Selina Textbook Solutions: Elections and the Election Commission | Civics Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Elections and the Election Commission 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Elections? Mention any one principles according to which elections 
are conducted in a democracy. 
Answer: 
An election is an organised process in which people vote to choose the persons who 
shall represent them in Parliament or the State Legislature. Elections are also held to 
elect those persons who hold a constitutional position, such as the President or the 
Vice-President of India. 
Elections in a democracy are conducted according to the following principles: 
1. Universal Adult Franchise, 
2. The Secret Ballot, and  Electoral choice offered by competition between political 
parties or between many candidates. 
Question 2. 
Who can become a Voter in India? 
Answer: 
The Constitution of India permits every person, who is a Citizen of India and who is not 
less than eighteen years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under any law’, is 
eligible to become a Voter in India. 
Question 3. 
What is the significance of Elections in a democracy? OR Mention any one need for 
Elections. 
Answer: 
Elections are the lifeline of democracy. We need elections for the following 
reasons: 
1. It is the best way by which representatives of the people can be chosen and sent 
to legislatures. 
2. When there is a contest between different candidates for the same position, it 
gives the voters a greater choice of selection and makes it easy to elect 
candidates by casting their vote. 
3. Elections help the people to put a check on the activities of the government 
because political parties know that they will be ousted from power if they do not 
perform according to the expectations of the people. 
4. By contesting elections, either as members of a political party or as an 
independent candidate, people get a chance to form the government and make 
laws and policies for the welfare of their people and their country. 
Page 2


Elections and the Election Commission 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Elections? Mention any one principles according to which elections 
are conducted in a democracy. 
Answer: 
An election is an organised process in which people vote to choose the persons who 
shall represent them in Parliament or the State Legislature. Elections are also held to 
elect those persons who hold a constitutional position, such as the President or the 
Vice-President of India. 
Elections in a democracy are conducted according to the following principles: 
1. Universal Adult Franchise, 
2. The Secret Ballot, and  Electoral choice offered by competition between political 
parties or between many candidates. 
Question 2. 
Who can become a Voter in India? 
Answer: 
The Constitution of India permits every person, who is a Citizen of India and who is not 
less than eighteen years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under any law’, is 
eligible to become a Voter in India. 
Question 3. 
What is the significance of Elections in a democracy? OR Mention any one need for 
Elections. 
Answer: 
Elections are the lifeline of democracy. We need elections for the following 
reasons: 
1. It is the best way by which representatives of the people can be chosen and sent 
to legislatures. 
2. When there is a contest between different candidates for the same position, it 
gives the voters a greater choice of selection and makes it easy to elect 
candidates by casting their vote. 
3. Elections help the people to put a check on the activities of the government 
because political parties know that they will be ousted from power if they do not 
perform according to the expectations of the people. 
4. By contesting elections, either as members of a political party or as an 
independent candidate, people get a chance to form the government and make 
laws and policies for the welfare of their people and their country. 
Question 4. 
What is a General Election? 
Answer: 
The Lok Sabha election is said to be a General Election. 
Question 5. 
What is a By-Election? 
Answer: 
A By-Election is held to choose a member of the Lok Sabha or that the State legislature 
“to replace a previous member who has resigned suddenly or died.” 
Question 6. 
What is meant by Midterm-Election? 
Answer: 
A midterm-poll that is held in consequence to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha or the 
State Assembly before its term is over is called as Midterm-Election. 
Question 7. 
What is meant by Direct Election? 
Answer: 
The election in which the voters directly choose their representatives to the legislatures 
is known as Direct Election. 
Question 8. 
What is Indirect Election? 
Answer: 
The election in which the voters do not directly elect their representatives to the 
legislatures or Head of State, but elect an intermediate body which finally proceeds to 
elect the representative or the President, such an election is called as Indirect Election. 
Question 9. 
Name two bodies whose members are elected by Indirect Election. 
Answer: 
The Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishad (State Legislative Council) are the two bodies, 
whose members are elected by Indirect Election. 
Question 10. 
Mention one advantage and one disadvantage of Direct Election. 
Answer: 
Advantage of Direct Election: It stimulates the interest of the people in elections. 
Disadvantage of Direct Election: The masses, under the influence of emotions or 
religious leaders, may reject someone who is rational and is able to think clearly. 
Page 3


Elections and the Election Commission 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Elections? Mention any one principles according to which elections 
are conducted in a democracy. 
Answer: 
An election is an organised process in which people vote to choose the persons who 
shall represent them in Parliament or the State Legislature. Elections are also held to 
elect those persons who hold a constitutional position, such as the President or the 
Vice-President of India. 
Elections in a democracy are conducted according to the following principles: 
1. Universal Adult Franchise, 
2. The Secret Ballot, and  Electoral choice offered by competition between political 
parties or between many candidates. 
Question 2. 
Who can become a Voter in India? 
Answer: 
The Constitution of India permits every person, who is a Citizen of India and who is not 
less than eighteen years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under any law’, is 
eligible to become a Voter in India. 
Question 3. 
What is the significance of Elections in a democracy? OR Mention any one need for 
Elections. 
Answer: 
Elections are the lifeline of democracy. We need elections for the following 
reasons: 
1. It is the best way by which representatives of the people can be chosen and sent 
to legislatures. 
2. When there is a contest between different candidates for the same position, it 
gives the voters a greater choice of selection and makes it easy to elect 
candidates by casting their vote. 
3. Elections help the people to put a check on the activities of the government 
because political parties know that they will be ousted from power if they do not 
perform according to the expectations of the people. 
4. By contesting elections, either as members of a political party or as an 
independent candidate, people get a chance to form the government and make 
laws and policies for the welfare of their people and their country. 
Question 4. 
What is a General Election? 
Answer: 
The Lok Sabha election is said to be a General Election. 
Question 5. 
What is a By-Election? 
Answer: 
A By-Election is held to choose a member of the Lok Sabha or that the State legislature 
“to replace a previous member who has resigned suddenly or died.” 
Question 6. 
What is meant by Midterm-Election? 
Answer: 
A midterm-poll that is held in consequence to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha or the 
State Assembly before its term is over is called as Midterm-Election. 
Question 7. 
What is meant by Direct Election? 
Answer: 
The election in which the voters directly choose their representatives to the legislatures 
is known as Direct Election. 
Question 8. 
What is Indirect Election? 
Answer: 
The election in which the voters do not directly elect their representatives to the 
legislatures or Head of State, but elect an intermediate body which finally proceeds to 
elect the representative or the President, such an election is called as Indirect Election. 
Question 9. 
Name two bodies whose members are elected by Indirect Election. 
Answer: 
The Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishad (State Legislative Council) are the two bodies, 
whose members are elected by Indirect Election. 
Question 10. 
Mention one advantage and one disadvantage of Direct Election. 
Answer: 
Advantage of Direct Election: It stimulates the interest of the people in elections. 
Disadvantage of Direct Election: The masses, under the influence of emotions or 
religious leaders, may reject someone who is rational and is able to think clearly. 
Question 11. 
Mention one main advantage and one disadvantage of Indirect Election. 
Answer: 
Advantage of Indirect Election: It reduces the heat of the election campaign. 
Disadvantage of Indirect Election: It may lead to horsetrading or evil practices such 
as bribery, because the final electors are very few in number. 
Question 12. 
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners? 
Answer: 
The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners. 
Question 13. 
Who acts as the Chairman of the Election Commission? 
Answer: 
The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the Chairman of the Election Commission. 
Question 14. 
What is the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner? 
Answer: 
The term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner is six years. 
Question 15. 
The Chief Election Commissioner be removed from his office? 
Answer: 
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the manner as a judge of the 
Supreme Court. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two powers (functions) of the Election Commission. 
Answer: 
Two powers (functions) of the Election Commission are: 
1. Preparation of the Electoral Rolls. 
2. Conduct of Elections. 
Question 17. 
What is meant by a Single-Member Constituency? 
Answer: 
A Single-Member Constituency is one, which returns only one representative from each 
area. 
 
Page 4


Elections and the Election Commission 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Elections? Mention any one principles according to which elections 
are conducted in a democracy. 
Answer: 
An election is an organised process in which people vote to choose the persons who 
shall represent them in Parliament or the State Legislature. Elections are also held to 
elect those persons who hold a constitutional position, such as the President or the 
Vice-President of India. 
Elections in a democracy are conducted according to the following principles: 
1. Universal Adult Franchise, 
2. The Secret Ballot, and  Electoral choice offered by competition between political 
parties or between many candidates. 
Question 2. 
Who can become a Voter in India? 
Answer: 
The Constitution of India permits every person, who is a Citizen of India and who is not 
less than eighteen years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under any law’, is 
eligible to become a Voter in India. 
Question 3. 
What is the significance of Elections in a democracy? OR Mention any one need for 
Elections. 
Answer: 
Elections are the lifeline of democracy. We need elections for the following 
reasons: 
1. It is the best way by which representatives of the people can be chosen and sent 
to legislatures. 
2. When there is a contest between different candidates for the same position, it 
gives the voters a greater choice of selection and makes it easy to elect 
candidates by casting their vote. 
3. Elections help the people to put a check on the activities of the government 
because political parties know that they will be ousted from power if they do not 
perform according to the expectations of the people. 
4. By contesting elections, either as members of a political party or as an 
independent candidate, people get a chance to form the government and make 
laws and policies for the welfare of their people and their country. 
Question 4. 
What is a General Election? 
Answer: 
The Lok Sabha election is said to be a General Election. 
Question 5. 
What is a By-Election? 
Answer: 
A By-Election is held to choose a member of the Lok Sabha or that the State legislature 
“to replace a previous member who has resigned suddenly or died.” 
Question 6. 
What is meant by Midterm-Election? 
Answer: 
A midterm-poll that is held in consequence to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha or the 
State Assembly before its term is over is called as Midterm-Election. 
Question 7. 
What is meant by Direct Election? 
Answer: 
The election in which the voters directly choose their representatives to the legislatures 
is known as Direct Election. 
Question 8. 
What is Indirect Election? 
Answer: 
The election in which the voters do not directly elect their representatives to the 
legislatures or Head of State, but elect an intermediate body which finally proceeds to 
elect the representative or the President, such an election is called as Indirect Election. 
Question 9. 
Name two bodies whose members are elected by Indirect Election. 
Answer: 
The Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishad (State Legislative Council) are the two bodies, 
whose members are elected by Indirect Election. 
Question 10. 
Mention one advantage and one disadvantage of Direct Election. 
Answer: 
Advantage of Direct Election: It stimulates the interest of the people in elections. 
Disadvantage of Direct Election: The masses, under the influence of emotions or 
religious leaders, may reject someone who is rational and is able to think clearly. 
Question 11. 
Mention one main advantage and one disadvantage of Indirect Election. 
Answer: 
Advantage of Indirect Election: It reduces the heat of the election campaign. 
Disadvantage of Indirect Election: It may lead to horsetrading or evil practices such 
as bribery, because the final electors are very few in number. 
Question 12. 
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners? 
Answer: 
The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners. 
Question 13. 
Who acts as the Chairman of the Election Commission? 
Answer: 
The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the Chairman of the Election Commission. 
Question 14. 
What is the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner? 
Answer: 
The term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner is six years. 
Question 15. 
The Chief Election Commissioner be removed from his office? 
Answer: 
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the manner as a judge of the 
Supreme Court. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two powers (functions) of the Election Commission. 
Answer: 
Two powers (functions) of the Election Commission are: 
1. Preparation of the Electoral Rolls. 
2. Conduct of Elections. 
Question 17. 
What is meant by a Single-Member Constituency? 
Answer: 
A Single-Member Constituency is one, which returns only one representative from each 
area. 
 
Question 18. 
What is a Multi-Member Constituency? 
Answer: 
A Multi-Member Constituency is one, which elects more than one representative. 
Question 19. 
What is meant by a Reserve Constituency? 
Answer: 
It was the Scheme of Communal Electorates that falls under Indian Councils Act of 
1909 introduced by the British Government. The Act provided for separate 
representation of the Muslim Community at the Center as well as in Provincial 
Legislatures. The Government of India Act, 1919 extended this privilege to the 
minorities such as the Sikhs, the Anglo-Indians, Europeans and the Indian Christians. In 
due course of time, the Constitution of India abolished Communal Electorates. 
Question 20. 
Mention any two stages in the election process before the Election Campaign begins. 
Answer: 
Two stages in the election process before the Election Campaign are: 
1. Nomination of Candidates 
2. Scrutiny of Nominations. 
Question 21. 
Mention any two techniques of Election Campaign. 
Answer: 
The two techniques of Election Campaign are: 
1. Public meetings and rallies are organised. 
2. The candidates do door-to-door canvassing. 
Question 22. 
What is an Election Manifesto? OR What is the use of an Election Manifesto? 
Answer: 
An Election Manifesto is a formal statement of the programme and objectives of a 
political party. The Manifesto contains programmers and promises for all sections of the 
society. 
Question 23. 
What is Secret Ballot? 
Answer: 
‘Secret Ballot’ means that each voter elects the candidates of his choice and the ballot 
paper is not shown to any one else. 
Page 5


Elections and the Election Commission 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Elections? Mention any one principles according to which elections 
are conducted in a democracy. 
Answer: 
An election is an organised process in which people vote to choose the persons who 
shall represent them in Parliament or the State Legislature. Elections are also held to 
elect those persons who hold a constitutional position, such as the President or the 
Vice-President of India. 
Elections in a democracy are conducted according to the following principles: 
1. Universal Adult Franchise, 
2. The Secret Ballot, and  Electoral choice offered by competition between political 
parties or between many candidates. 
Question 2. 
Who can become a Voter in India? 
Answer: 
The Constitution of India permits every person, who is a Citizen of India and who is not 
less than eighteen years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under any law’, is 
eligible to become a Voter in India. 
Question 3. 
What is the significance of Elections in a democracy? OR Mention any one need for 
Elections. 
Answer: 
Elections are the lifeline of democracy. We need elections for the following 
reasons: 
1. It is the best way by which representatives of the people can be chosen and sent 
to legislatures. 
2. When there is a contest between different candidates for the same position, it 
gives the voters a greater choice of selection and makes it easy to elect 
candidates by casting their vote. 
3. Elections help the people to put a check on the activities of the government 
because political parties know that they will be ousted from power if they do not 
perform according to the expectations of the people. 
4. By contesting elections, either as members of a political party or as an 
independent candidate, people get a chance to form the government and make 
laws and policies for the welfare of their people and their country. 
Question 4. 
What is a General Election? 
Answer: 
The Lok Sabha election is said to be a General Election. 
Question 5. 
What is a By-Election? 
Answer: 
A By-Election is held to choose a member of the Lok Sabha or that the State legislature 
“to replace a previous member who has resigned suddenly or died.” 
Question 6. 
What is meant by Midterm-Election? 
Answer: 
A midterm-poll that is held in consequence to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha or the 
State Assembly before its term is over is called as Midterm-Election. 
Question 7. 
What is meant by Direct Election? 
Answer: 
The election in which the voters directly choose their representatives to the legislatures 
is known as Direct Election. 
Question 8. 
What is Indirect Election? 
Answer: 
The election in which the voters do not directly elect their representatives to the 
legislatures or Head of State, but elect an intermediate body which finally proceeds to 
elect the representative or the President, such an election is called as Indirect Election. 
Question 9. 
Name two bodies whose members are elected by Indirect Election. 
Answer: 
The Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishad (State Legislative Council) are the two bodies, 
whose members are elected by Indirect Election. 
Question 10. 
Mention one advantage and one disadvantage of Direct Election. 
Answer: 
Advantage of Direct Election: It stimulates the interest of the people in elections. 
Disadvantage of Direct Election: The masses, under the influence of emotions or 
religious leaders, may reject someone who is rational and is able to think clearly. 
Question 11. 
Mention one main advantage and one disadvantage of Indirect Election. 
Answer: 
Advantage of Indirect Election: It reduces the heat of the election campaign. 
Disadvantage of Indirect Election: It may lead to horsetrading or evil practices such 
as bribery, because the final electors are very few in number. 
Question 12. 
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners? 
Answer: 
The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners. 
Question 13. 
Who acts as the Chairman of the Election Commission? 
Answer: 
The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the Chairman of the Election Commission. 
Question 14. 
What is the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner? 
Answer: 
The term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner is six years. 
Question 15. 
The Chief Election Commissioner be removed from his office? 
Answer: 
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the manner as a judge of the 
Supreme Court. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two powers (functions) of the Election Commission. 
Answer: 
Two powers (functions) of the Election Commission are: 
1. Preparation of the Electoral Rolls. 
2. Conduct of Elections. 
Question 17. 
What is meant by a Single-Member Constituency? 
Answer: 
A Single-Member Constituency is one, which returns only one representative from each 
area. 
 
Question 18. 
What is a Multi-Member Constituency? 
Answer: 
A Multi-Member Constituency is one, which elects more than one representative. 
Question 19. 
What is meant by a Reserve Constituency? 
Answer: 
It was the Scheme of Communal Electorates that falls under Indian Councils Act of 
1909 introduced by the British Government. The Act provided for separate 
representation of the Muslim Community at the Center as well as in Provincial 
Legislatures. The Government of India Act, 1919 extended this privilege to the 
minorities such as the Sikhs, the Anglo-Indians, Europeans and the Indian Christians. In 
due course of time, the Constitution of India abolished Communal Electorates. 
Question 20. 
Mention any two stages in the election process before the Election Campaign begins. 
Answer: 
Two stages in the election process before the Election Campaign are: 
1. Nomination of Candidates 
2. Scrutiny of Nominations. 
Question 21. 
Mention any two techniques of Election Campaign. 
Answer: 
The two techniques of Election Campaign are: 
1. Public meetings and rallies are organised. 
2. The candidates do door-to-door canvassing. 
Question 22. 
What is an Election Manifesto? OR What is the use of an Election Manifesto? 
Answer: 
An Election Manifesto is a formal statement of the programme and objectives of a 
political party. The Manifesto contains programmers and promises for all sections of the 
society. 
Question 23. 
What is Secret Ballot? 
Answer: 
‘Secret Ballot’ means that each voter elects the candidates of his choice and the ballot 
paper is not shown to any one else. 
Question 24. 
Mention any two reasons why a Ballot Paper becomes invalid. 
Answer: 
A ballot paper becomes invalid when 
1.  It is not marked at all. 
2.  The voter indicates his choice for more than one candidate. 
Question 25. 
What is the maximum limit of the expenses for a Parliamentary contest? 
Answer: 
The maximum limit of the expenses for a Parliamentary contest amounts at Rs. 15 lacs. 
Question 26. 
Mention any two measures that ensure that elections are free and fair in India. 
Answer: 
The two measures that ensure free and fair elections in India are: 
1. The Commission sends central observers to sensitive constituencies. 
2. The Commission prescribes the code of conduct for the election campaigns. 
Question 27. 
Mention any one measure that has been taken to discourage non-serious candidates 
from jumping into the election fray. 
Answer: 
For election to the Lok Sabha the Security Deposit was raised in 1996 from Rs. 500 to 
Rs. 10,000 for the general candidates and from Rs. 250 to Rs. 5,000 for candidates 
belonging to SCs and STs. For Assembly elections it was raised from Rs. 250 to Rs. 
5,000 for the general candidates and from Rs. 125 to Rs. 2,500 for candidates 
belonging to SCs and STs. The security deposit of such candidates as have obtained 
less than one-sixth of the total number of votes is forfeited. 
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS 
Question 1. 
With reference to the composition of the Election Commission, explain the following: 
(a) Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners. 
(b) Their Terms of Office and Conditions of Service. 
Answer: 
Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners: 
(a) The Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners are appointed by the 
President. 
(b) Terms of Office and Conditions of Service of the Chief Election Commissioner and 
other Commissioners.