5. Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (30 with answers)
-
Universal adult franchise in India means—
a) Only men can vote
b) Only literate people can vote
c) Every adult citizen has the right to vote
d) Only rich people can vote
Answer: c) Every adult citizen has the right to vote -
The minimum age for voting in India was reduced from 21 to 18 in—
a) 1950
b) 1971
c) 1988
d) 2001
Answer: c) 1988 -
Universal franchise is guaranteed in the Constitution under—
a) Article 324
b) Article 326
c) Article 14
d) Article 21
Answer: b) Article 326 -
How many seats are there in the Lok Sabha?
a) 245
b) 412
c) 543
d) 600
Answer: c) 543 -
Which body conducts elections in India?
a) Supreme Court
b) Election Commission of India
c) Parliament
d) State Governments
Answer: b) Election Commission of India -
When was the Election Commission of India established?
a) 1947
b) 1950
c) 1952
d) 1960
Answer: b) 1950 -
Who was the first Chief Election Commissioner to bring reforms like strict Model Code of Conduct?
a) Sukumar Sen
b) T.N. Seshan
c) Rajiv Kumar
d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: b) T.N. Seshan -
The first general elections in independent India were held in—
a) 1947
b) 1950
c) 1951–52
d) 1955
Answer: c) 1951–52 -
Which electoral system does India follow for Lok Sabha elections?
a) Proportional Representation
b) Single Transferable Vote
c) First-Past-the-Post
d) Mixed Member System
Answer: c) First-Past-the-Post -
In Rajya Sabha elections, MLAs vote using—
a) First-Past-the-Post system
b) Proportional Representation by single transferable vote
c) Open ballot system
d) Show of hands
Answer: b) Proportional Representation by single transferable vote -
Who elects the President of India?
a) Direct vote of the people
b) Members of Lok Sabha only
c) Electoral college of MPs and MLAs
d) Supreme Court judges
Answer: c) Electoral college of MPs and MLAs -
Who elects the Vice-President of India?
a) Direct vote of the people
b) Electoral college of MPs only
c) Electoral college of MPs and MLAs
d) President of India
Answer: b) Electoral college of MPs only -
Which option allows voters to reject all candidates?
a) VVPAT
b) Postal ballot
c) NOTA
d) Proxy vote
Answer: c) NOTA -
The permanent house of the Parliament is—
a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Vidhan Sabha
d) State Council
Answer: b) Rajya Sabha -
Rajya Sabha members serve for—
a) 5 years
b) 4 years
c) 6 years
d) Lifetime
Answer: c) 6 years -
How many Lok Sabha seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes?
a) 84
b) 47
c) 100
d) 75
Answer: a) 84 -
How many Lok Sabha seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes?
a) 84
b) 47
c) 60
d) 33
Answer: b) 47 -
The “Model Code of Conduct” regulates—
a) Judges
b) Political parties and candidates
c) Bureaucrats
d) Media houses
Answer: b) Political parties and candidates -
Which technology ensures transparency by showing a paper slip of the vote cast?
a) EVM
b) VVPAT
c) Biometric scanner
d) Postal ballot
Answer: b) VVPAT -
Which state first adopted the Model Code of Conduct in 1960?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Maharashtra
d) Gujarat
Answer: a) Kerala -
Which leader said universal franchise was India’s bold experiment?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
c) B.R. Ambedkar
d) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: b) Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar -
India granted women the right to vote—
a) In 1950 Constitution itself
b) In 1971
c) After protests in 1980
d) In 1990
Answer: a) In 1950 Constitution itself -
The option of postal voting is given to—
a) Every voter
b) Only senior citizens and specific categories
c) MPs and MLAs
d) Government employees only
Answer: b) Only senior citizens and specific categories -
The body that conducts local elections is—
a) Election Commission of India
b) State Election Commission
c) Gram Sabha
d) State Assembly
Answer: b) State Election Commission -
Which democratic principle does universal franchise ensure?
a) Equality
b) Wealth distribution
c) Bureaucracy
d) Federalism
Answer: a) Equality -
Which is called the “Festival of Democracy”?
a) Republic Day
b) Independence Day
c) Elections in India
d) Constitution Day
Answer: c) Elections in India -
The office of the Election Commission of India is located in—
a) Mumbai
b) New Delhi
c) Chennai
d) Kolkata
Answer: b) New Delhi -
Which of the following is NOT allowed under the Model Code of Conduct?
a) Announcing new government schemes
b) Campaigning peacefully
c) Using party manifestos
d) Door-to-door appeals
Answer: a) Announcing new government schemes -
What is the role of the Vice-President in Parliament?
a) Speaker of Lok Sabha
b) Chairperson of Rajya Sabha
c) Prime Minister substitute
d) Election Commissioner
Answer: b) Chairperson of Rajya Sabha -
Which challenge is NOT mentioned in India’s electoral system?
a) Money power
b) Criminal records of candidates
c) Voter apathy
d) Lack of Constitution
Answer: d) Lack of Constitution
Section B – Very Short Answer (20 questions, 1–2 sentences)
-
What is universal adult franchise?
Answer: It means every adult citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, gender, religion, education, or income. -
Which Article of the Constitution provides for universal franchise?
Answer: Article 326. -
What is the voting age in India?
Answer: 18 years. -
When were the first general elections held in independent India?
Answer: 1951–52. -
What does NOTA stand for?
Answer: None Of The Above. -
What is the electoral system used for Lok Sabha elections?
Answer: First-Past-the-Post system. -
What does ECI stand for?
Answer: Election Commission of India. -
Who was the first voter in independent India?
Answer: Shyam Saran Negi (1951). -
How many members are in the Rajya Sabha?
Answer: 245 (233 elected + 12 nominated). -
Who nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha?
Answer: The President of India. -
Who elects the President of India?
Answer: MPs and MLAs through an electoral college. -
Who elects the Vice-President?
Answer: Members of both Houses of Parliament. -
What is VVPAT?
Answer: Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, a paper slip showing the vote cast on EVM. -
What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Answer: A set of rules for political parties and candidates to ensure free and fair elections. -
When was the ECI established?
Answer: 1950. -
How many seats in Lok Sabha are reserved for SCs?
Answer: 84. -
How many seats are reserved for STs?
Answer: 47. -
What is the tenure of a Rajya Sabha member?
Answer: 6 years. -
Which body conducts Panchayat elections?
Answer: State Election Commission. -
What is meant by a secret ballot?
Answer: A voting method where a voter’s choice remains confidential.
Section C – Short Answer (15 questions, 3–4 sentences)
-
Why did India adopt universal adult franchise from the beginning?
Answer: The Constitution makers believed in equality and democracy. They wanted every adult to participate in shaping the nation. Despite low literacy in 1947, they trusted the people’s wisdom. This bold decision strengthened India’s democracy. -
What is the importance of universal adult franchise?
Answer: It ensures equality by giving every adult one vote. It empowers citizens to decide their future and hold leaders accountable. It bridges barriers of caste, gender, or wealth. Thus, it makes democracy meaningful. -
What is the role of the Election Commission of India?
Answer: The ECI conducts free and fair elections in India. It registers political parties, enforces the Model Code of Conduct, sets election dates, and manages the entire process. It is an independent constitutional body. -
What is the First-Past-the-Post system?
Answer: In this system, the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, even if they don’t get a majority of 50%. It is used in Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. -
What is the difference between direct and indirect elections?
Answer: In direct elections, people vote directly for representatives (e.g., Lok Sabha, MLAs). In indirect elections, representatives elect other representatives (e.g., Rajya Sabha, President). -
Why is the secret ballot important in elections?
Answer: It keeps a voter’s choice confidential. This prevents pressure, threats, or influence on voters. It ensures free and fair elections. -
What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Answer: It is a set of rules for political parties and candidates. It prevents misuse of power, money, and government resources during elections. It ensures peaceful and fair polls. -
What is the function of VVPAT?
Answer: VVPAT shows a paper slip of the vote cast on the EVM. It allows voters to verify their choice. It also provides proof in case of disputes or recounts. -
What is the role of reserved constituencies?
Answer: Reserved constituencies ensure representation of SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. This promotes equality and social justice. -
What is meant by voter apathy?
Answer: Voter apathy means people not participating in voting even when eligible. It weakens democracy and gives fewer people the power to decide outcomes. -
Why are elections called the “Festival of Democracy”?
Answer: Elections celebrate people’s power to choose leaders. It is a collective event where citizens actively participate. It strengthens democracy and unity. -
What are the challenges of Indian elections?
Answer: Challenges include money power, criminal candidates, low voter turnout, and misuse of media. These issues can weaken democracy if unchecked. -
How does technology help in elections?
Answer: EVMs and VVPATs make voting easier and more reliable. Technology ensures speed, accuracy, and transparency in counting. It also provides accessibility for people with disabilities. -
Why is voter awareness important?
Answer: Aware voters make informed choices and resist being influenced by money or caste. Voter education ensures responsible participation. It strengthens democracy. -
What is the difference between MPs and MLAs?
Answer: MPs are elected to the national Parliament (Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha). MLAs are elected to State Legislative Assemblies. Both represent people but at different levels.
📘 Section D – Long Answer (6–8 sentences each)
1. Explain the meaning and significance of universal adult franchise in India.
Answer: Universal adult franchise means that every citizen of India aged 18 or above has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, education, or income. It reflects the principle of equality by giving one vote to every individual. It empowers citizens to directly choose their representatives and hold them accountable. It has helped marginalized groups like women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes to gain political voice. Universal franchise ensures that democracy is inclusive and participatory. It strengthens national unity by treating all citizens equally. Thus, it is the foundation of India’s democratic system.
2. Why did the Constitution makers reject the idea of restricted voting rights?
Answer: At the time of independence, India had low literacy levels and widespread poverty. Some leaders suggested restricting voting rights only to the educated or wealthy. However, the Constitution makers, inspired by equality and democracy, rejected this idea. They believed that every citizen has the wisdom to make political choices. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and others strongly advocated for universal voting rights to avoid discrimination. They wanted to empower the poor and marginalized communities. This bold decision made India one of the largest democracies in the world.
3. Describe the role and powers of the Election Commission of India.
Answer: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional body established in 1950. It conducts free and fair elections for Parliament, State Legislatures, President, and Vice-President. It registers political parties and allots symbols. It enforces the Model Code of Conduct to regulate campaigns. The ECI monitors election expenses and ensures that money and muscle power are not misused. It also introduces reforms such as EVMs, VVPAT, and voter awareness programmes. Its independence ensures credibility and trust in India’s democracy.
4. Explain the election process for Lok Sabha members.
Answer: Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by citizens through universal adult franchise. India follows the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, where the candidate with the highest votes in a constituency wins. Elections are conducted by the Election Commission using secret ballots on Electronic Voting Machines. Reserved seats are provided for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure representation. The Lok Sabha currently has 543 elected members. Members serve for five years unless the House is dissolved earlier. This direct election process ensures people’s participation in national governance.
5. Describe the election process of Rajya Sabha members.
Answer: The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament and is a permanent body. It has 245 members, of which 233 are elected by State Legislative Assemblies, and 12 are nominated by the President. Members are elected using the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote. Rajya Sabha members serve for six years, with one-third retiring every two years. This system ensures continuity in the functioning of Parliament. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution. It represents states at the national level.
6. How is the President of India elected?
Answer: The President of India is elected indirectly by an electoral college. This includes elected MPs of both Houses of Parliament and elected MLAs of the State Legislative Assemblies. The election follows the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote. Each vote carries a value based on the population represented. This ensures a balance between states and the Union in the election process. The President serves for five years and can be re-elected. The process highlights India’s federal and democratic principles.
7. How is the Vice-President of India elected?
Answer: The Vice-President is elected indirectly by members of both Houses of Parliament. Unlike the President’s election, State MLAs do not take part. The election is conducted by proportional representation using a single transferable vote system. The Vice-President serves for five years. By virtue of the Constitution, the Vice-President is also the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. This role makes the Vice-President important in both the legislature and the constitutional framework.
8. Discuss the importance of the secret ballot in democracy.
Answer: The secret ballot system allows voters to cast their vote confidentially without disclosing their choice to anyone. This ensures freedom of choice and protects voters from pressure, bribery, or intimidation. It helps maintain equality, as every vote carries the same value. Secrecy of voting strengthens the principle of free and fair elections. It also enhances trust in the electoral process. Without a secret ballot, democracy could be manipulated by powerful groups. Hence, it is a cornerstone of democratic elections.
9. What is the Model Code of Conduct? Give its main features.
Answer: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission for political parties and candidates during elections. It aims to ensure free and fair elections by preventing misuse of power. Key features include: prohibition of using government machinery for campaigning, restrictions on announcing new schemes, avoiding hate speech or personal attacks, and maintaining decorum in campaigns. It also regulates election expenses. The MCC is not a law but carries moral and political force. It has strengthened democratic practices in India.
10. Explain the use of EVM and VVPAT in elections.
Answer: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were introduced to make voting faster, easier, and more reliable. They replaced paper ballots, reducing errors and malpractices like booth capturing. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was later added to improve transparency. It provides a paper slip confirming the vote cast, which can be seen by the voter for a few seconds. This ensures trust and helps in case of disputes or recounts. Together, EVM and VVPAT modernize India’s electoral process. They make elections efficient, transparent, and environmentally friendly.
11. Why are seats reserved for SCs and STs in Parliament?
Answer: Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure their political representation. Historically, these communities faced social and economic discrimination. Without reservations, they might remain under-represented in Parliament. Reserved constituencies give them a voice in law-making and national decisions. In Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for SCs and 47 for STs. This policy promotes equality, justice, and inclusiveness in democracy. It empowers marginalized communities in the political system.
12. Describe the challenges faced by India’s electoral system.
Answer: Despite being the largest democracy, India’s electoral system faces several challenges. Money power often influences elections, with candidates spending heavily on campaigns. Criminalization of politics is another concern, as many candidates have criminal records. Voter apathy, especially in urban areas, reduces participation. Misuse of media and fake news also affect free choice. Caste and religion-based appeals undermine equality. Tackling these challenges is essential to strengthen democracy.
13. Why are elections called the Festival of Democracy?
Answer: Elections are called the Festival of Democracy because they celebrate people’s power to choose their representatives. Like festivals, elections are conducted with enthusiasm, public participation, and a spirit of collective decision-making. Citizens, irrespective of caste, class, or gender, come together to vote. Elections uphold equality, freedom, and the democratic spirit. They also provide an opportunity for change and accountability. Just like festivals unite people, elections strengthen the unity of the nation.
14. Discuss the role of NOTA in strengthening democracy.
Answer: NOTA (None of the Above) gives voters the option to reject all candidates contesting in their constituency. It was introduced to enhance voter choice and expression. NOTA empowers dissatisfied voters without boycotting elections. It pressures political parties to nominate better candidates. Although NOTA votes do not affect results directly, they reflect public opinion. It strengthens democracy by ensuring accountability. It also increases participation of voters who might otherwise abstain.
15. Suggest steps to increase voter participation in India.
Answer: Increasing voter participation is vital for a healthy democracy. Voter awareness campaigns through media, schools, and NGOs can educate citizens about the importance of voting. Simplifying the voter registration process can make it easier for youth to enroll. Facilities like postal ballots and online voting can help NRIs, senior citizens, and disabled voters. Political parties should field clean candidates to encourage trust. Election days should be made more accessible with proper facilities at polling booths. Greater participation ensures that democracy truly reflects people’s will.
0 Comments