Short & Long Questions: Institutional Representation of Democracy | Window on the Word Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is universal adult franchise?
Ans: Universal adult franchise means that every Indian citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote, regardless of factors like caste, economic status, religion, or gender.

Q2: Who is responsible for conducting elections in India?
Ans: The Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections in India.

Q3: What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Ans: The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines that political parties and candidates must follow during elections to ensure fairness and integrity.

Q4: How are constituencies created for elections?
Ans: Constituencies are created based on population to ensure that each constituency has a similar number of people.

Q5: What is the role of political parties in a democracy?
Ans: Political parties provide voters with choices of candidates, educate the masses on important issues, and serve as checks and balances on the government.

Q6: How does voting by secret ballot protect voters' choices?
Ans: Voting by secret ballot ensures that no one can see who a voter has chosen, protecting them from external influence or pressure.

Q7: What is the purpose of an election manifesto?
Ans: An election manifesto outlines a political party's goals, views, and policies, giving voters an idea of what the party plans to do if elected.

Q8: What happens if no single party gets a majority in an election?
Ans: If no single party gets a majority, two or more parties can come together to form a coalition government.

Q9: Why are some constituencies reserved for specific communities?
Ans: Some constituencies are reserved to ensure that all groups in society, like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Anglo-Indians, are represented.

Q10: What is the significance of universal adult franchise in Indian democracy?
Ans: Universal adult franchise is the cornerstone of Indian democracy as it empowers every citizen equally, ensuring their participation in the democratic process.

Long Answer Questions

Q11: Explain the role of the Election Commission in the electoral process.
Ans: The Election Commission is an independent body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India. It oversees the entire election process, from announcing elections to counting votes and declaring results. The Commission also enforces the Model Code of Conduct to ensure fairness among political parties. It plays a crucial role in upholding the democratic values of the nation.

Q12: Describe the process of forming a coalition government and its challenges.
Ans: A coalition government is formed when no single party secures a majority in an election. In such cases, two or more parties come together to govern. However, coalition governments can be less stable as they require the support of all coalition members. Disagreements among partners can lead to the fall of the government, making it a challenging form of governance.

Q13: How do political parties contribute to the democratic process in India?
Ans: Political parties are crucial institutions in a democracy. They provide voters with choices, educate the masses on important issues, and act as checks on the government. They also highlight specific regional or community problems. National parties have a presence in multiple states, while regional parties focus on specific states. They play a vital role in shaping the political landscape of the country.

Q14: Explain the concept of constituencies and reserved constituencies.
Ans: Constituencies are smaller units into which a country is divided for elections. They ensure that each constituency has a similar population size, allowing for equal representation. Reserved constituencies are specific seats set aside for communities like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Anglo-Indians to ensure their representation in legislative bodies.

Q15: Discuss the importance of citizens' role in a democracy.
Ans: Citizens hold great power and responsibility in a democracy. They act as watchdogs, evaluating government actions and being aware of their rights and responsibilities. They have the duty to protest against government actions that violate their fundamental rights or go against the country's interests. Cooperation among citizens is crucial for accommodating diversity and ensuring the smooth functioning of the nation.

Q16: Compare and contrast national and regional political parties in India.
Ans: National parties have a presence in four or more states and contest elections on a broader scale. Examples include the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Regional parties focus on specific states and highlight the unique issues of those regions. Examples include the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Telugu Desam Party, Indian Union Muslim League, and Shiromani Akali Dal.

Q17: Elaborate on the process of elections in India, from campaigning to the declaration of results.
Ans: Elections involve campaigning, where political parties present their election manifestos and plans to the public. All parties have the right to campaign freely but must adhere to the Model Code of Conduct. Voting is done by secret ballot, ensuring privacy. After elections, the Election Commission counts votes, and the party with the majority forms the government. In India, we follow the First Past the Post System, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins.

Q18: Why is universal adult franchise considered the cornerstone of Indian democracy?
Ans: Universal adult franchise ensures that every Indian citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote, regardless of various factors. This empowers citizens equally and allows them to participate in the democratic process. It is considered the cornerstone as it forms the basis of a truly inclusive and representative democracy.

Q19: Analyze the challenges and advantages of a coalition government in a democracy.
Ans: A coalition government can provide representation to diverse groups and prevent one party from monopolizing power. However, it can be less stable due to differing opinions among coalition partners. Balancing interests and making collective decisions can be challenging. Effectiveness depends on the willingness of parties to cooperate.

Q20: Discuss the role of the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections.
Ans: The Election Commission is responsible for overseeing the entire election process. It enforces the Model Code of Conduct to ensure fair play among political parties. The Commission conducts voter education programs, handles voter registration, and supervises the counting of votes. It also settles disputes related to election results. By performing these functions, the Election Commission plays a vital role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.