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

A. Choose the correct answer.

1.
Ans: (a)

2.
Ans: (a)

3.
Ans: (a)

4.
Ans: (c)

B. Fill in the blanks

1.
Ans: The process of electing representatives to the Lok Sabha is called a general election.

2.
Ans: The returning officer is an official who supervises the election process in a constituency.

3.
Ans: The Election Commission is an independent body that conducts elections in India.

4. 
Ans: All election campaigning has to end 48 hours before the polling closes.

5.
Ans: India follows a multi-party system whereas China has a single party system.

C. Mark the following sentences as True or False. Correct the ones that are false.

1.
Ans: True
Every citizen of India, except criminals and those of unsound mind, is allowed to vote.

2.
Ans: False
In India, general elections have to be held once in 7 years. False, general elections have to be held once in 5 years.

3.
Ans: False
The Election Commission is answerable only to the president of India. False, The Election Commission is answerable only to Parliament.

4.
Ans: False
The USA has a multi-party system. False, the USA has a two-party system.

5.
Ans: False
The Telugu Desam Party is an example of a national party. False, The Telugu Desam Party is an example of a regional party.

D. Answer in one or two sentences.

1.
Ans: The institutions and processes that help a democracy function include universal adult franchise, elections, political parties, and coalition governments.

2.
Ans: An election is the process of selecting representatives to run the government of a country.

3.
Ans: Constituencies are smaller units into which a country is divided for the purpose of elections, with each constituency electing one person to the government.

4.
Ans: The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines drafted by the Election Commission that political parties and candidates have to follow during elections.

5.
Ans: National parties are political parties that have a base in, and contest elections from, four or more states, such as the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Regional parties only contest elections in their home states and highlight specific problems of a community or a state, such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Telugu Desam Party.

6.
Ans: An election manifesto is a document that states the aims, views, and policies of a political party, and outlines the plan for government that the party will pursue if it wins the election.

7.
Ans: Voting by secret ballot is a method in which citizens vote in secret, protecting the voter from attempts by political parties to influence them.

8.
Ans: A coalition government is formed when no single party gets a majority, and two or more parties come together to form a government.

E. Answer In a paragraph.

1.
Ans: Universal adult franchise is the right granted to every Indian citizen above the age of 18 to vote, irrespective of caste, economic status, religion or gender. It is called the cornerstone of a democracy because it equally empowers every citizen by giving them a voice in the governance of their country. Through voting, citizens can help shape the policies and direction of their nation, ensuring that their interests and values are represented.

2.
Ans: The major kinds of elections held in India are the general elections and the state assembly elections. In the general elections, representatives are elected to the Lok Sabha in the central government. In the state assembly elections, representatives are chosen for the state legislative assemblies. Both types of elections have to be held once in five years, unless there is a state of emergency in the country.

3.
Ans: Constituencies are smaller units into which a country is divided for the purpose of elections, with each constituency electing one person to the government. Some constituencies are reserved for certain communities, like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Anglo-Indians, to ensure that all groups of society get represented. This is done to make the legislative bodies as inclusive as possible.

4.
Ans: The Election Commission has the responsibility of ensuring elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, and that no candidate gets an unfair advantage. It oversees the entire election process from the declaration of elections until the counting of votes and the announcement of results. The Commission has the power to settle disputes about election results and is required to treat all political parties and candidates equally.

5.
Ans: Political parties play a crucial role in a democracy. They offer voters a choice of candidates, educate the masses on matters of national and international importance and keep a check on each other. By questioning and criticizing the decisions of the ruling party, the opposition helps to maintain a balance of power and ensure accountability in the government.

6.
Ans: The process of elections in India involves campaigning, polling, and the counting of votes. During the campaign, political parties present their election manifestos to the public. On the day of the election, citizens cast their votes by secret ballot. After the elections are completed, the Election Commission starts the process of counting votes, declares the results, and whichever candidate gets the maximum number of votes wins.

7.
Ans: The role of citizens is important in a democracy as they hold the power to select capable leaders. As watchdogs, they should study every action of the government carefully and weigh its pros and cons. If any action of the government violates their rights or goes against the interests of the country, people should protest and form groups that put pressure on the government. They should also be aware of their rights and responsibilities and should cooperate to accommodate the diverse elements in the country for its smooth running.