Important Questions (2 mark): Electoral Politics - Class 9 MCQ

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India. The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country. The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Background

• Historical Context: The 1977 Lok Sabha elections in India were held right after the Emergency period (1975-1977), which was a controversial period of political suppression and censorship under the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her party, the Congress.
• Emergency Impact: The Emergency was declared by Indira Gandhi and was characterized by the suspension of civil liberties and political rights. This period led to widespread discontent and opposition against the Congress Party.

Role of Janata Party

• Formation: The Janata Party was a coalition of several opposition parties that came together primarily to oppose the Emergency imposed by the Congress Party.
• Campaign Focus: The Janata Party's campaign for the 1977 elections focused on restoring democracy and safeguarding civil liberties, which had been suppressed during the Emergency.
• Slogan Significance: The slogan "Save Democracy" symbolized the party's commitment to restoring democratic norms and the rule of law in India. It was a direct response to the authoritarian measures taken during the Emergency.

The principal role of the judiciary is to protect rule of law and ensure supremacy of law. It safeguards rights of the individual, settles disputes in accordance with the law and ensures that democracy does not give way to individual or group dictatorship.

Understanding the Provisions

• Bribe or Threaten Voters: Prohibiting bribery and threats ensures a level playing field by preventing undue influence on voters.
• Model Code of Conduct: Binding parties and candidates to a model code of conduct ensures ethical campaigning practices.
• Use of Government Resources: Banning the use of government resources for campaigns prevents the incumbent advantage, ensuring fair competition.
• Appeal in the Name of Caste or Religion: Prohibiting appeals based on caste or religion prevents divisive and discriminatory campaigning.

Analysis of the Correct Option
Option (b) Explanation: If no party or candidate is bound by the model code of conduct, it implies a lack of regulatory framework to ensure ethical and fair campaign practices. Without such a binding code, candidates or parties could engage in unfair or unethical campaign tactics, thereby undermining a fair and equal chance for all competitors in the electoral process.

Answer:
In elections to a representative democracy, voters have the power to make several important choices. These choices include:
1. Choosing who will make laws:
- Voters have the ability to select the individuals who will represent them in legislative bodies, such as the parliament or congress.
- These elected representatives are responsible for creating and passing laws on behalf of the people.
2. Choosing who will form the government:
- Voters have the opportunity to select the political party or coalition of parties that will form the government.
- The party or coalition that receives the majority of votes or seats in the legislature typically forms the government.
3. Choosing the party whose policies will guide the government:
- Voters can choose the political party whose policies align with their own beliefs and priorities.
- The elected government usually implements policies and decisions based on the party's platform and agenda.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: All of the above. Voters in a representative democracy play a crucial role in determining the direction and governance of their country by making these choices during elections.

Not a condition of a democratic election:

• A: Everyone is allowed to vote


• B: There are political parties to contest elections


• C: The candidate not preferred by people gets elected


• D: Elections are held at regular intervals

Explanation:

A democratic election is a process where individuals have the opportunity to choose their representatives through voting. While there are several conditions that typically characterize a democratic election, one of the conditions listed is not applicable:

• C: The candidate not preferred by people gets elected: In a democratic election, the candidate who receives the majority of votes or the highest number of votes is elected. The principle of majority rule is a fundamental aspect of democratic elections, and it ensures that the candidate preferred by the people is elected.

Therefore, option C is not a condition of a democratic election because it contradicts the concept of majority rule and the will of the people.

What is meant by the term 'constituency'?
A constituency refers to a specific area or region from where voters elect a representative to the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha. It is an essential concept in the democratic electoral system. Here are the key points to understand about constituencies:
1. Definition: A constituency is a geographically defined area that represents a specific group of voters who have the right to elect a representative to a legislative body.
2. Representation: Constituencies ensure that every region or area is represented in the legislative body. Each constituency has its own representative who acts as a voice for the concerns and interests of the people in that particular area.
3. Electoral Process: During elections, voters from a constituency cast their votes to elect a candidate who will represent their interests and concerns. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes becomes the elected representative for that constituency.
4. Delimitation: Constituencies are often delimited or redrawn periodically to ensure fair representation based on population changes. This process is carried out by an independent authority to maintain equal representation among constituencies.
5. Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha: In India, constituencies are primarily associated with the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and Vidhan Sabha (the state legislative assembly). Each state is divided into different constituencies, and voters from each constituency elect their representatives to these bodies.
In conclusion, a constituency is a specific area from where voters elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha. It ensures fair representation and gives people the opportunity to choose their leaders based on their concerns and interests.

The correct option is D  as 
a)Creates a sense of factionalism
b)Parties use dirty tricks to win elections
Are the demerits of electoral competition .
 

The Lok Sabha the Lower house of the Indian Parliament comprising of elected represented and the Vidhan Sabha is the state legislative assembly comprised of the legislatures elected by the voters. Elections for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha are usually held after every five years.
However, if the ruling party loses the majority, the President dissolves the House and calls for fresh elections. Likewise, if the state government loses the majority, the Governor dissolves the state assembly and calls for fresh polls.
 

The correct option is B.
The elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India. All members of the Lok Sabha, except two who can be nominated by the President of India, are directly elected through general elections which take place every five years in normal circumstances by universal adult suffrage.
 

Answer:
The election held for only one constituency to fill the vacancy caused due to the death or resignation of a member is called a by-election. Here is a detailed explanation of the term:
By-election:
- A by-election is a special type of election that is conducted to fill a single vacancy in a particular constituency.
- It is held when a member of parliament or a representative resigns, dies, or is disqualified from holding the office.
- By-elections are usually limited to specific constituencies rather than being nationwide like general elections.
- The purpose of a by-election is to ensure that the vacant seat in the legislature is filled promptly and that the constituents have representation.
- The candidates who participate in a by-election are typically from the same political parties or individuals who contest as independent candidates.
- By-elections are important as they allow voters to choose a new representative to serve them and ensure the continuity of democratic governance.
In conclusion, the correct answer is A: By-election.

Answer:
Constituencies for Lok Sabha elections:
- The country is divided into constituencies for Lok Sabha elections.
- A constituency is a specific geographic area that elects a representative to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India.
Number of constituencies:
- The country is divided into a total of 543 constituencies for Lok Sabha elections.
Explanation:
- The total number of constituencies in India for Lok Sabha elections is fixed at 543.
- Each constituency represents a specific area within the country, and the voters of that constituency elect one Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them in the Lok Sabha.
- The number of constituencies is determined based on various factors, including the population size and demographics of each region.
- The delimitation commission is responsible for the division of constituencies and redrawing boundaries after every census to ensure fair representation and equal distribution of seats.
Therefore, the correct answer is B: 543 constituencies.

Constituencies called 'wards' are made for the election to:
- Panchayats and municipal bodies: Wards are constituencies that are created for the purpose of electing representatives to the Panchayats and municipal bodies. These local governing bodies play a crucial role in the administration and development of rural and urban areas, respectively.
- Parliament: Constituencies for the election to the Parliament are not called 'wards'. Instead, they are known as parliamentary constituencies.
- State Legislative Assembly: Similarly, constituencies for the election to the State Legislative Assembly are not referred to as 'wards'. They are known as assembly constituencies.
- State Legislative Council: Constituencies for the State Legislative Council, which is the upper house of the State Legislature, are also not called 'wards'. They are known as council constituencies.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D: Panchayats and municipal bodies. Wards are constituencies specifically created for the election of representatives to local governing bodies.

Explanation:
The incorrect statement is option A: All citizens above the age of 21 can vote in an election.
- The correct statements are as follows:
- All citizens above the age of 21 can vote in an election: This is a correct statement as most countries have a minimum voting age, and it is typically set at 18 or 21 years.
- Every citizen has the right to vote regardless of caste, religion, or gender: This is a correct statement as democracy promotes equality and ensures that every citizen has the right to vote, irrespective of their caste, religion, or gender.
- Some criminals and persons with unsound mind can be denied the right to vote in rare situations: This is a correct statement as in certain situations, individuals who have committed serious crimes or are mentally unfit may be restricted from voting to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
- It is the responsibility of the government to get the names of eligible voters put in the voters list: This is a correct statement as the government is responsible for maintaining a voters list and ensuring that the names of eligible voters are included.
Therefore, the incorrect statement is option A: All citizens above the age of 21 can vote in an election.

B is the correct option.Some seats are reserved in Lok Sabha for the members of the Schedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes. As per the order issued by the Delimitation Commission in 2008 , 412 are general, 84 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and “47 seats” for the Scheduled Tribes.

Explanation:
To determine the number of seats reserved for women in rural and urban local bodies, we need to analyze the given options and choose the correct one.
Option A: 1/2 of the seats.
Option B: 2/3 of the seats.
Option C: 1/3 of the seats.
Option D: None of the above.
Since the options mention fractions, it suggests that a portion of the seats is reserved for women. Let's analyze each option:
- Option A: 1/2 of the seats.
This option states that half of the seats are reserved for women. However, there is no specific mention of whether this applies to rural and urban local bodies.
- Option B: 2/3 of the seats.
This option states that two-thirds of the seats are reserved for women. Again, there is no specific mention of whether this applies to rural and urban local bodies.
- Option C: 1/3 of the seats.
This option states that one-third of the seats are reserved for women. This implies that out of the total number of seats, one-third are reserved for women.
- Option D: None of the above.
This option suggests that none of the given options accurately represents the number of seats reserved for women in rural and urban local bodies.
Based on the given information, option C, which states that 1/3 of the seats are reserved for women, is the correct answer.

Which of these is not a part of the district and local level bodies?

The correct answer is D: Lok Sabha.

Explanation:

• Panchayats: Panchayats are village-level local self-government institutions in India. They are responsible for the administration of rural areas and play a crucial role in the development of villages.


• Municipalities: Municipalities are urban local self-government institutions. They are responsible for the administration of towns and cities. Municipalities provide basic civic services like water supply, sanitation, street lighting, and maintenance of public facilities.


• Corporations: Corporations are higher-level urban local self-government institutions. They are established in larger cities and have more extensive administrative and financial powers compared to municipalities.


• Lok Sabha: Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament of India. It is not a part of the district and local level bodies. Lok Sabha consists of Members of Parliament (MPs) elected by the people through a general election.

Therefore, among the given options, Lok Sabha is not a part of the district and local level bodies.

Principle of Universal Adult Franchise:
The principle of Universal Adult Franchise refers to the idea that all adult citizens, regardless of their social status, gender, education, or employment, have the right to vote in democratic elections.
Applicable Options:
Among the options given, the following is applicable to the principle of Universal Adult Franchise:
- All citizens aged 18 and above can vote: This option aligns with the principle of Universal Adult Franchise as it ensures that all adult citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background, gender, education, or employment status, have the right to vote. It promotes inclusivity and equal representation in the democratic process.
Non-Applicable Options:
The following options are not applicable to the principle of Universal Adult Franchise:
- Only rich and educated can vote: This option contradicts the principle of Universal Adult Franchise as it restricts voting rights based on wealth and education. Universal Adult Franchise emphasizes equal voting rights for all adult citizens, irrespective of their financial or educational background.

- Only men can vote: This option contradicts the principle of Universal Adult Franchise as it excludes women from exercising their right to vote. Universal Adult Franchise advocates for gender equality and ensures that all adult citizens, regardless of their gender, have the right to vote.
- Only employed people can vote: This option contradicts the principle of Universal Adult Franchise as it limits voting rights based on employment status. Universal Adult Franchise grants voting rights to all adult citizens, regardless of their employment or job status.
In conclusion, the only option that aligns with the principle of Universal Adult Franchise is "All citizens aged 18 and above can vote." This principle promotes inclusivity, equal representation, and ensures that the democratic process is accessible to all adult citizens.

All the documents can be shown and are seemed valid by government.

Article 84 (b) of Constitution of India provides that the minimum age for becoming a candidate for Lok Sabha election shall be 25 years.