1. State one reason why the voting age in
India was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1988.
Ans: To
increase youth participation in democracy and make the process more inclusive.
2. Mention one key difference between direct
and indirect elections.
Ans: In direct
elections, citizens vote directly for their representatives; in indirect elections,
representatives are chosen by elected members.
3. Name the system used for electing members
to the Rajya Sabha.
Ans: Single
Transferable Vote System.
4. Who conducts elections to the offices of
the President and Vice President of India?
Ans: The
Election Commission of India.
5. Write one feature of the Model Code of
Conduct.
Ans: Government
cannot announce new schemes during elections to avoid influencing voters.
6. What does the term ‘constituency’ mean?
Ans: A
geographical area whose voters elect a representative to a legislative body.
7. Who was the first voter in India’s general
elections of 1951?
Ans: Shyam
Saran Negi.
8. What is NOTA?
Ans: “None
of the Above” option allowing voters to reject all candidates.
9. How long is the term of a Rajya Sabha
member?
Ans: Six
years.
10. Which constitutional article provides for
universal adult franchise in India?
Ans: Article
326.
3 Marks Questions:
11. List any three innovative measures
introduced by the ECI to assist people with disabilities in voting.
Ans:
- Braille-enabled voter cards.
- App-based requests for wheelchairs and ramps.
- Home voting for elderly and differently-abled.
12. State three main functions of the Election
Commission of India.
Ans:
- Conducting elections to Parliament, state assemblies, and key constitutional offices.
- Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct.
- Registering political parties.
13. Give three differences between elections
to the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Ans:
- Lok Sabha: Direct elections; Rajya Sabha: Indirect elections.
- Lok Sabha: First-past-the-post system; Rajya Sabha: Single transferable vote system.
- Lok Sabha: Fixed term; Rajya Sabha: Permanent body with one-third members retiring every two years.
14. Name three categories of people barred
from voting in India.
Ans:
- Persons convicted of certain serious crimes.
- Persons declared of unsound mind by a competent court.
- Non-citizens.
15. Mention any three types of elections
conducted by the ECI.
Ans:
- Lok Sabha elections.
- State Legislative Assembly elections.
- Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections.
16. Give three examples of violations of the
Model Code of Conduct.
Ans:
- Distributing gifts or money to voters.
- Using abusive language against opponents.
- Using government machinery for campaigning.
17. Mention three reasons why voter turnout
can be low in urban areas.
Ans:
- Lack of interest or political apathy.
- Migration and unregistered voters.
- Busy work schedules on polling day.
18. Name three factors that make elections in
India challenging.
Ans:
- Large and diverse population.
- Geographical diversity and remote areas.
- High number of political parties and candidates.
19. List three responsibilities of voters in a
democracy.
Ans:
- To vote responsibly after understanding issues.
- To avoid selling votes or accepting inducements.
- To participate in strengthening democratic institutions.
20. Give three reasons why universal adult
franchise is important.
Ans:
- Ensures equality in political participation.
- Holds elected representatives accountable.
- Encourages civic engagement.
21. What is universal adult franchise?
Answer:
- It means every adult citizen has the right to vote.
- In India, every citizen aged 18 or above can vote.
- No discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, or wealth.
- It ensures equality in voting rights.
- It is a basic feature of democracy.
22. What is an electoral system?
Answer:
- It is the method used to elect representatives.
- It includes rules for voting and counting votes.
- It decides how winners are chosen.
- In India, elections are held by secret ballot.
- It ensures fair and free choice for voters.
23. How does India’s electoral system work?
Answer:
- The Election Commission conducts elections.
- Eligible voters’ names are in the voter list.
- Voting is done in polling booths by secret ballot or EVM.
- Votes are counted after polling ends.
- Candidate with the most votes wins.
24. What are the most important aspects of the
election process in this caselet?
Answer:
- Nomination of candidates.
- Campaigning before voting.
- Voting through secret ballot.
- Counting of votes.
- Announcement of results.
25. Why was it important to have a secret
ballot?
Answer:
- To keep voters’ choices private.
- To avoid pressure or influence.
- To prevent fear of others knowing their vote.
- It allows honest and free voting.
- It maintains fairness in elections.
More In Text Questions:
26. What considerations might the students
have had while exercising their choice?
Answer: Considerations
students might have had while exercising choice:
- Candidate’s honesty and behaviour.
- Candidate’s ability to lead.
- Past helpfulness of the candidate.
- Candidate’s promises during campaigning.
- Candidate’s popularity in the class.
27. Do you think the students have any
responsibility after Gurmat was elected as the class representative? If yes, what are
they?
Answer: Students’
responsibility after Gurmat was elected:
- Support him in class activities.
- Share ideas and problems with him.
- Cooperate in his work.
- Follow the rules he helps set.
- Remind him of promises made.
28. What was the role that Ms. Usha played?
Why was it important?
Answer: Role
played by Ms. Usha and its importance:
- She guided the election process.
- Made sure voting was fair.
- Provided equal chance to all candidates.
- Ensured rules were followed.
- Her role was important to keep elections unbiased.
29. Why was it important for Ms. Usha to
organise a braille ballot paper for Neha?
Answer: Importance
of organising braille ballot paper for Neha:
- Allowed Neha to vote independently.
- Ensured equal voting rights for her.
- Removed discrimination.
- Showed respect for differently-abled students.
- Followed the principle of inclusiveness.
30. What would happen if many students in the
class chose not to mark a preference?
Answer:
- Election results could be unclear.
- Winning candidate might get very few votes.
- True choice of majority wouldn’t be known.
- Could cause unfair result.
- Might lead to re-election.
5 Marks Questions:
31. Explain the steps in the voting process at
a polling booth in India.
Ans:
- First polling officer checks voter’s name and ID proof
- Second officer inks finger, gives chit, and takes signature
- Third officer collects chit, checks ink, and allows voting
- Voter presses button on EVM and verifies slip on VVPAT
- Exit after confirmation
32. Describe the election process for the
President of India.
Ans:
- Elected by an electoral college consisting of MPs and MLAs
- Uses single transferable vote system
- Value of votes based on state population
- Nominated members and Legislative Council members do not vote
- Ensures support from both central and state governments
33. Discuss the significance of the Model Code
of Conduct in ensuring free and fair elections.
Ans:
- Prevents misuse of government power and resources
- Maintains level playing field for all candidates
- Reduces unfair influence through gifts or inducements
- Promotes peaceful and orderly campaigning
- Builds public trust in electoral process
34. Explain the concept of
‘First-Past-the-Post’ system with an example.
Ans:
- Candidate with highest votes wins, even without majority
- Example: If Candidate A gets 40%, B gets 35%, C gets 25%, A wins
- Used in Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections in India
- Simple and quick to count
- Can result in winner without majority vote share
35. Describe three challenges faced by India’s
electoral system and suggest two solutions.
Ans:
Challenges:
- Money power in elections
- Candidates with criminal records
- Voter apathy
- Solutions:
- Stricter enforcement of election expenditure limits
- Awareness campaigns to encourage voter participation
36. Explain the role of technology in Indian
elections.
Ans:
- Use of EVMs for faster and error-free counting
- VVPAT for vote verification and transparency
- Online voter registration and information portals
- GIS mapping for polling stations
- Assistive technology for disabled voters
37. Describe the composition and structure of
the Election Commission of India.
Ans:
- Headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
- Two Election Commissioners at national level
- Chief Electoral Officer at state level
- District Election Officer at district level
- Returning Officers and Electoral Registration Officers for specific tasks.
38. Compare the elections to the Lok Sabha,
Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies.
Ans:
- Lok Sabha: Direct election, national level, 543 seats
- Rajya Sabha: Indirect election by MLAs, permanent body, 245 seats
- State Assemblies: Direct election at state level, varies by state
- Lok Sabha & Assemblies: First-past-the-post system
- Rajya Sabha: Single transferable vote system
39. Discuss how India ensures voting rights
for women and marginalized communities.
Ans:
- Equal voting rights since independence
- Reservation of seats for SCs and STs
- Awareness campaigns for rural women voters
- Accessibility measures for all eligible citizens
- Legal safeguards against discrimination
40. Explain the importance of voter awareness
in strengthening democracy.
Ans:
- Informed voters make better choices
- Reduces influence of money and misinformation
- Encourages higher turnout
- Strengthens accountability of elected representatives
- Builds a culture of responsible citizenship
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