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Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Free MCQ Practice Test with solutions,


MCQ Practice Test & Solutions: Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms (15 Questions)

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Test Highlights:

  • - Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • - Duration: 20 minutes
  • - Number of Questions: 15

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Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 1

In the context of election deposits for Lok Sabha elections held in India, evaluate the statements below:

  1. The deposit amount for a candidate contesting a Lok Sabha election is the same as that for a candidate in a Legislative Assembly election.
  2. A candidate forfeits their deposit if they fail to secure at least one-sixth of the valid votes polled in their constituency.
  3. There is no deposit amount for SC/ST candidates.

How many of the statements above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 1

Section 34(1)(a) RPA 1951 security deposit: Lok Sabha ₹25,000 (general), ₹12,500 (SC/ST); Legislative Assembly ₹10,000 (general), ₹5,000 (SC/ST). Section 158 RPA 1951: security deposit forfeited if candidate fails securing more than one-sixth (16.67%) total valid votes polled in constituency. Rule applies to both Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 2

In relation to election petitions filed in India's parliamentary constituencies, examine the statements that follow:

  1. An election petition challenging the result of a Lok Sabha election must be filed within 45 days of the declaration of the results.
  2. Only candidates who contested the election have the right to file an election petition.
  3. High Courts have original jurisdiction to decide election petitions.

How many of the statements above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 2

Election petition challenging Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly results must be filed within 45 days from declaration (Statement 1 correct). Section 81 allows filing by candidates nominated or registered voters entitled to vote—both candidates and electors, not just candidates (Statement 2 incorrect). Section 80A grants High Court original jurisdiction for such petitions (Statement 3 correct).

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 3

Which documents among the following are accepted for casting a vote?

  1. PAN Card
  2. Driving License
  3. Passbooks with a photograph
  4. MGNREGA Job Card

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Detailed Solution: Question 3

ECI directs electors with Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) produce it at polling station before voting. Electors without EPIC produce alternative photo identity: Passport, Driving License, Service Identity Cards, Passbooks with photograph, PAN Card, Smart Card (RGI/NPR), MGNREGA Job Card, Health Insurance Smart Card, Pension document, official identity cards (MPs/MLAs/MLCs), Aadhaar Card. Overseas electors produce original passport only.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 4

In India's electoral processes, which election employs proportional representation via the single transferable vote (STV)?

  1. Election of the President of India
  2. Election of the Vice-President of India
  3. Election of members of the Rajya Sabha
  4. Election of members of the State Legislative Councils

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Detailed Solution: Question 4

President election (Article 55): proportional representation via single transferable vote (STV); electoral college includes elected Parliament members and State Assembly members. Vice-President election (Article 66): STV system; electoral college includes elected/nominated Parliament members. Rajya Sabha election (Article 80, RPA 1951 Third Schedule): elected by State Assembly members using STV. State Legislative Councils use STV across various constituencies.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 5

What provisions are laid down by The Representation of the People Act, 1950?

  1. Disqualifications for membership of state legislature
  2. Qualifications of voters
  3. Procedures for delimitation of constituencies

Choose the correct answer using the code provided below.

Detailed Solution: Question 5

Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides: election conduct for Parliament and State Legislatures; membership qualifications and disqualifications; corrupt practices and election offences; dispute resolution. RPA, 1950 salient features: delimitation procedures for constituencies; seat allocation to House of People and Legislative Assemblies/Councils; electoral roll preparation; seat-filling procedures; voter qualifications.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 6

With reference to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), evaluate the following statements:

  1. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 authorizes the use of EVMs.
  2. EVM data is continuously monitored through a centralized storage server.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 6

Electronic Voting Machine introduced in India for free, fair elections. Parliament amended Representation of the People Act, 1951 introducing Section 61-A authorizing ECI using EVMs for general and state elections. EVMs can be used for simultaneous Parliament and State Assembly elections. EVM consists of Control Unit and Balloting Unit (five-meter cable connected), stand-alone setup not network-connected via wired/wireless technology.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 7

In the context of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slip used during Indian elections, the following elements are listed:

  1. Candidate's photograph
  2. Candidate's name
  3. Party symbol
  4. Voter's identity details

How many of the items enumerated above appear on the VVPAT slip?

Detailed Solution: Question 7

Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system introduced to enhance EVM transparency and voter confidence. VVPAT slip displays: candidate name and party symbol for vote verification. Includes unique serial number for audit purposes. Slip does NOT display candidate photograph (unnecessary, name/symbol sufficient). Voter identity details excluded maintaining ballot secrecy and confidentiality.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 8

Evaluate the following statements about the funding of political parties and election expenditure limits in India:

  1. There is no statutory ceiling on the amount that political parties may spend during elections.
  2. Political parties are constrained by a cap of 7.5% on corporate contributions.

Which of the statements above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 8

Representation of the People Act, 1951 (Section 77) imposes no upper limit on total political party election expenditure, unlike candidate spending regulations. Companies Act, 2013 (Section 182) previously capped corporate contributions at 7.5% average net profits over preceding three years. However, Finance Act, 2017 removed this cap allowing unlimited corporate donations without mandatory recipient party disclosure.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 9

In which situations is a bye-election conducted in a constituency?

  1. If a candidate is elected from more than one constituency
  2. If an elected candidate dies
  3. If the winning candidate resigns
  4. In the event of a tie among the top two candidates

Select the correct option using the code provided below.

Detailed Solution: Question 9

Bye-elections fill previously elected vacant offices before tenure cessation. Governed by Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 Sections 147, 149, 150, 151, 151(A). ECI conducts bye polls when seat becomes vacant, declared vacant, or member's election void. Vacancy created if elected candidate dies, resigns, or vacates one dual-seat. Ties resolved by returning officer decision; if undetermined, High Court decides by lottery.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 10

Assess the following statements about changes to India's voting age and determine how many are correct.

  1. Historically, the Constitution of India fixed the minimum voting age at 25 years.
  2. Lowering India's voting age would require an amendment to the Constitution.
  3. Article 326 of the Constitution provides for elections to the House of the People and to State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of adult suffrage.

How many of the statements listed above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 10

Article 326 Constitution initially Lok Sabha elections voting age set 21. Lowered 18 years 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988 (effective 1989). Constitution (Sixty-first Amendment) Act, 1988: Lok Sabha elections and States Legislative Assemblies elections voting age lowered 21 years 18 years. Article 326 amending Constitution elections—Lok Sabha and Assemblies. India voting age lowering requires constitutional amendment act. 1989 through 61st Amendment Indian Constitution done—voting age reduced 21 to 18 years. Article 326 Constitution India: House People (Lok Sabha) elections and every state Legislative Assembly provides adult suffrage basis on.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 11

Regarding the disclosure obligations of candidates seeking election in India, evaluate the following statements:

  1. Candidates must declare both movable and immovable assets.
  2. Candidates must declare their educational qualifications.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 11

ECI guidelines require candidates file affidavit (Form 26) with nomination papers. Affidavit mandates disclosure: pending criminal cases with framed charges; convictions including acquittals/discharges. Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms (2002) and ECI orders made criminal antecedents disclosure mandatory. Additionally, candidates disclose financial details (movable/immovable assets) of self, spouse, dependent children under Section 33 RPA 1951, Rule 4A.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 12

Within the framework of Indian elections, which individuals from the following list may be appointed as a polling agent?

  1. Gram Panchayat Sarpanch
  2. Person in the service of the Government
  3. Chairperson of Municipality

Choose the correct option using the code provided below.

Detailed Solution: Question 12

Polling Agent: local elector, ordinary resident of same or neighbouring Polling Station. If difficult, any elector from same Assembly Constituency appointed. No restriction on Gram Panchayat Pradhan, Councillors, Municipal Corporation Members, local persons as Polling Agents. Disqualified: sitting Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs; Corporation Mayors, Municipality/Zila Parishad Chairpersons; PSU Chairpersons/Members; government honorarium recipients; para-medical/healthcare staff; Fair Price Shop dealers; government servants.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 13

What is the objective of tendered votes in Indian elections?

Detailed Solution: Question 13

Tendered votes mechanism (Section 49P Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961) addresses potential impersonation/fraudulent voting. Genuine voter discovering someone voted in their name can cast tendered vote while marking as tendered for later scrutiny. Protects electoral integrity providing legitimate voter opportunity record choice while ensuring real voter not disenfranchised. Not counted initially; kept separate; considered during election petitions if victory margin small.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 14

  1. An opinion poll is carried out before voting to assess voters' intentions, whereas an exit poll is conducted after elections to determine the actual votes cast by individuals.
  2. Opinion polls cannot be conducted for constituencies that have already voted, while exit polls may be telecast only after the final phase of polling is completed.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 14

Opinion poll conducted before balloting; exit survey after elections determining actual votes. Section 126A RPA 1951: prohibits exit poll dissemination during specified period. Election Commission declared exit polls telecast only after final polling phase. Media display opinion polls and standard debates, analysis during 48-hour pre-poll period without promoting/prejudicing candidate prospects. No opinion polls for constituencies already voted.

Test: Elections, Electoral Laws & Reforms - Question 15

With regard to political and electoral reforms in India, arrange the following developments in the sequence in which they occurred:

  1. Voting rights extended to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
  2. Disclosure of criminal records along with nomination papers made compulsory.
  3. Introduction of NOTA option in General Election to State Legislative Assemblies.

Select the correct answer using the code provided below.

Detailed Solution: Question 15

Electoral reforms based on committee recommendations include: 61st Constitutional Amendment 1988 reduced voting age 21 to 18 years. EVMs used experimentally 1998 in selected constituencies (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi); first entire-state use Goa 1999. 1999 postal ballot provision for notified classes. 2003 candidates furnish criminal antecedents, assets declarations. 2010 overseas citizen voting rights. 2013 NOTA option approved for EVMs/ballot papers.

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