Class 11 Political Science Short Questions With Answers - Election And Representation

Q1: What is democracy?
Ans: Democracy is a system of government where ultimate power lies with the people. It is a governance structure that enables the all-round development of individuals, as the people themselves are the real decision-makers and hold the authority.

Q2: Differentiate between Direct democracy and Indirect democracy.
Ans : Direct democracy allows people to participate directly in the affairs of the state. In this system, citizens discuss, debate, and make final decisions on administrative issues. In contrast, indirect democracy involves participation through elected representatives who make decisions on behalf of the people.

Direct democracy is typically feasible in smaller states due to the manageable number of participants, while indirect democracy is commonly employed in larger states with greater populations.

Q3: What is Election and why it is necessary?
Ans: The method followed to choose representatives in indirect democracy is known as an election. This process is essential because it allows the people to participate in matters of administration. All major decisions are made by elected representatives on behalf of the citizens.

Q4: What is Adult Franchise?
Ans: Adult Franchise refers to the right to vote for every adult individual, regardless of their caste, colour, region, religion, language, or sex. The age at which a person is considered an adult varies across different societies. In Britain, this age is set at 17 years, while in India, it is 18 years, having originally been 21 years. This principle embodies the belief in the capabilities and decision-making powers of every adult.

Q5: What do you mean by territorial Representation?
Ans: Territorial representation refers to a system where a state is divided into various territorial constituencies. In this setup, all the residents of each constituency vote to elect a single representative. This process ensures that each area has a dedicated voice in the legislative assembly, reflecting the interests of the people living within that specific region.

Q6: What is Functional Representation?
Ans: Functional Representation refers to a system where the entire area of a state is divided based on occupational considerations. In this system, each occupational group elects its own representatives. For instance:

• Businessmen elect their own representatives.
• Farmers elect their own representatives.
• Women elect their own representatives.

Q7: Write five features of India’s electoral system.
Ans: Following are the main features of India’s electoral system:

• Universal Suffrage: Every citizen of India aged 18 and above has the right to vote, ensuring inclusivity in the electoral process.
• Secret Ballot: Voting is conducted by secret ballot, allowing individuals to vote freely without intimidation.
• Independent Election Commission: An autonomous body, the Election Commission of India, oversees the electoral process, ensuring fair and free elections.
• Multi-Party System: India operates a multi-party system, allowing various political parties to compete for power, providing voters with diverse options.
• Reservation of Seats: The electoral system includes provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, promoting representation.

Q8: What is the First Past the Post System ?
Ans: In this election system, the candidate who receives more votes than all other candidates is declared elected. The winning candidate does not need to secure a majority of the votes. In this electoral race, the candidate who is ahead of the others and secures the winning post first is the winner. This method is also known as the plurality system.

Q9: What is the Proportional Representation (PR) system?
Ans: The Proportional Representation (PR) system is used in multi-member constituencies, where each voter can express preferences for as many candidates as there are seats. All votes hold equal value. A candidate who secures a predetermined quota based on first-preference votes is declared elected. This system ensures that social and minority groups are represented in proportion to their population, promoting fairer and more inclusive representation.

Q10: Why the FPTP system (First point the post system), was adopted in India?
Ans :The FPTP system was adopted in India for two main reasons:

1. India has single-member constituencies, making the use of the Proportional Representation (PR) system impractical.
2. The FPTP system is simpler and easier to understand, while the PR system is more complex. Given India's high illiteracy rate, FPTP provides voters with a clear and straightforward choice. Additionally, it allows for a choice of candidates in each constituency.

Q11: What is Election Commission?
Ans: The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. It is responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections, ensuring their conduct in a fair and transparent manner. Initially, it was a single-member commission, but following a constitutional amendment, it became a multi-member body consisting of one Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners. All members of the commission have equal powers in overseeing electoral processes.

Q12: Write five steps of the election process.
Ans: The election process in a democratic system involves multiple steps to ensure free and fair elections. The key steps are as follows:

• Preparation of electoral constituencies and voters' lists.
• Notification and filing of nominations by candidates.
• Scrutiny of nominations, withdrawal of candidates, and finalization of the list.
• Preparation of ballot papers.
• Arrangement for the election, conducting the polls, counting of votes, and declaration of results.

Q13: Write five defects of the Indian electoral system.
Ans: Five defects of the Indian electoral system are:

1. The minority often holds power over the majority.
2. The problem of impersonation during voting.
3. Booth capturing, where elections are manipulated at polling stations.
4. The use of black money to influence elections.
5. Inadequate representation of all sections of society, including the entry of people with criminal backgrounds into Parliament and assemblies, leading to political instability.

Q14: Write some electrical reforms.
Ans: To address the electoral defects, several measures have been implemented and various reforms have been proposed by different committees and commissions. The main reforms are as follows:

• Improved transparency in the electoral process.
• Stricter regulations on campaign financing to ensure fairness.
• Enhancements in the voter registration process.
• Utilisation of technology to streamline voting methods.

Q15: Discuss the role of people in the elections.
Ans: Besides the governmental machinery, the people have an equal responsibility to ensure free and fair elections at various levels. It is essential for individuals to be more vigilant and actively involved in political activities. Additionally, there should be political institutions and voluntary organisations that can act as watchdogs over the functioning of the governmental machinery to ensure free and fair elections in the country.

Q16: What is the election? What are the requisites of an election?
Ans: An election is a method for choosing representatives in a democratic system. In a representative democracy, elections are essential because citizens cannot participate in the administration directly. Elected representatives act on behalf of the common people.There are several requirements for an election, including:

• Eligibility criteria for candidates and voters
• A transparent voting process
• Effective electoral management

Q17: Distinguish between FPTP and PR system.
Ans:  The First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system is based on the principle that the candidate who secures the highest number of votes among all candidates is declared elected, regardless of whether they achieve 50% of the votes. The winner is simply the candidate who crosses the winning post first.

In contrast, the Proportional Representation (PR) system involves multi-member constituencies and ensures more proportional representation. There are two main types of the PR system:

1. Single Transferable Vote (STV)
2. List System
   In this system, minority social groups are represented in proportion to their population, and political parties receive seats in proportion to the votes they have secured. This approach ensures fairer representation for all groups in society.

Q18: Discuss the composition of the Election Commission of India.
Ans:  The Election Commission of India is a three-member body, consisting of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, all of whom have equal powers and receive the same pay. The Chief Election Commissioner chairs the meetings, performs formal duties, and acts as the spokesperson of the Commission. Each Election Commissioner holds a tenure of six years or until the age of 65, whichever comes first.

To assist the Election Commission, a Chief Electoral Officer is appointed in each state. The State Election Commissioner is responsible for conducting local body elections and operates independently from the central Election Commission. During elections, all employees of the State and Central Governments are placed under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission as per the Representation of People's Act, 1951, which makes it obligatory for them to perform election duties assigned by the Commission.

Q19: Write main functions of the Election Commissioner.
Ans: The Election Commissioner has a wide range of functions which are as under.

• The election Commissioner supervises the preparation of updated voter’s list in every state.,
• It also determines the timings of the election and prepares the schedules of the election. lt also notifies the schedule which includes filling up of nomination form, last date of scripting, last date of withdrawals, date of polling, date of counting, and declaration to the result.
• Its main duty is to conduct free and fair poll:
• It has the power to implement the model code of elections and it punishes those who try to violate it.
• It takes the decision regarding repel! in any constituency.
• The Election Commission accord recognition to political parties and allocates flaps, symbols to the candidates and political parties.
• Election Commission monitor and supervise the election and takes a decision about any dispute related, with the election. „

Q20: Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India.
Ans: The Election Commission of India holds a prominent and independent position with significant powers to oversee the electoral process and ensure free and fair elections. Over the years, it has gained more authority, particularly under Chief Election Commissioners like T.N. Seshan and B.B. Lyngdoh, who strengthened its role. Today, the Election Commission is considered more assertive and independent than in the past.
The Commission has successfully conducted elections for 14 Lok Sabhas, numerous state assemblies, and by-elections, even in difficult circumstances. Its decisions are generally accepted without question, and its impartiality has been widely acknowledged. The Election Commission's authority is highly regarded both in India and internationally, though some critics label its actions as judicial activism. Despite this, its role in ensuring democratic integrity in India remains unquestioned.

Q21: Explain Single Transferable Vote System.
Ans: The Single Transferable Vote (STV) system is a proportional method of representation used in multi-member constituencies. In this system:

1. Every voter can express preferences for as many candidates as there are positions to be filled.
2. A candidate is declared elected when they secure a desired quota of votes, based on the first-preference votes.
3. If no candidate achieves the required quota in the first round of counting, the votes of the least-voted candidates are transferred to the next preferred candidates, based on voters' second choices, until a candidate meets the desired quota.
4. The formula to calculate the quota is usually:
   Quota = (Total Votes / (Number of Seats + 1)) + 1.
   This system ensures that votes are transferred to candidates in a way that accurately reflects voters' preferences, promoting more proportional representation.

Q22: Explain the List System.
Ans: The List System is a method of proportional representation used in multi-member constituencies. In this system, each party is allocated a share of seats in Parliament that corresponds to its share of votes.

Each party fills its quota of seats by selecting nominees from a preference list that is declared prior to the elections. Importantly, a party receives a proportion of seats equivalent to its proportion of votes. Voters express their preference for the party's list rather than for individual candidates. A specific quota is applied in this system as well.

Q23: Why Reservation is necessary.
Ans: Reservation is necessary due to the numerous socio-economic disparities and inequalities that have persisted in Indian society. Many social groups have remained socially, politically, and culturally backward. To ensure their representation in democratic institutions, such as Parliament and state assemblies, specific seats have been reserved for Scheduled Castes (79 seats) and Scheduled Tribes (41 seats). This reservation is essential for fair and adequate representation of these socially disadvantaged groups.

Q24: What is the role of political parties in the elections?
Ans: Political parties play a crucial role in the election process by shaping political discourse, mobilizing voters, and ensuring the smooth functioning of democracy. Their key roles include:

• Offer Political Alternatives: Political parties provide voters with different policy options and programs, helping them make informed choices.

• Encourage Voter Participation: They actively engage in educating the public, motivating citizens to participate in the electoral process.

• Facilitate Government Formation: Political parties are key players in the formation of governments by contesting elections and forming alliances to secure a majority.

• Enhance Accountability: Through their manifesto and promises, political parties hold themselves accountable to the electorate, ensuring transparency in governance.

• Promote Unity or Division: While parties can promote unity, some may also focus on divisive issues, affecting social cohesion.

• Indispensable for Elections: Political parties are crucial for the effective functioning of elections and the democratic process, as they cannot be excluded from it.

Q25: Why women could not be given reservation in parliament and State Assemblies so far?
Ans:  The issue of women’s reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies has been a significant concern for the political leadership of almost all political parties. While no party openly opposes the reservation for women, several constitutional amendments have been introduced in Parliament. Unfortunately, these bills have not become law due to the hypocrisy of the political leadership across the board.

Despite the fact that most political parties include this issue in their election manifestos, when the bill is introduced, many parties often take an opposing stance. As a result, the demand for reservation has remained largely unaddressed. Additionally, many parties are calling for reservation within reservation, which entails separate quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and SC women. This situation has further complicated the process, preventing the bill from being passed into law.