Very Short Answer Questions: Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System | Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Q1. What does “universal adult franchise” mean in India?
Ans: Every citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education, or income.

Q2. Which Article of the Constitution provides for adult franchise?
Ans: Article 326.

Q3. Can anyone vote on behalf of another person?
Ans: No, each voter must cast their own vote.

Q4. What is required to vote in an election?
Ans: Registration as a voter in one’s constituency.

Q5. Name two kinds of elections in India based on universal franchise.
Ans: Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections.

Q6. What is the main benefit of universal adult franchise?
Ans: It ensures equal political voice and strengthens democracy.

Q7. What challenge does India’s size and diversity create for elections?
Ans: Reaching remote, varied geographies and managing a massive voter population.

Q8. Who organizes elections in India?
Ans: The Election Commission of India (ECI), an independent constitutional body.

Q9. Name one accessibility measure introduced recently to support voters.
Ans: Home voting for elderly voters and persons with disabilities.

Q10. Give one example of assistive technology used in elections.
Ans: Braille-enabled voter cards or app-based wheelchair/ramp requests.

Q11. What is the composition of the ECI?
Ans: A Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

Q12. Which bodies’ elections are conducted by the ECI?
Ans: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, President, and Vice President.

Q13. What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?
Ans: A set of guidelines to ensure free and fair elections for parties and candidates.

Q14. What restriction does the MCC place on the ruling party during elections?
Ans: It cannot announce new schemes or use government resources to influence voters.

Q15. What is prohibited regarding inducements to voters?
Ans: Offering gifts or incentives to influence votes is punishable by law.

Q16. What is India’s basic electoral system for Lok Sabha/Assembly seats?
Ans: First-Past-the-Post: the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.

Q17. How many Lok Sabha constituencies are there?
Ans: 543.

Q18. What are MPs and MLAs?
Ans: MPs are Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha); MLAs are Members of Legislative Assembly (states).

Q19. How are Rajya Sabha members chosen?
Ans: Indirectly—most are elected by state MLAs; some are nominated by the President.

Q20. Why is the Rajya Sabha called a “Permanent House”?
Ans: It never dissolves; one-third of members retire every two years.

Q21. How is the President of India elected?
Ans: Indirectly by an Electoral College of elected MPs and MLAs from states/UTs (Delhi, Puducherry).

Q22. Who does not vote in the President’s election among legislators?
Ans: Nominated members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, and members of Legislative Councils.

Q23. Who elects the Vice President of India?
Ans: An Electoral College of both Houses of Parliament (elected and nominated members).

Q24. What is one major challenge to elections mentioned in this chapter?
Ans: Money power, criminalization of politics, or voter apathy.

Q25. How can democracy be strengthened according to the chapter?
Ans: Through voter awareness, responsible choices, and informed participation by citizens, especially youth.