Unit Test (Solutions): Election and Representation

Q1. Which electoral system makes it easiest for small parties to win seats in proportion to votes? (1 Mark)
(a) First Past the Post  
(b) Proportional Representation  
(c) Block Vote  
(d) Run-off Voting
Ans:  (b) Proportional Representation
Explanation:  In the PR system, each party gets seats in proportion to the votes it receives. This allows even small parties to gain representation

Q2. Give one reason why the universal adult franchise is important for democratic elections. (1 Mark)
Ans: It ensures that every adult citizen has an equal right to choose their representatives, reflecting the democratic principle of equality.

Q3. Choose the correct option for the Assertion-Reason: (1 Mark)
Assertion (A): FPTP often produces a clear majority party in the legislature.
Reason (R): In FPTP, a candidate must secure more than 50% votes to win.
(a) A and R are true, and R explains A.  
(b) A is true, R is false.  
(c) A is false, R is true.  
(d) Both A and R are false.
Ans: (b) A is true, R is false.
Explanation: FPTP gives extra 'bonus' seats to the largest party, ensuring a stable government, but candidates do not need 50%+1 votes to win-just more votes than others 

Q4. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the Election Commission of India? (1 Mark)
Ans: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for an independent Election Commission.

Q5. What action can the Election Commission take if the atmosphere in a constituency is not conducive to free and fair polling? (1 Mark)
Ans: The Election Commission can postpone or cancel the election in that constituency.

Q6. Why did the Constitution makers prefer the First Past the Post (FPTP) system for Lok Sabha elections? (2 Marks)
Ans: The Constitution makers preferred the FPTP system because:

• It is simple and easy to understand for ordinary voters.
• It ensures a clear choice between candidates and parties.
• It usually produces a stable majority government essential for a parliamentary system.
• It helps diverse social groups unite within constituencies instead of forming separate community-based parties.

Q7. A state election is announced, but widespread violence breaks out in one district. Suggest two steps the Election Commission can take to ensure fairness. (2 Marks)
Ans: The Election Commission can:

• Postpone or cancel the election in that district until conditions improve.
• Order a re-poll or deploy additional security and administrative measures to ensure free and fair voting.

Q8. How does the Delimitation Commission decide which constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Tribes? (2 Marks)
Ans: 

• The Delimitation Commission reserves those constituencies that have the highest proportion of the Scheduled Tribe population in a state.
• It ensures that the reserved constituencies are spread across different regions of the state.

Q9. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow: (4 Marks)

In a recent local election, many small parties together received 35% of votes across the district but won only 2 of 20 seats. A single large party got 40% of votes and 15 seats.

(a) Which system (FPTP or PR) does this result illustrate?
(b) Why does this happen under that system?
(c) Suggest one advantage of the alternative system (PR) for small parties.
Ans: (a) FPTP (First Past the Post) system.
(b) In FPTP, the candidate with the highest votes wins, even if it is not a majority. Votes for losing candidates are not counted towards seat share, leading to unequal conversion of votes into seats.
(c) In Proportional Representation (PR), seats are allotted in proportion to votes, allowing smaller parties fair representation in the legislature.

Q10. Explain any four major powers or functions of the Election Commission of India that ensure free and fair elections. (4 Marks)
Ans: The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324, ensures free and fair elections through the following powers:

• Preparation of electoral rolls: It supervises and updates the voters' list to remove errors.
• Control over the election schedule: It decides the dates of polling, counting, and declaration of results.
• Ensuring fairness: It can postpone or cancel elections in any area if the atmosphere is not conducive to free polling.
• Supervision of political parties: It grants recognition to political parties, allots election symbols, and enforces the Model Code of Conduct.

Q11. Explain the purpose and significance of the reservation of constituencies for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Mention two constitutional features that make this reservation fair. (5 Marks)
Ans: ​(for SC/ST Reservation):

• The reservation system ensures fair and just representation to communities that were historically oppressed and socially disadvantaged.
• It prevents domination by higher castes under the FPTP system and promotes inclusive democracy.

Two constitutional features that make it fair:
1. Proportionate representation: Seats reserved are in proportion to the SC/ST population in each State.
2. Rotation of reserved constituencies: The Delimitation Commission, an independent body, rotates these constituencies after each delimitation exercise.

OR
How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023) strengthen women's representation in Indian politics? (5 Marks)
Ans: The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023), also known as the Women's Reservation Act, aims to promote gender equality in political representation.

• It reserves one-third (33%) of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• The reservation applies to both general and reserved constituencies (for SCs and STs).
• The Delimitation Commission will decide which constituencies are to be reserved, and the reservation will rotate after each delimitation exercise.
• This step ensures greater participation of women in policymaking and helps build a more inclusive and representative democracy

Q12. A major political party alleges that the local administration is favouring its rival during the campaign. (5 Marks)
(a) Which constitutional body should the party approach?
(b) Name two powers this body can use to ensure fairness.
(c) How does timely intervention by this body protect democracy?
Ans: (a) The party should approach the Election Commission of India.
(b) 1. It can transfer or suspend officials who act in a biased manner.
2. It can postpone or cancel elections in affected areas and enforce the Model Code of Conduct.
(c) Such actions ensure elections are impartial and transparent, upholding public trust and democratic integrity.

Q13. Attempt any one of the following: (6 Marks)
(a) Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the First Past the Post (FPTP) system in India. Give at least two points for each side and conclude briefly.
Ans: Advantages:

• Simple and easy to understand: Voters only need to choose one candidate; counting is quick and straightforward.
• Stable government formation: The system usually gives a clear majority to one party, helping in stable governance.
• Strong link between voter and representative: Each constituency has one elected representative responsible to the people.

Disadvantages:

• Unequal representation: A party can win many seats with less than half the votes (as seen in the 1984 elections).
• Votes of losing candidates go to waste, limiting the representation of smaller parties and minorities.

Conclusion:
The FPTP system has provided India with stable governments and accountability, though it remains less representative of all opinions compared to the PR system
OR
(b) Describe the constitutional safeguards that ensure the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission of India. Explain how these safeguards maintain trust in elections.
​Ans:  Safeguards ensuring independence:

• Constitutional status under Article 324 gives the Commission control over the entire election process.
• Security of tenure: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can be removed only by a special majority of Parliament.
• Fixed term: CEC and Election Commissioners hold office for 6 years or until of 65 years of age.
• Equal powers: The CEC and other Commissioners have equal decision-making authority in a multi-member Commission.

How it maintains trust:
These safeguards prevent political interference, ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections, which are the foundation of democracy.