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

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. What is universal adult franchise, and why is it important in Indian democracy?
Ans: Universal adult franchise means that every Indian citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote in elections, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education, or income. This principle was enshrined in the Indian Constitution as a fundamental right under Article 326. It is important because it ensures equal voting rights and gives every citizen a voice in choosing their leaders. Universal franchise strengthens democracy by promoting fairness, equality, and participation on a massive scale, making India one of the largest democracies in the world.

Q2. How does the Election Commission of India ensure that elections are free and fair?
Ans: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional body established in 1950 to conduct free and fair elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, and Presidential elections. The ECI manages the complex logistics of organizing elections across India’s vast territories and diverse population. It continuously upgrades technologies like Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to ensure fair play, monitors election spending, and provides facilities to ensure inclusiveness, such as voting accessibility for the elderly and disabled.

Q3. What challenges does India face in conducting elections, and what measures are taken to overcome them?
Ans: India faces challenges like geographical diversity, a large voter population over 980 million, and social differences. Remote areas, illiteracy, and physical disabilities add complexity. The Election Commission addresses these through extensive planning, traveling to remote locations, providing postal and home voting for eligible groups, and using assistive technologies like Braille-enabled voter cards and ramps at polling stations. Awareness campaigns and voter education also help overcome apathy and misinformation.

Q4. What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), and how does it uphold election fairness?
Ans: The Model Code of Conduct is a set of rules issued by the Election Commission to guide political parties, candidates, and governments. It prevents misuse of government resources during campaign periods, restricts announcing new schemes to influence voters, and bans offering gifts or money to voters. The MCC promotes peaceful and ethical elections by encouraging candidates to campaign responsibly and helping maintain a level playing field. The code has been critical in ensuring free and fair elections across India.

Q5. How are the President and Vice President of India elected?
Ans: The President of India is elected indirectly by an Electoral College composed of elected MPs of both Houses of Parliament and elected MLAs from states and union territories. The voting uses the single transferable vote system to ensure broad support. Certain nominated members do not vote in this election.
The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of both elected and nominated members of Parliament using a single transferable vote. The Vice President also chairs the Rajya Sabha and acts as President if required.

Q6. What are some current challenges facing India’s electoral system?
Ans: Despite being the world’s largest democracy, India faces challenges including the influence of money in politics, the role of candidates with criminal records, voter apathy especially in urban areas, and misinformation. These issues threaten the integrity of elections and the health of democracy. Continuous efforts are needed to educate and empower voters to make informed and responsible choices.

Q7. What steps can strengthen democracy and improve voter participation in India?
Ans: Democracy can be strengthened by increasing voter awareness through education and media campaigns, encouraging especially young voters to participate, and promoting voter responsibility. The Election Commission works to make voting accessible with facilities and technology for people with disabilities and the elderly. Ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections while combating corruption and misinformation is essential for maintaining a vibrant democracy where every citizen’s voice counts.

Q8. How does universal adult franchise reflect the spirit of Indian democracy?
Ans: Universal adult franchise embodies India’s democratic spirit by granting every adult citizen, regardless of social or economic status, an equal right to vote. It promotes inclusiveness, equality, and political participation on a massive scale, underpinning the legitimacy of elected governments. This right ensures that democracy belongs to the people and strengthens social unity by valuing every individual’s opinion in governance.

Q9. Why is the Election Commission of India considered a vital institution in the country’s democracy?
Ans: The Election Commission of India is vital because it safeguards the democratic process by organizing and supervising elections impartially. Its independent status, strict enforcement of rules like the Model Code of Conduct, use of technology, and commitment to inclusiveness uphold the fairness and credibility of elections. With such a vast and diverse electorate, the Commission’s role is crucial in ensuring that India remains one of the world’s largest and most vibrant democracies.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Describe the different types of elections held in India and how government formation works.
Ans: India holds elections at multiple levels:

• Lok Sabha elections for the national Parliament, where 543 constituencies elect Members of Parliament (MPs) through a “First-Past-the-Post” system.
• State Legislative Assembly elections for state governments, electing Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
• Local body elections for village, town, and city governance.
  The party or alliance winning the majority in Lok Sabha forms the central government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister. Similarly, in states, the majority party’s leader becomes the Chief Minister. Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by MLAs using a proportional voting system and serve six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years.

Q2. Explain the concept of universal adult franchise and discuss its significance in Indian democracy.
Ans: Universal adult franchise is the principle that every Indian citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education, or income. This foundational idea was established in Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, making India one of the first countries to grant equal voting rights to all adults, including women, from the very beginning.

• The right to vote empowers citizens to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
• It reflects the idea that every individual’s voice matters in a democracy.
• Universal franchise encourages political participation and ensures that government decisions reflect the will of the people.
• It promotes equality, inclusiveness, and social justice by removing barriers based on background or status.
• The system has enabled over 980 million Indians to vote, showcasing the strength and openness of India’s democracy.
  Overall, universal adult franchise is vital in making India’s democracy participative, fair, and representative of all its people.

Q3. Describe the structure and main functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in managing elections.
Ans: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional body formed in 1950 to conduct and oversee free, fair, and transparent elections for national and state legislatures, as well as the offices of President and Vice President.

• The ECI supervises elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, and key government positions.
• It continually upgrades systems and uses technologies like Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for accuracy and efficiency.
• The Commission enforces the Model Code of Conduct, monitors campaign expenses, and prevents misuse of government resources.
• It ensures accessibility, enabling remote voting, postal ballots, and assistance for the elderly and disabled.
• The ECI educates voters and works to increase awareness about the importance and process of voting.
  Through these functions, the ECI plays a vital role in maintaining the credibility and integrity of India’s huge and complex electoral process.

Q4. Discuss the challenges India faces in conducting elections and the measures taken to ensure maximum voter participation.
Ans: India’s vast size and diversity present major challenges for smooth elections, with over 980 million voters and a range of remote and urban areas.

• Geographical barriers make it hard to reach all eligible voters, especially those in remote or mountainous regions.
• Social and physical barriers, including illiteracy and disability, can prevent people from casting their votes.
• The Election Commission develops solutions like postal voting, home voting for elderly and disabled, and braille-enabled voter cards.
• Officials travel to difficult locations and deploy mobile polling stations where needed.
• Public awareness campaigns, the use of app-based requests for accessibility aids, and strong voter education help overcome apathy and confusion.
  These efforts ensure voter inclusion and uphold the democratic principle that every citizen can freely and fairly participate in the electoral process.

Q5. Explain the types of elections held in India and the process of government formation at national and state levels.
Ans: India’s parliamentary democracy organizes elections at national, state, and local levels, allowing citizens to choose leaders directly or indirectly.

• Lok Sabha (national) elections use the "First-Past-the-Post" system to elect MPs from 543 constituencies.
• State Legislative Assemblies hold similar elections for MLAs.
• Local body elections determine leaders for cities, towns, and villages.
• Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by MLAs using proportional representation and serve staggered six-year terms.
• The President and Vice President are elected by Electoral Colleges comprising MPs and MLAs through a single transferable vote system.
  After elections, the party or coalition gaining majority seats in Lok Sabha forms the central government, with its leader as Prime Minister. In state assemblies, the majority party’s leader becomes Chief Minister. This structure ensures broad representation and smooth functioning of India’s democratic system.

Q6. What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), and how does it contribute to fair elections in India?
Ans: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election process.

• It restricts the ruling government from using official resources or announcing new schemes that could sway voters.
• The MCC instructs all political parties and candidates to avoid offering bribes, gifts, or incentives to voters.
• It promotes ethical campaigning and encourages restraint in speeches and conduct to prevent tensions or violence.
• The code is enforced strictly; violators face legal action and penalties.
• Introduced in 1960 in Kerala and adopted nationwide by 1991, the MCC is credited with maintaining integrity and fairness in elections.
  By leveling the playing field, the MCC builds public trust in Indian elections and upholds the democratic values of equality and justice.