Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Democratic Politics - I

Q1. What are the choices that voters make in an election?
Ans: In an election, voters make several important choices:

• They can choose who will make laws for them. This means voters decide which representatives will discuss, draft and pass rules that affect everyday life.
• They can select who will form the government and make key decisions. Voters therefore influence who will run public services and implement policies.
• They can pick the party whose policies will guide the government and law-making. By choosing a party, voters support a set of ideas and priorities for governing.

Q2. What is the check on the political leaders which makes them serve the people?
Ans: The check on political leaders arises from their need to serve the people to secure their positions in future elections. Key points include:

• Electoral competition incentivises political parties and leaders to address issues that matter to voters. Parties compete by promising better services and policies.
• If leaders fail to meet voters' expectations, they risk losing in subsequent elections, which encourages responsiveness.
• Even those motivated by power must respond to public needs, similar to how shopkeepers must provide good service to retain customers.
• While political competition can lead to negative tactics, it ultimately encourages leaders to focus on the electorate's interests and be more accountable.

Q3. Why is there a provision of reservation of seats in the legislatures? [Important]
Ans: The provision for reservation of seats in legislatures aims to support weaker sections of society. The Constitution makers were concerned that:

• In an open electoral competition, these groups might struggle to get elected because they lack social and economic advantages.
• They often lack the necessary resources, education, and connections to compete equally.
• Influential candidates could overshadow them, limiting their representation.

This reservation ensures that the voices of all citizens, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, are heard in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, making our democracy more inclusive and helping these groups take part in decision-making.

Q4. Mention the provisions laid down under the Model Code of Conduct to regulate the election campaign.
Ans: According to the Model Code of Conduct, no party or candidate can:

• Bribe or threaten voters.
• Appeal to voters based on caste or religion.
• Use government vehicles, aircraft, or officials during the election campaign.
• Once elections are announced, Ministers must not lay foundation stones, make significant policy decisions, or promise public facilities that would influence voters.
• Use government resources for campaigning or polling.

The Model Code of Conduct applies from the day the election schedule is announced until the election process is complete. If these rules are violated, a candidate's election can be annulled by the court, even after being declared elected.

Q5. In which way does the Election Commission enjoy the same kind of independence as the judiciary?
Ans: The Election Commission of India enjoys a level of independence similar to that of the judiciary. Key points include:

• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India as a constitutional authority.
• Once appointed, the CEC operates independently and cannot be removed by the executive for routine political reasons; removal is difficult and follows strict procedures.
• It is therefore not easy for the ruling party to remove the CEC, which protects the institution from arbitrary political influence.
• The Election Commission has broad powers to oversee elections, enforce rules like the Model Code of Conduct, and ensure elections are conducted fairly and impartially.

Q6. What are the trends of popular participation in India?
Ans: The trends of popular participation in India include:

• Voter turnout is a key measure of participation. In India, turnout at several elections has remained stable or shown an upward trend over the years.
• Unlike in many Western democracies, a larger proportion of poor, illiterate, and underprivileged individuals often vote compared to wealthier citizens, showing high engagement across social groups.
• Common people place significant importance on elections, believing they can influence political parties to adopt favourable policies through their votes, so elections remain a central part of public life.

Q7. Write about any three challenges which an ordinary citizen would have to face if they wants to contest an election.
Ans: An ordinary citizen faces several challenges when contesting elections:

1. Financial Disparity: Candidates with significant funds have an unfair advantage over others, especially in campaigning, publicity and organising events. This makes it hard for poorer candidates to reach voters widely.
2. Criminal Backgrounds: In some areas, candidates with criminal connections or muscle power can intimidate others and influence party decisions, making it difficult for honest citizens to compete fairly.
3. Political Dynasties: Political parties are often dominated by certain families, which can limit opportunities for new or independent candidates and favour those with family links in politics.

Q8. Mention any three techniques of an election campaign.  [CBSE 2010]
Ans: Three common techniques of election campaigning are:

1. Contacting Voters Directly: Candidates personally meet and interact with voters through door-to-door visits, meetings with local groups and household outreach to explain their plans and listen to concerns.
2. Holding Public Meetings and Rallies: Parties organise gatherings where leaders address the public, present their agendas and try to mobilise support through speeches and slogans.
3. Using Media: Candidates and parties use newspapers, television and social media to promote their campaign messages, share manifestos and reach voters who cannot attend meetings.

Q9. Discuss the importance of elections in a democracy. [CBSE 2010]
Ans: Elections are vital in a democracy for several reasons:

• They allow people to choose their representatives and the policies they prefer.
• Elections provide a mechanism for voters to express their preferences regularly, at fixed intervals.
• They ensure that representatives remain accountable to the people for their actions while in office.
• Regular elections enable citizens to replace representatives who do not meet their expectations, ensuring government remains responsive.

Without elections, it would be difficult to maintain a true democracy, because elections give legitimacy to those who govern and offer a peaceful way to change leaders.

Q10. Discuss the importance of an election manifesto. [CBSE 2010]
Ans: An election manifesto is a crucial document for political parties, outlining their proposed policies and actions if elected. Its importance includes:

• Transparency: It informs voters about the party's intentions and plans in clear terms.
• Accountability: Voters can hold parties responsible for their promises after the election.
• Guidance: It helps voters make informed decisions based on the party's commitments and priorities.
• Engagement: It encourages public discussion and debate on key issues by setting out a clear programme.

Overall, an election manifesto serves as a roadmap for the party's governance and a tool for voters to assess and compare parties before casting their votes.

Q11. What is a reserved constituency? How does it strengthen democracy? [CBSE 2010]
Ans: A reserved constituency is one where only candidates from the Scheduled Castes (SC) or the Scheduled Tribes (ST) can contest elections. Currently, in the Lok Sabha:

• 84 seats are reserved for SCs
• 47 seats are reserved for STs

Note: The number of reserved seats is subject to change based on periodic delimitation and population data.

This system helps strengthen democracy by:

• Ensuring representation of the weaker sections of society in legislatures.
• Providing equal opportunities for all citizens to participate in governance and decision-making.
• Preventing influential groups from monopolising political power and ensuring diverse voices are heard.