villages:
The number of villages or settlements within an area can also be a factor in deciding the boundaries of a constituency. In rural areas, where villages are the primary units of administration, constituencies may be drawn in a way that ensures each village is represented in the legislative body. This ensures that the rural population has a voice in decision-making.
Overall, the boundaries of a constituency are decided based on the principle of equal representation and ensuring that each vote carries equal weight. The factors like population, culture, language, and the number of villages are taken into account to achieve this goal.

Code of Conduct: A Set of Norms and Guidelines for Elections
The correct answer is C: Code of conduct.
Explanation:

A code of conduct is a set of norms and guidelines that political parties and candidates are expected to follow during elections. It serves as a framework to ensure fair and transparent elections. Here are some key points to understand:

• Definition: A code of conduct is a set of rules and regulations that outline the expected behavior and actions of political parties and candidates during elections.


• Purpose: The primary purpose of a code of conduct is to promote fair and ethical practices during elections, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates and parties.


• Content: A code of conduct typically includes guidelines regarding campaign finance, election campaigning, voter education, use of media, and behavior towards opponents and voters.


• Enforcement: The code of conduct is usually enforced by election authorities or independent bodies responsible for overseeing the electoral process.


• Violation and Consequences: Parties or candidates found in violation of the code of conduct may face penalties, including disqualification or fines.


• International Standards: Many countries adopt international standards and best practices to develop their code of conduct, ensuring alignment with democratic principles and human rights.

A code of conduct plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of elections and upholding democratic values. Its implementation helps to prevent electoral malpractices, such as rigging or unfair campaigning, and ensures that elections are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

Explanation:

A ballot paper is a sheet of paper used during elections to record votes. It contains the names of the candidates who are contesting in the election.

Key Points:

• A ballot paper is a sheet of paper used in elections.


• It contains the names of the candidates who are contesting in the election.


• The purpose of a ballot paper is to record votes.


• It is used by voters to mark their choice of candidate.


• Ballot papers are designed to maintain the secrecy and integrity of the voting process.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct answer is B: contesting candidates. Ballot papers do not contain the names of voters, polling officials, or party workers.

The minimum age of voters in India is 18 years.

Here is a detailed explanation:

• Background: In India, the minimum age for voting is determined by the Constitution of India and the Representation of the People Act, 1950.


• Legal Provision: According to Article 326 of the Constitution of India, every citizen of India who is 18 years of age or above and not disqualified by law can vote in the elections.


• Enactment of the Law: The Representation of the People Act, 1950 was enacted to provide for the conduct of elections and the qualifications and disqualifications for voters. It sets the minimum age for voting as 18 years.


• Amendment: The voting age was initially 21 years when the Constitution was adopted in 1950. However, it was lowered to 18 years in 1989 through the 61st Amendment Act.


• Reasoning: The rationale behind lowering the voting age to 18 years was to ensure that the youth, who form a significant portion of the population, have a say in the democratic process and can actively participate in shaping the nation's future.


• Universal Suffrage: India follows the principle of universal suffrage, which means that every adult citizen, regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender, or economic status, has the right to vote.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A: 18 years.

The new reform introduced in the electoral process by the Election Commission is the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

The Election Commission of India introduced the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) as a new reform in the electoral process. The EVM is a portable device that enables electronic voting in elections. It has replaced the traditional method of casting votes using ballot papers.

The introduction of EVMs has brought several advantages to the electoral process:

• Efficiency: EVMs have significantly reduced the time and effort required for counting votes. They provide quick and accurate results, eliminating the need for manual counting.


• Transparency: EVMs ensure transparency in the electoral process as they have a built-in mechanism to record and store all votes electronically. This reduces the chances of tampering or manipulation of votes.


• Convenience: EVMs are user-friendly and easy to operate. They simplify the voting process for both voters and election officials, making it more accessible for all.


• Cost-effective: The use of EVMs has reduced the cost of conducting elections as compared to the traditional paper ballot system. It saves expenses on printing, transportation, and storage of ballot papers.


• Environment-friendly: EVMs are eco-friendly as they eliminate the need for paper ballots, reducing the environmental impact of the electoral process.

Overall, the introduction of EVMs by the Election Commission has brought significant improvements to the electoral process in terms of efficiency, transparency, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.

Government Officers working in election duty work under the control of the Election Commission.
The Election Commission is an independent constitutional authority responsible for the conduct and supervision of elections in India. It ensures free and fair elections by overseeing the entire electoral process, from voter registration to the declaration of results. When government officers are assigned election duty, they function under the guidance and control of the Election Commission.
Here are the key reasons why government officers work under the control of the Election Commission during election duty:
1. Constitutional Authority: The Election Commission is established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. It is vested with the power to superintend, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections.
2. Independent Body: The Election Commission is an independent and impartial body. It is not influenced by the government or any political party, ensuring the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.
3. Expertise and Experience: The Election Commission consists of experienced officials who possess the necessary expertise and knowledge in conducting elections. They provide guidance and instructions to government officers to ensure smooth and efficient functioning during the election process.
4. Ensuring Compliance: The Election Commission ensures that government officers adhere to the rules and regulations laid down for conducting elections. They monitor the activities of government officers and take necessary actions to address any violations or misconduct.
5. Conflict Resolution: In case of any disputes or conflicts during the election process, the Election Commission acts as the final authority to resolve them. Government officers working under their control are required to follow their instructions in resolving any issues that may arise.
In conclusion, government officers work under the control of the Election Commission when assigned election duty. The Election Commission's role is crucial in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in India.

Booth capturing is the correct answer because it is not at all related to the people who voted,it is the job of government

What is the Electoral Roll?

An electoral roll, also known as a voter list, is a comprehensive list of individuals who are eligible to vote in a particular jurisdiction. It serves as a vital tool for conducting elections and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The electoral roll includes the names of eligible voters along with their relevant details such as address and identification information.

Key Points:

• Definition: The electoral roll is a list of individuals who are eligible to vote.


• Purpose: It serves as a basis for conducting elections and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.


• Inclusion: Only eligible voters who meet the necessary criteria are included in the electoral roll.


• Details: The roll contains information such as names, addresses, and identification details of the voters.


• Verification: The electoral roll is regularly updated and verified to ensure its accuracy and prevent fraud.


• Access: The electoral roll is a public document and is accessible for inspection by the general public.


• Usage: Political parties, election officials, and other stakeholders refer to the electoral roll to identify eligible voters and plan their campaigns accordingly.

Therefore, option A - "The list of those who are eligible to vote" is the correct answer.

The President of India (based on a recommendation from incumbent Govt of India) appoints the Chief Election Commissioner. Conventionally, Senior most Election Commissioner is appointed as CEC. He has tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Answer:
The Election Commission of India is appointed by the President of India.
Explanation:
The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. It is an autonomous authority that operates under the jurisdiction of the Constitution of India. The appointment of the Election Commission is done by the President of India.
Here is a detailed explanation of the appointment process:
- Role of the President: The President of India has the authority to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners. The President appoints them based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- Recommendation by the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers recommend the names of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners to the President. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers play a crucial role in selecting suitable candidates for the position.
- Autonomy and Independence: The Election Commission of India is an independent and autonomous body. Once appointed, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are expected to function impartially and without any influence from the government or any other external authority.
- Term of Office: The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed for a fixed term. The CEC and the Election Commissioners can hold office for a maximum period of six years or until they attain the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- Removal from Office: The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners can be removed from office only through a process of impeachment, which requires a resolution passed by both houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority.
In conclusion, the Election Commission of India is appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The appointment process ensures the autonomy and independence of the Election Commission in conducting free and fair elections in the country.

Minimum Age Required to Contest an Election to Lok Sabha:
The minimum age required to contest an election to Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of the Parliament of India, is 25 years. Here is a detailed explanation of the answer:
Explanation:

• Introduction: The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives elected by the people of India. These representatives are elected through a general election held every five years.


• Election Eligibility: To be eligible to contest an election to the Lok Sabha, a person must fulfill certain criteria, including the minimum age requirement.


• Minimum Age Requirement: According to the Constitution of India, the minimum age required to contest an election to the Lok Sabha is 25 years.


• Other Requirements: In addition to the minimum age requirement, candidates must also be citizens of India and fulfill other eligibility criteria such as not holding an office of profit, not being of unsound mind, and not being disqualified under any law.


• Age Relaxation: It is important to note that there are certain provisions for age relaxation in exceptional cases. For example, members of certain Scheduled Tribes in specific states may have a lower minimum age requirement.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C: 25 years.

Who is responsible for free and fair elections in India?

Answer: Election Commissioner

Explanation:

The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India. Here is a detailed explanation:

Election Commission of India:

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections in the country.

Role and Responsibilities:

• The Election Commission ensures the conduct of free, fair, and impartial elections in India.


• It prepares and maintains the electoral rolls and voter lists.


• It sets up polling booths and appoints election officials.


• The Commission regulates the election campaign, including the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.


• It monitors the election process and takes action against any malpractices.


• The Election Commission also decides on the schedule of elections and announces the election dates.

Composition of the Election Commission:

• The Election Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).


• The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners.

Therefore, it is the Election Commissioner who is primarily responsible for ensuring free and fair elections in India.

Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

Answer: The President of India

Explanation:

• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India.


• The CEC is the head of the Election Commission of India, which is responsible for the conduct of elections in the country.


• The appointment of the CEC is made in accordance with Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.


• The CEC holds office for a term of six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.


• The CEC can be removed from office only through the process of impeachment, which requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament.


• The independence and impartiality of the CEC are essential for ensuring free and fair elections in India.


• The President appoints the CEC based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.


• The CEC, along with the other Election Commissioners, plays a crucial role in overseeing the electoral process and ensuring its integrity.

The number of Lok Sabha constituencies at present is 543.
Explanation:
- Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament of India, and it represents the people's voice in the country's governance.
- The total number of seats in the Lok Sabha is determined by the Constitution of India, and it can be altered by legislation.
- As of now, the Constitution specifies that there should be a maximum of 552 members in the Lok Sabha.
- Out of these 552 members, 543 are elected from different constituencies across the country, and the remaining 2 members are nominated by the President of India to represent the Anglo-Indian community.
- These constituencies are spread across various states and union territories of India.
- The number of constituencies in each state is determined based on factors such as population, area, and other considerations.
- The Election Commission of India periodically reviews the delimitation of constituencies to ensure fair representation and equal distribution of political power.
- Therefore, at present, there are 543 Lok Sabha constituencies in India.

Who has given the slogan 'Garibi Hatao'?
The slogan 'Garibi Hatao' was given by Indira Gandhi.
Explanation:

• Indira Gandhi: Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, was the one who gave the slogan 'Garibi Hatao'.


• Rajiv Gandhi: Rajiv Gandhi was the son of Indira Gandhi and the grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru. He served as the Prime Minister of India.


• Sonia Gandhi: Sonia Gandhi is an Indian politician and the widow of Rajiv Gandhi. She is the President of the Indian National Congress party.


• Pt. Nehru: Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India. He was known for his leadership during the Indian independence movement.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A: Indira Gandhi.

To determine the largest Lok Sabha constituency in India, we need to consider the number of voters in each constituency. The constituency with the highest number of voters will be the largest one.
Among the given options, Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) has the largest Lok Sabha constituency in India. Here's why:
- Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, with a large number of voters.
- It has 80 Lok Sabha constituencies, the highest number among all Indian states.
- The population of Uttar Pradesh is distributed across these constituencies, making them larger in terms of the number of voters.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B: U.P.

Reserved Constituencies ensures:

• Right to equality: Reserved constituencies ensure that all sections of society have equal representation in the political system. It promotes the principle of equality by providing an opportunity for marginalized groups to participate in the democratic process.


• Proper representation to all religious groups: Reserved constituencies ensure that all religious groups have a fair chance to be represented in the legislative bodies. This helps in ensuring that the interests and concerns of all religious communities are taken into account in the decision-making process.


• Proper representation to the weaker sections of society: Reserved constituencies allow for the representation of weaker sections of society, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This ensures that historically disadvantaged groups have a voice in the government and their issues are addressed.


• None of these: This option is incorrect as reserved constituencies do ensure the points mentioned above.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C, which states that reserved constituencies ensure proper representation to the weaker sections of society.

Answer:
The state with the largest Vidhan Sabha in the country is Uttar Pradesh (U.P.). Here is a detailed explanation:
Reasoning:
- Vidhan Sabha is the lower house of the state legislature in India.
- Each state in India has its own Vidhan Sabha, which consists of elected representatives.
- The size of a Vidhan Sabha varies from state to state, depending on the population and area of the state.
Comparison:
To determine which state has the largest Vidhan Sabha, we need to compare the number of seats in each state's Vidhan Sabha.
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha has 288 seats.
- Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has 175 seats.
- West Bengal: West Bengal Vidhan Sabha has 294 seats.
- Uttar Pradesh (U.P.): Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has 403 seats.
Conclusion:
Among the given options, Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) has the largest Vidhan Sabha with 403 seats.

Statement against the democratic process of elections:

• C: The right to vote should be given to the selected people only

Explanation:

The democratic process of elections is based on the principles of inclusivity and equal representation. It ensures that all eligible citizens have the right to vote and participate in the election process. However, the statement mentioned in option C goes against this democratic process. Here's why:

• The right to vote should be given to all eligible citizens, regardless of any selection criteria.


• Denying the right to vote to selected people would undermine the principles of democracy, as it would lead to a limited and biased representation.


• In a democratic system, the power lies with the people, and they exercise their rights through voting. Restricting this right to a select group would be undemocratic and unfair.

Therefore, option C is against the democratic process of elections as it suggests limiting the right to vote to selected individuals only, which contradicts the fundamental principles of democracy.

Provision that fails to ensure fair and equal chance to compete:

B: No party or candidate is bound by the model code of conduct

Explanation:
The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to ensure fair and ethical conduct during elections. It is meant to provide a level playing field for all candidates and political parties. However, if no party or candidate is bound by the model code of conduct, it undermines the principles of fair competition and equal opportunity. This provision allows parties and candidates to engage in unethical practices such as using hate speech, making false promises, or indulging in corrupt practices without any consequences. This not only gives an unfair advantage to certain parties or candidates but also undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Thus, this provision fails to ensure a fair and equal chance to compete for all candidates and political parties.

The tenure of the Lok Sabha is 5 years.

Explanation:

The tenure of the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of the Indian Parliament, is determined by Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India. Here are the key points to understand:
- Constitutional Provision: According to Article 83(2), the Lok Sabha's duration is 5 years, unless dissolved earlier.
- Election Schedule: General elections to the Lok Sabha are held after the completion of the 5-year term or in case of dissolution before the completion of the term.
- Executive Power: The Lok Sabha is responsible for electing the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, who hold executive power.
- Representative Body: The Lok Sabha represents the people of India, and its members are elected through a direct election process.
- Importance: The Lok Sabha plays a crucial role in the legislative process, including the passage of bills, budget discussions, and debates on various issues.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: 5 years.