Unit Test (Solutions): Electoral Politics | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M. 30
Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. What is the term for the list of eligible voters prepared before an election? (1 Mark) 
(a) Electoral Roll
(b) Voters' Register
(c) Citizen List
(d) Ballot Record

Ans: (a)
The Electoral Roll is the official voter list prepared in advance, containing names of all citizens eligible to vote.

Q2. How often are general elections typically held in India for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha? (1 Mark) 
(a) Every 3 years
(b) Every 5 years
(c) Every 7 years
(d) Every 4 years

Ans: (b)
The Lok Sabha and State Assemblies have a 5-year term unless dissolved early; elections are held after this term ends.

Q3. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India? (1 Mark) 
(a) Prime Minister
(b) President
(c) Parliament
(d) Supreme Court

Ans: (b)
As per the Constitution, the President appoints the CEC, but once appointed, they are independent of the government.

Q4. Which act reserves one-third of seats in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies for women? (1 Mark) 
(a) Women’s Empowerment Act
(b) Nai Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
(c) Gender Equality Act
(d) Representation Act

Ans: (b) 
This law reserves one-third of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies for women.

Q5. What is the minimum age for voting in Indian elections? (1 Mark) 
(a) 16
(b) 18
(c) 21
(d) 25

Ans: (b)
The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

Q6. Why are elections considered essential for a representative democracy? (2 Marks) 

Ans: 

• They allow citizens to choose their representatives at regular intervals.

• They ensure accountability by enabling people to change a government if it fails to perform.

Q7. What is the purpose of reserved constituencies in India? (2 Marks) 

Ans: 

• To ensure fair representation of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in legislatures.

• To prevent their exclusion due to lack of resources or political influence.

Q8. What is the role of party agents in polling booths and counting centers? (2 Marks) 

Ans: 

• In polling booths – They observe voting to ensure fairness and prevent malpractices.

• In counting centers – They verify counting to maintain accuracy and transparency.

Q9. Explain three conditions that make an election democratic. (3 Marks) 

Ans: 

• Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen above 18 has one vote of equal value.

• Free and Fair Competition: Parties and candidates contest freely, offering real choices.

• Regular Intervals: Elections are held periodically, usually every 5 years, allowing voters to change representatives.

Q10. Describe the Model Code of Conduct and its significance in Indian elections. (3 Marks) 

Ans: 

• Definition: A set of guidelines agreed upon by political parties for conduct during elections.

• Provisions: No appeal to religion/caste, no misuse of government resources, no new major policy decisions after election announcement.

• Significance: Maintains fair competition, prevents misuse of power, and ensures the integrity of elections.

Q11. Discuss the role of the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections in India. (3 Marks) 

Ans: The Election Commission (EC) conducts elections independently, with powers to control every aspect, from announcing elections to declaring results. It enforces the Code of Conduct, punishes violations, orders repolls if needed, and controls government officials during elections to prevent misuse of power, ensuring fairness and transparency.

Q12. Analyze the challenges to free and fair elections in India and suggest two reforms to address them. (5 Marks) 

Ans: Challenges:

• Money Power: Rich candidates and parties spend excessively, creating an uneven playing field (e.g., ₹300 crore spent in 2014 elections).
• Electoral Malpractices: Issues like fake voters (e.g., 20 lakh fake voters in a state), voter intimidation, and misuse of government resources undermine fairness.
• Limited Representation: Smaller parties and independent candidates struggle against larger parties, and only 12% of 16th Lok Sabha members were women.
• Family Politics: Dynastic politics limits opportunities for new candidates.
• Voter Awareness: Lack of knowledge among voters about candidates and policies affects informed choices.

Reforms:

• Stricter Spending Limits: Enforce lower spending caps and monitor expenditures to reduce the influence of money.
• Enhanced Voter Education: Launch campaigns through SVEEP to increase voter awareness about candidates, policies, and the importance of voting.

Q13. Explain the process of elections in India, from constituency delimitation to result declaration. (5 Marks)

Ans: 

• Constituency Delimitation: The country is divided into electoral constituencies (e.g., 543 for Lok Sabha) with roughly equal populations to ensure equal vote value.
• Voters’ List Preparation: The Electoral Roll is compiled, listing eligible voters (18+ years), updated regularly, with Election Photo Identity Cards issued.
• Nomination of Candidates: Candidates file nominations, declaring criminal cases, assets, and qualifications, made public for voter transparency.
• Election Campaign: A two-week campaign period involves candidates and parties engaging voters through rallies, speeches, and media, focusing on key issues (e.g., Garibi Hatao in 1971).
• Polling and Result Declaration: On election day, voters cast votes via EVMs at polling booths. Post-polling, EVMs are sealed, votes counted, and results declared, determining the winning candidate (e.g., Mallikajun Kharge in Gulbarga, 2014).