Very Short Answer Questions: Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System

Q1. What does "universal adult franchise" mean in India?
Ans: Every citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote. This right is equal for all and cannot be denied on grounds of caste, religion, gender, education or income.

Q2. Which Article of the Constitution provides for adult franchise?
Ans: Article 326. It gives every adult citizen the right to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of universal adult suffrage.

Q3. Can anyone vote on behalf of another person?
Ans: No. Each registered voter must cast their own vote personally; voting on behalf of another person is not permitted.

Q4. What is required to vote in an election?
Ans: Registration as a voter in one's constituency and inclusion on the electoral roll. A voter should also carry the required identity documents when voting.

Q5. Name two kinds of elections in India based on universal franchise.
Ans: Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections. In both these elections eligible voters directly elect their representatives.

Q6. What is the main benefit of universal adult franchise?
Ans: It ensures that every adult citizen has an equal political voice. This strengthens democracy by making the government accountable to the people.

Q7. What challenge does India's size and diversity create for elections?
Ans: Reaching remote and varied geographies and managing a very large voter population. Diversity in language, literacy and infrastructure also makes organising elections complex.

Q8. Who organizes elections in India?
Ans: The Election Commission of India (ECI), an independent constitutional body. It supervises, directs and controls the conduct of elections to ensure they are free and fair.

Q9. Name one accessibility measure introduced recently to support voters.
Ans: Home voting for elderly voters and persons with disabilities. Such measures help those who cannot reach polling stations to still exercise their right to vote.

Q10. Give one example of assistive technology used in elections.
Ans: Braille-enabled voter materials or apps and services to request ramps and wheelchairs at polling stations. These technologies help voters with disabilities to participate independently.

Q11. What is the composition of the ECI?
Ans: A Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The Commission usually works as a small group to take decisions collectively.

Q12. Which bodies' elections are conducted by the ECI?
Ans: Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and elections connected with the offices of President and Vice-President. The ECI provides the overall management and supervision for these polls.

Q13. What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?
Ans: A set of guidelines for political parties and candidates to follow during elections. It aims to ensure that campaigns are fair and that government machinery is not misused.

Q14. What restriction does the MCC place on the ruling party during elections?
Ans: The ruling party must not announce new schemes or use government resources to influence voters. This prevents misuse of official authority for electoral advantage.

Q15. What is prohibited regarding inducements to voters?
Ans: Offering gifts, money or any incentive to influence votes is illegal and punishable by law. Such bribery undermines free choice and can lead to legal action and electoral penalties.

Q16. What is India's basic electoral system for Lok Sabha/Assembly seats?
Ans: First-Past-the-Post. The candidate who gets the largest number of votes in a constituency wins the seat, even if they do not secure an absolute majority.

Q17. How many Lok Sabha constituencies are there?
Ans: 543. Each constituency elects one Member of Parliament to the Lok Sabha.

Q18. What are MPs and MLAs?
Ans: MPs are Members of Parliament who represent people at the national level (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). MLAs are Members of the Legislative Assembly who represent people at the state level.

Q19. How are Rajya Sabha members chosen?
Ans: Indirectly. Most Rajya Sabha members are elected by state MLAs, and a small number are nominated by the President for their expertise in specific fields.

Q20. Why is the Rajya Sabha called a "Permanent House"?
Ans: Because it is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every two years, so the house continues functioning without being dissolved.

Q21. How is the President of India elected?
Ans: Indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of elected MPs and elected MLAs of states and certain Union Territories. The system uses a weighted voting method to balance representation.

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 do not take part. Only elected MPs and elected MLAs are members of that Electoral College.

Q23. Who elects the Vice President of India?
Ans: An Electoral College of both Houses of Parliament, which includes both elected and nominated members. The election is by secret ballot among those members.

Q24. What is one major challenge to elections ?
Ans: Problems such as money power, the criminalisation of politics or voter apathy. These challenges can weaken fair representation and the quality of democracy.

Q25. How can democracy be strengthened ?
Ans: By increasing voter awareness, making responsible choices and encouraging informed participation, especially by young people. Civic education, honest leadership and active voting help make democracy stronger.