Electoral Politics
Section A: MCQs
1. Which of the following best
defines an election in a democracy?
a) Selection of rulers by birth
b) Appointment by government
c) A process to choose representatives through voting
d) Selection by judges
Ans: c
2. Elections are considered
democratic only when:
a) All candidates are from one party
b) Voters have no real choice
c) Opposition parties are allowed to contest
d) Only educated people can vote
Ans: c
3. What does “Universal Adult
Franchise” mean?
a) Only adults can contest elections
b) All adults have the right to vote
c) Only literate adults can vote
d) Adults vote only once
Ans: b
4. The right to vote in India
is given to citizens above:
a) 16 years
b) 18 years
c) 21 years
d) 25 years
Ans: b
5. Which body conducts
elections in India?
a) Parliament
b) Supreme Court
c) Election Commission of India
d) State Government
Ans: c
6. The Election Commission of
India is an example of:
a) Political party
b) Independent constitutional body
c) Government ministry
d) Judiciary
Ans: b
7. What is meant by ‘First
Past the Post’ system?
a) Candidate with majority votes wins
b) Candidate with highest votes wins
c) Election is postponed if turnout is low
d) Votes are counted twice
Ans: b
8. Which of the following is a
merit of the First Past the Post system?
a) Perfect representation
b) Simple and clear system
c) Ensures proportional representation
d) Prevents dominance of big parties
Ans: b
9. A constituency is:
a) A polling booth
b) An election symbol
c) A geographical area represented by one elected member
d) A political party
Ans: c
10. Who can contest Lok Sabha
elections in India?
a) Any citizen above 18 years
b) Any citizen above 21 years
c) Any citizen above 25 years
d) Any citizen above 30 years
Ans: c
11. Reserved constituencies in
India are mainly for:
a) Women and children
b) SCs and STs
c) Minor political parties
d) Economically backward classes
Ans: b
12. The main purpose of
reserving seats is to:
a) Reduce competition
b) Promote political parties
c) Ensure representation of weaker sections
d) Increase voter turnout
Ans: c
13. Which symbol represents an
independent candidate?
a) A permanent symbol
b) Party symbol
c) Symbol given by Election Commission temporarily
d) National symbol
Ans: c
14. What is an electoral roll?
a) List of political parties
b) List of voters
c) List of candidates
d) List of constituencies
Ans: b
15. Which of the following is
NOT a condition of a democratic election?
a) Regular elections
b) Free and fair elections
c) One-party system
d) Choice among candidates
Ans: c
16. The process of updating
the voters’ list is called:
a) Nomination
b) Revision
c) Voting
d) Counting
Ans: b
17. Why is secret ballot
important in elections?
a) To reduce cost
b) To protect voter’s freedom
c) To speed up counting
d) To help political parties
Ans: b
18. Which level of election
elects Members of Parliament (MPs)?
a) Local level
b) State level
c) National level
d) Village level
Ans: c
19. Model Code of Conduct is
enforced during:
a) Census
b) Elections
c) Budget session
d) Court trials
Ans: b
20. Who announces the election
schedule in India?
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Election Commission
d) Parliament
Ans: c
21. The term of Lok Sabha is:
a) 4 years
b) 5 years
c) 6 years
d) 7 years
Ans: b
22. What happens if a
candidate violates the Model Code of Conduct?
a) Promotion
b) No action taken
c) Penalty or disqualification
d) Reward
Ans: c
23. Which of the following
ensures free and fair elections?
a) Political parties
b) Media
c) Election Commission
d) Government ministers
Ans: c
24. What is a polling booth?
a) Place where votes are counted
b) Place where candidates campaign
c) Place where voters cast votes
d) Place where parties meet
Ans: c
25. Which one of the following
is a challenge to free elections?
a) Voter awareness
b) Muscle power
c) Secret ballot
d) Independent Election Commission
Ans: b
26. What does EVM stand for?
a) Electronic Voting Machine
b) Easy Vote Method
c) Election Vote Machine
d) Electronic Verification Model
Ans: a
27. Which election gives
citizens a chance to change the government?
a) Local election
b) School election
c) Democratic election
d) Internal party election
Ans: c
28. Why are elections held at
regular intervals?
a) To remove opposition
b) To ensure accountability
c) To increase expenses
d) To favor ruling party
Ans: b
29. The struggle for free and
fair elections in Mexico is mentioned to show:
a) Importance of dictatorship
b) Role of military
c) Importance of democratic elections
d) Weakness of elections
Ans: c
30. Which of the following is
NOT a feature of democratic elections?
a) Free choice
b) Regular intervals
c) Fixed ruler
d) Equal vote value
Ans: c
31. Nomination means:
a) Casting vote
b) Declaring election results
c) Filing candidature papers
d) Campaigning
Ans: c
32. Election campaign usually
lasts for:
a) 1 week
b) 2 weeks
c) About 2–3 weeks
d) 2 months
Ans: c
33. What ensures equality in
voting?
a) One vote one value
b) Reserved seats
c) Party symbols
d) Campaign rules
Ans: a
34. Which of the following is
an unfair electoral practice?
a) Door-to-door campaigning
b) Distribution of money to voters
c) Public debates
d) Manifesto release
Ans: b
35. Which election elects
MLAs?
a) Lok Sabha election
b) Rajya Sabha election
c) Assembly election
d) Municipal election
Ans: c
36. Why is political
competition necessary?
a) To increase conflict
b) To improve quality of leaders
c) To waste public money
d) To reduce participation
Ans: b
37. The authority to cancel
elections lies with:
a) Parliament
b) President
c) Election Commission
d) Supreme Court
Ans: c
38. What is meant by turnout
in elections?
a) Number of candidates
b) Percentage of voters who voted
c) Number of polling booths
d) Total votes polled by winner
Ans: b
39. Which factor increases
voter participation?
a) Fear
b) Awareness
c) Force
d) Bribery
Ans: b
40. Independent candidates:
a) Belong to ruling party
b) Do not belong to any party
c) Are government officials
d) Are nominated by EC
Ans: b
41. What is the main role of
opposition in elections?
a) Support ruling party
b) Offer alternative policies
c) Stop elections
d) Control media
Ans: b
42. Why is election
campaigning important?
a) To entertain voters
b) To inform voters about policies
c) To delay elections
d) To increase expenses
Ans: b
43. Which of the following is
an example of political equality?
a) Same salary for leaders
b) Equal number of MPs
c) One person, one vote
d) Reserved seats only
Ans: c
44. The Election Commission is
answerable to:
a) Prime Minister
b) Parliament
c) Constitution of India
d) Political parties
Ans: c
45. Which of the following is
NOT a function of Election Commission?
a) Conduct elections
b) Enforce code of conduct
c) Make laws
d) Prepare voters’ list
Ans: c
46. Why are elections
essential for democracy?
a) To increase power of rulers
b) To give legitimacy to government
c) To avoid public opinion
d) To reduce participation
Ans: b
47. The election symbol helps
voters to:
a) Identify political parties
b) Count votes
c) Register complaints
d) File nominations
Ans: a
48. Which election elects the
President of India?
a) Direct election by people
b) Indirect election
c) State election
d) Local election
Ans: b
49. Free and fair elections
strengthen:
a) Dictatorship
b) Monarchy
c) Democracy
d) Bureaucracy
Ans: c
50. Elections help people to
express:
a) Anger only
b) Loyalty to leaders
c) Their preferences and choices
d) Fear of government
Ans: c
Section B: Short Questions & Answers
1. What is an election?
Ans: An election is a process
where people vote to choose their representatives.
2. Why are elections necessary in a democracy?
Ans: Elections allow people
to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
3. What is a constituency?
Ans: A constituency is a
geographical area from which one representative is elected.
4. What is meant by ‘Universal Adult Franchise’?
Ans: It means every citizen
above 18 years has the right to vote without any discrimination.
5. Who prepares the voters’ list?
Ans: The Election Commission
of India prepares and updates the voters’ list.
6. What does the term ‘turnout’ mean?
Ans: Turnout refers to the
percentage of eligible voters who actually cast their vote.
7. What is the minimum age to contest Lok Sabha elections?
Ans: The minimum age is 25
years.
8. Why are some constituencies reserved for SCs and STs?
Ans: To ensure fair
representation of socially weaker sections.
9. What is a reserved constituency?
Ans: A constituency where
only candidates from SC or ST groups can contest.
10. What is an election manifesto?
Ans: A document in which
political parties explain their policies and promises.
11. What is meant by ‘Model Code of Conduct’?
Ans: Rules issued by the
Election Commission to regulate the behavior of parties and candidates during
elections.
12. What is the role of the Election Commission?
Ans: To conduct free, fair,
and impartial elections in the country.
13. What is an EVM?
Ans: EVM stands for
Electronic Voting Machine used to cast and record votes electronically.
14. What is election campaigning?
Ans: Activities by
candidates/parties to convince voters to vote for them.
15. How long does election campaign usually last in India?
Ans: About two weeks before
the polling date.
16. What is the purpose of holding elections at regular intervals?
Ans: To allow people to
change their government if they are not satisfied.
17. What is meant by ‘First Past the Post’ system?
Ans: A system where the
candidate with the highest votes wins the election.
18. What is an independent candidate?
Ans: A candidate who contests
elections without being affiliated to any political party.
19. Why is a secret ballot important?
Ans: It protects the voter
from pressure and ensures free choice.
20. What is a polling booth?
Ans: A place where voters
cast their votes.
21. What is a political party?
Ans: An organized group of
people with similar political views who contest elections to form government.
22. What are election observers?
Ans: Officials appointed by
the Election Commission to supervise the election process.
23. What is NOTA?
Ans: “None of the Above” – an
option for voters who do not want to vote for any candidate.
24. Why do political parties use symbols?
Ans: To help voters,
especially illiterate ones, identify them easily.
25. What is meant by ‘free and fair election’?
Ans: An election where voters
can freely choose their representatives and results reflect the genuine choice.
26. What does the term ‘booth capturing’ mean?
Ans: Illegal taking over of a
polling booth to cast bogus votes.
27. How does the Election Commission ensure fairness?
Ans: By controlling election
schedules, monitoring campaigns, and punishing violators.
28. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner?
Ans: The President of India.
29. Why do political parties release manifestos?
Ans: To inform voters about
their plans and policies.
30. What is voter ID used for?
Ans: To verify the identity
of a voter at the polling booth.
Section C: Long Answer Questions
1. Why are elections essential for democracy?
- People choose their representatives
- Citizens can change the government
- Ensures accountability of leaders
- Reflects public opinion
- Gives legitimacy to the government
2. Meaning and importance of Universal Adult Franchise
- Right to vote to all citizens above 18 years
- No discrimination on caste, religion, gender
- Ensures political equality
- Encourages mass participation
- Strengthens democracy
3. Role of the Election Commission of India
- Conducts free and fair elections
- Prepares and revises electoral rolls
- Announces election schedule
- Enforces Model Code of Conduct
- Ensures impartiality and transparency
4. First Past the Post system – meaning, merits & demerits
- Candidate with highest votes wins
- Merits:
- Simple and easy system
- Quick results
- Stable government
- Demerits:
- No proportional
representation
- Smaller parties ignored
5. Reserved constituencies – meaning and need
- Seats reserved for SCs and STs
- Ensures political representation
- Protects interests of weaker sections
- Promotes social justice
- Strengthens inclusive democracy
6. Stages of election process in India
- Announcement of elections
- Preparation of voters’ list
- Nomination of candidates
- Election campaign
- Polling and counting of votes
7. Conditions of democratic elections
- Free and fair elections
- Regular elections
- Real choice among candidates
- Universal adult franchise
- Independent election authority
8. Importance of election campaigns
- Inform voters about policies
- Present party programmes
- Encourage political participation
- Enable informed choice
- Strengthen democratic debate
9. Model Code of Conduct – meaning and importance
- Set of rules for parties and candidates
- Prevents misuse of power
- Ensures fair competition
- Maintains discipline during elections
- Enforced by Election Commission
10. Importance of secret ballot
- Protects voter’s freedom
- Prevents pressure and fear
- Ensures honest voting
- Maintains voter privacy
- Strengthens democracy
11. Electoral roll – meaning and significance
- List of eligible voters
- Ensures only genuine voters vote
- Updated regularly
- Prevents duplication
- Ensures fairness
12. Why political competition is necessary?
- Improves quality of leaders
- Gives voters more choices
- Keeps government accountable
- Encourages better policies
- Strengthens democracy
13. Challenges to free and fair elections
- Use of money power
- Muscle power
- Fake news and misinformation
- Misuse of government machinery
- Low voter awareness
14. Importance of voter participation
- Reflects true public
opinion
- Strengthens democracy
- Increases government
accountability
- Enhances political
awareness
- Prevents misuse of power
15. Meaning and role of opposition parties
- Offer alternative
policies
- Criticize government
actions
- Represent public
grievances
- Ensure checks and
balances
- Strengthen democratic
system
16. Why are elections held at regular intervals?
- Ensure accountability
- Prevent misuse of power
- Allow peaceful change of
government
- Reflect current public
opinion
- Strengthen democratic
control
17. Use of EVMs in elections – advantages
- Faster voting process
- Accurate counting
- Reduces human error
- Saves time and cost
- Environment friendly
18. Importance of independent Election Commission
- Ensures impartial
elections
- Prevents government
interference
- Builds public trust
- Enforces election rules
- Protects democracy
19. Meaning and importance of voter awareness
- Knowledge about voting rights
- Helps in informed decision-making
- Increases voter turnout
- Reduces manipulation
- Strengthens democracy
20. How elections give legitimacy to government?
- Government chosen by
people
- Reflects people’s mandate
- Ensures acceptance of
authority
- Enhances stability
- Strengthens democratic
rule
Directions:
Each question has two statements: Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
Choose the correct option:
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false but R is true
1. Assertion (A): Elections are necessary in a democracy.
Reason (R): Elections give people the opportunity to choose and
change their representatives.
Ans: a
2. Assertion (A): Universal Adult Franchise promotes political
equality.
Reason (R): Every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote
without discrimination.
Ans: a
3. Assertion (A): The Election Commission of India is an independent
body.
Reason (R): It works under the direct control of the ruling
government.
Ans: c
4. Assertion (A): India follows the First Past the Post system.
Reason (R): The candidate who secures the highest number of votes
wins the election.
Ans: a
5. Assertion (A): Reserved constituencies are created for SCs and STs.
Reason (R): It ensures their adequate political representation.
Ans: a
6. Assertion (A): Secret ballot is an essential feature of democratic
elections.
Reason (R): It protects voters from fear and pressure.
Ans: a
7. Assertion (A): Election campaigns help voters make informed
choices.
Reason (R): Political parties present their policies and programmes
during campaigns.
Ans: a
8. Assertion (A): Model Code of Conduct is enforced during elections.
Reason (R): It ensures fair play and prevents misuse of power.
Ans: a
9. Assertion (A): Elections are held at regular intervals in a
democracy.
Reason (R): Regular elections help rulers to stay in power
permanently.
Ans: c
10. Assertion (A): Electoral rolls are revised periodically.
Reason (R): Names of new voters are added and ineligible voters are
removed.
Ans: a
11. Assertion (A): Political competition improves the quality of
leadership.
Reason (R): Leaders work better to win public support.
Ans: a
12. Assertion (A): Use of money power is a challenge to free and fair
elections.
Reason (R): Rich candidates can influence voters unfairly.
Ans: a
13. Assertion (A): Independent candidates can contest elections in
India.
Reason (R): Indian Constitution allows any eligible citizen to
contest elections.
Ans: a
14. Assertion (A): Voter turnout is an indicator of democratic
participation.
Reason (R): Higher turnout shows greater involvement of people in
elections.
Ans: a
15. Assertion (A): Elections provide legitimacy to the government.
Reason (R): Government is formed by the representatives chosen by
the people.
Ans: a
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