Textbook Solutions: Democracy in Action | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Based on your understanding, tick (V) the correct option.

Q1.
Ans: (a) true
According to the principle of Universal Adult Franchise in India, all citizens who are 18 years of age or older are entitled to vote without discrimination based on region, religion, caste, sex, property, or language. This ensures political equality and accountability of the democratic government to the people.

Q2.
Ans: (b) a policy
A policy refers to a deliberate system of principles to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. In the context of governments and political parties, it denotes a set of plans or actions they agree to pursue to address certain issues or goals.

Q3.
Ans: (b) Electronic Voting Machine
EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine. It is a device used in the electoral process in India for the purpose of casting and counting votes. EVMs have been adopted to ensure a more efficient, secure, and faster voting and counting process.

Q4.
Ans: (c) Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India. The body ensures that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, overseeing everything from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results.

Q5.
Ans: (a) EVM
In India, votes are cast using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which have been designed to improve the efficiency and integrity of the election process by minimizing the chances of ballot box fraud and simplifying the process of counting votes.

Q6.
Ans: (b) regional party
Regional parties are political parties whose area of operation and influence is typically confined to a particular region or one or two states within the country. Unlike national parties, they may focus on regional issues and concerns.

Q7.
Ans: (c) 1977
The first coalition government at the national level in India was formed in 1977, marking a significant moment in Indian political history. This occurred after the emergency period, reflecting a shift from single-party dominance to a coalition of multiple parties coming together to form the government.

Q8.
Ans: (a) keeping a check on the government
Opposition parties are crucial in a democracy as they hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions. They scrutinize government policies and practices, ensuring that the government operates within the framework of laws and regulations and in the best interest of the public.

Q9.
Ans: (a) general elections
General elections are held every five years (or sooner if the Lok Sabha is dissolved early) to elect members to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament. These elections determine which party or coalition will form the new government at the Centre.

Q10.
Ans: (c) multi-party system
A multi-party system is characterized by the presence of more than two significant political parties. India has a multi-party system, allowing a variety of parties to contest elections and represent diverse views and interests within the democratic framework. This system encourages a wider range of political representation and competition.

Answer the following in one sentence.

Q1.
Ans: A citizen of India is allowed to vote at the age of 18.

Q2.
Ans: A constituency is a geographical area that an elected candidate represents.

Q3.
Ans: An election manifesto is a document outlining the programmes and policies that a political party commits to implement if voted to power.

Q4.
Ans: Election symbols are approved and allocated symbols to political parties and independent candidates to help voters identify them on the ballot.

Q5.
Ans: Campaigning is the process of promoting candidates and their agendas to persuade voters to vote for them through meetings, speeches, and displays.

Answer the following questions in brief.

Q1.
Ans: The Universal Adult Franchise is crucial in a democracy as it ensures every adult citizen has the right to vote, promoting political equality and accountability. Historically, universal suffrage was achieved through various movements worldwide, advocating for the right to vote regardless of race, gender, or social status, marking a significant step towards inclusive governance and democracy.

Q2.
Ans: The Election Commission ensures free and fair elections through strict oversight of the electoral process, including the issuance of notifications, scrutiny of nomination papers, allocation of symbols, management of polling and counting, and addressing election petitions.

Q3.
Ans: The polling process in India involves voters casting their votes at designated polling booths through a secret ballot, using voter photo identity cards for identification, followed by counting of votes and declaration of results.

Q4.
Ans: India conducts general elections to form a new government at the Centre, mid-term elections in case of a no-confidence motion, and by-elections due to sudden vacancies, ensuring representation and governance continuity.

Q5.
Ans: An advantage of a coalition government is that it represents a wider public opinion, while a disadvantage is the potential for disagreements and conflicts among allies.