Test: Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System - CTET & State TET MCQ

Universal adult franchise signifies that every adult citizen in India has the right to vote, regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender, education, or income. This principle is foundational to India's democratic ethos and is enshrined in the Constitution.

India employs the First-Past-the-Post electoral system for Lok Sabha elections, where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority. This system is simple and quick but can lead to outcomes where winners do not have majority support.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the independent constitutional body tasked with overseeing and conducting elections across the country. Established in 1950, the ECI ensures that elections remain free, fair, and transparent, adapting to the challenges of managing a huge electorate.

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is designed to ensure free and fair elections by setting guidelines for political parties and candidates. It prevents the misuse of government resources and promotes ethical campaigning during election periods, thus maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

In India, the minimum age to vote is 18 years, as stipulated in the Constitution. This age requirement is part of the universal adult franchise, which ensures that all eligible citizens have the right to participate in the democratic process.

Assistive technologies, such as braille-enabled voter cards and apps for requesting wheelchairs, are implemented to facilitate voting for individuals with disabilities. These innovations ensure that all eligible voters, regardless of physical challenges, can participate in the electoral process effectively.

To enhance accessibility, the Election Commission introduced measures allowing elderly voters and people with disabilities to vote from home, as well as postal voting for specific categories. These innovations aim to remove barriers that may prevent eligible citizens from exercising their voting rights.

The President of India is elected indirectly by an Electoral College, which comprises elected members of both houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of states and union territories. This system ensures that the President receives support from both central and state levels.

The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of India's Parliament. Unlike the Lok Sabha, its members are not directly elected by the public; instead, they are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the states and Union territories, along with some nominated by the President.

The Election Commission of India faces challenges related to voter apathy and the country’s immense diversity, which makes organizing elections complex. With hundreds of millions of voters across diverse geographic and cultural landscapes, ensuring fair participation remains a significant challenge.