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Class 11 Political Science Notes for Chapter 3 – Election And Representation

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Chapter Definitions and Short Notes

Chapter 3 – Election And Representation – Short Notes and Definitions

 Elections and Democracy

In a democracy, especially in large countries like India, direct participation of all citizens in every decision is impractical. Thus, democracy relies on the election of representatives by the people. Elections play a crucial role as they embody the principles of democracy, allowing citizens to indirectly participate in decision-making and governance through their chosen representatives. Elections are a visible symbol of the democratic process, distinguishing between direct democracy, where citizens participate directly, and indirect democracy, where decisions are made by elected officials. However, not all elections are inherently democratic. Democratic elections are defined by specific criteria laid out in a country’s constitution, ensuring free, fair, and representative processes.

Pointers:

• Direct vs. Indirect Democracy: Direct involves citizens’ direct decision-making; indirect involves elected representatives.
• Role of Elections: They facilitate indirect participation of citizens in democracy.
• Democracy and Representation: In large populations, direct democracy is impractical; representation is necessary.
• Democratic Elections: Defined by constitutional rules ensuring fairness, freedom, and representativeness.
• Non-Democratic Elections: Elections in non-democratic regimes may exist but lack the essential features of democratic elections.
• Constitutional Guidelines: Democratic constitutions provide guidelines for who can vote, contest, oversee elections, and how representatives are chosen and votes counted.

Direct Democracy and Indirect Democracy

Direct Democracy involves citizens participating directly in decision-making and governance, as seen in ancient Greek city-states and Gram Sabhas in local governments. However, it’s impractical in large populations. Indirect Democracy, on the other hand, has people participating through elected representatives. Decisions are made by these representatives, elected via a process governed by constitutional rules. These rules typically cover eligibility to vote and contest, election supervision, voting methods, and vote counting. Such a system is seen in the Constitution of India.

Example: Ancient Greek city-states and Gram Sabhas in local governments are examples of Direct Democracy.

Pointers:

• Direct Democracy: Citizens directly involved in governance.
• Indirect Democracy: Participation through elected representatives.
• Practicality: Direct impractical in large populations; Indirect more common.
• Decision-making: In Indirect, representatives make key decisions.
• Election Process: Governed by constitutional rules about voter and candidate eligibility, election supervision, and voting methods.
• Example: Ancient Greek city-states (Direct); Indian Constitution outlines Indirect Democracy norms.
• Importance of Fair Elections: Ensures democracy through free and fair election processes.

Election System In India

The election system in India includes the processes, authorities, and rules governing elections. It’s not just about voting and choosing the candidate with the most votes; it involves various methods of voting and counting preferences. This system, outlined in the constitution, is crucial as different rules can significantly impact election outcomes. They can favour larger parties, smaller ones, majority communities, or protect minorities. The election system is more than just casting votes; it’s about how those votes translate into representation.

Pointers:

• Election System: Includes processes, authorities, and rules for conducting elections.
• More than Voting: Involves methods of voting and counting votes.
• Constitutional Role: Election rules are defined in the constitution.
• Impact of Rules: Different rules can favour different groups or parties.
• Representation: System determines how votes are translated into representation.
• Importance: Understanding the system is crucial for recognizing its impact on election outcomes.

Election System In India

The First Past the Post System (FPTP), also known as the Plurality System, is an electoral method used in India, as prescribed by the Constitution. In this system, the country is divided into several constituencies, each electing one representative. Voters in each constituency cast their vote for one candidate. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner. It is crucial to note that the winner does not need to secure a majority of the votes; simply having more votes than any other candidate is sufficient.

Example: In the 1984 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party won 415 out of 543 seats, which is more than 80% of the total seats, despite receiving only 48% of the total votes. This occurred because in many constituencies, the Congress candidates won with less than 50% of the votes. Other parties like BJP, Janata, and Lok Dal received a significant percentage of votes (7.4%, 6.7%, and 5.7% respectively) but won a disproportionately smaller number of seats. This exemplifies how the FPTP system can lead to a significant disparity between the percentage of votes received and the number of seats won.

Pointers:

• FPTP is also known as the Plurality System.
• India is divided into 543 constituencies for Lok Sabha elections.
• Each constituency elects one representative.
• The candidate with the highest votes in a constituency wins.
• The winner does not need a majority of votes, just more than any other candidate.
• Can lead to disparities between vote percentages and seats won.
• Example: 1984 Lok Sabha elections – Congress won 415 seats with 48% of the vote.

Proportional Representation (Pr) System

The Proportional Representation (PR) System is an electoral method where the number of seats won by a political party in the parliament is directly proportional to the number of votes it receives. In this system, parties prepare a list of candidates prior to the election. There are two main variations of this system:

• The entire country is treated as a single constituency (as seen in Israel and the Netherlands), with seats allocated to parties based on their national vote share.
• The country is divided into multiple multi-member constituencies (as in Argentina and Portugal), with each party presenting a list of candidates for each constituency. In both variations, voters cast their votes for parties, not individual candidates, and the seats are distributed among parties based on their total vote count. This system allows representatives from multiple parties in a single constituency.

Example: In Israel, the PR system is used for parliamentary elections. Here, the entire country is considered one constituency. After votes are counted, each party is allotted a proportion of seats in the parliament that reflects its share of the votes. For instance, if a party gets 20% of the votes, it gets 20% of the seats. The party then fills these seats with nominees from its pre-declared preference list.

Pointers:

• PR System aligns seats won with vote share.
• Parties list candidates before elections.
• Voters choose parties, not individual candidates.
• Two main variations: Single national constituency (Israel, Netherlands) or multiple multi-member constituencies (Argentina, Portugal).
• Seat allocation based on total votes for each party.
• Example: Israel’s parliamentary elections.

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NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science – Chapter 3 – Election And Representation

1. Which of the following resembles most a direct democracy?
2. Discussions in a family meeting
3. Election of the class monitor
4. Choice of a candidate by a political party
5. Decisions taken by the Gram Sabha
6. Opinion polls conducted by the media

Answer: d. Decisions taken by the Gram Sabha

2. Which of the following tasks are not performed by the Election Commission?
3. Preparing the Electoral Rolls
4. Nominating the candidates
5. Setting up polling booths
6. Implementing the model code of conduct
7. Supervising the Panchayat elections

Answer: e. Supervising the Panchayat elections

3. Which of the following is common to the method of election of the members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha?
4. Every citizen above the age of 18 is an eligible voter
5. Voter can give preference order for different candidates
6. Every vote has equal value
7. The winner must get more than half the votes

Answer: c. Every vote has equal value

4. In the First Past the Post system, that candidate is declared winner who
5. Secures the largest number of postal ballots
6. Belongs to the party that has highest number of votes in the country
7. Has more votes than any other candidate in the constituency
8. Attains first position by securing more than 50% votes

Answer: c. Has more votes than any other candidate in the constituency

5. What is the difference between the system of reservation of constituencies and the system of separate electorate? Why did the Constitution makers reject the latter?

Answer: The reservation of constituencies and separate electorates strategies for representation differ greatly. All voters in a constituency can vote, but candidates must belong to the community or social group for which the seat is reserved. To ensure minority representation without voter segregation. But separate electorates allow only members of a community to vote for their own candidates, effectively segregating the electorate by community.

Separate electorates violated democratic values of unity, equality, and secularism, so India’s Constitution makers rejected them. They believed separate electorates would perpetuate social divisions and discrimination, hindering national identity development. Thus, they chose the reservation system, which guarantees minority representation and inclusive voting rights, to promote unity and eliminate discrimination.

Mindmap:

• Reservation vs. Separate Electorates

• • Reservation: All vote, candidates from reserved communities.
  • Separate Electorates: Only community members vote, choose their own candidates.

• Constitution Makers’ Rejection

• • Against Democracy: Promotes segregation and inequality.
  • Against Unity: Could intensify divisions in society.
  • Values: Uphold equality, secularism, and a united national identity.

• Key Terms

• • Democracy
  • Secularism
  • Unity
  • Equality

6. Which of the following statements are incorrect? Identify and correct them by substituting, adding or rearranging only one word or phrase.
7. FPTP system is followed for all the elections in India.
8. Election Commission does not supervise Panchayat and Municipal elections.
9. The President of India cannot remove an Election Commissioner.
10. Appointment of more than one Election Commissioner in the Election Commission is mandatory.

Answer: In question 6, the incorrect statements are identified and corrected as follows:

1. The statement “FPTP system is followed for all the elections in India” is incorrect. The correct statement should be “FPTP system is only followed for elections to Lok Sabha, Legislative Assemblies, and the Panchayats.” This change clarifies that the FPTP system is not used universally across all types of elections in India.
2. The Statement b is correct as stated: “Election Commission does not supervise Panchayat and Municipal elections.”
3. c. The statement “President of India cannot remove an Election Commissioner” is incorrect. The correct statement should be “The President of India can remove an Election Commissioner on the recommendation of both the houses of Parliament with a special majority.” This correction specifies the condition under which the President can remove an Election Commissioner, emphasising the role of Parliament.
4. d. The statement “Appointment of more than one Election Commissioner in the Election Commission is mandatory” is incorrect. The correct statement should be “Appointment of more than one Election Commissioner in the Election Commission is not mandatory, but it is an established practice through consensus to ensure accountability.” This correction indicates that while it is not a legal requirement, having more than one Commissioner is a common practice to ensure fair operations within the Commission.

Mindmap:

• FPTP System Not for all elections; includes only Lok Sabha, Legislative Assemblies, Panchayats.
• Removal of Election Commissioner President can remove; needs recommendation; requires Parliament’s special majority.
• Appointment of Commissioners Not mandatory to have more; common practice for accountability; not a legal requirement.
• Supervision of Elections EC does not handle Panchayat/Municipal; focus on national and state elections.

7. The Indian electoral system aims at ensuring representation of socially disadvantaged sections. However we have only 12 per cent women members in our legislatures. What measures would you suggest to improve the situation?

Answer: In response to the concern about the low representation of women in Indian legislatures, currently at about 12%, several measures can be suggested to improve this situation. Firstly, adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) system of election might ensure that women’s representation in legislatures aligns more closely with their percentage of the population. This system allows for a more equitable distribution of seats based on the votes received by each party.

Secondly, reserving seats specifically for women candidates in electoral constituencies could directly increase their numbers in the legislature. This measure would guarantee a minimum level of representation and encourage more women to participate in politics.

Lastly, rotating these reserved seats among all constituencies would ensure that women from different parts of the country get the opportunity to represent their regions. This rotation would help in achieving a balanced representation of women from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, enhancing the diversity and inclusivity of our legislative bodies.

Mindmap:

• Proportional Representation Aligns seats with population percentage; equitable seat distribution.
• Reservation of Seats Specific seats for women; direct increase in numbers.
• Rotation of Reserved Seats Ensures national representation; promotes diversity in politics.

8. Here are some wishes expressed in a conference to discuss a constitution for a new country. Write against each of these whether the FPTP or Proportional Representation system is more suited to meet each of these wishes.
9. People should clearly know who is their representative so that they can hold him or her personally accountable.
10. We have small linguistic minorities who are spread all over the country; we should ensure fair representation to them.
11. There should be no discrepancy between votes and seats for different parties.
12. People should be able to elect a good candidate even if they do not like his or her political party.

Answer: In response to the wishes expressed in the conference to discuss a constitution for a new country, here are the electoral systems best suited to meet each wish:

1. For the wish that “People should clearly know who is their representative so that they can hold him or her personally accountable,” the First Past The Post (FPTP) system is more suited. This system allows voters to elect a specific candidate to represent their constituency, making it easier for them to know and hold their representative accountable.
2. b. For the wish to “ensure fair representation to small linguistic minorities who are spread all over the country,” the Proportional Representation (PR) system is more suited. This system allocates seats based on the overall votes a party receives nationwide, allowing even small minorities to gain representation if they receive enough votes across the country.
3. c. Regarding the wish for “no discrepancy between votes and seats for different parties,” the Proportional Representation system is more appropriate. It aligns the proportion of seats a party wins with the proportion of votes they receive, minimising discrepancies.
4. d. To fulfil the wish that “People should be able to elect a good candidate even if they do not like his or her political party,” the First Past The Post (FPTP) system is better suited. This system allows voters to choose a candidate based on individual merit rather than party affiliation.

Mindmap:

• FPTP System: Know your representative, personal accountability, vote for candidate, not party.
• Proportional Representation System Fair minority representation; seats match vote percentage; national vote impact.

9. A former Chief Election Commissioner joined a political party and contested elections. There are various views on this issue. One view is that a former Election Commissioner is an independent citizen and has a right to join any political party and to contest election. According to the other view, leaving this possibility open can affect the impartiality of the Election Commission. So, former Election Commissioners must not be allowed to contest any elections. Which position do you agree with and why?

Answer: In discussing whether former Election Commissioners should be allowed to contest elections, I agree with the position that they should not. The main reason for this stance is the preservation of the Election Commission’s integrity and impartiality. The Election Commission is a constitutional body that oversees the fairness of the electoral process, a role that requires the highest standards of neutrality. If former commissioners were to enter political life, it could cast doubts on the impartiality of the decisions made during their tenure, potentially undermining public trust in the electoral process itself. Additionally, such a move could give rise to suspicions that decisions made by commissioners might be influenced by future political ambitions. Therefore, to avoid any perception of bias and to maintain the sanctity and credibility of the Election Commission, former commissioners should be barred from contesting elections.

Mindmap:

• Election Commission’s Role Oversees electoral fairness; requires neutrality.
• Integrity and Impartiality Must be above suspicion; public trust is paramount.
• Potential Conflicts Future political ambitions could influence decisions; could undermine past actions’ credibility.
• Public Perception Avoids perceived bias; maintains credibility and trust in the electoral process.

10. “Indian democracy is now ready to shift from a crude First Past the Post system to a system of Proportional Representation”. Do you agree with this statement? Give your reasons for or against this statement.

Answer: I disagree with the statement that Indian democracy is ready to shift from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system to a system of Proportional Representation (PR). Here are my reasons:

1. Complexity of PR System: The Proportional Representation system is complex and might be difficult for the general populace to understand. This complexity could hinder voter participation and engagement in the electoral process.
2. Impact on Political and Social Groups: In India, where social and political dynamics are deeply intertwined with a myriad of social groups, the FPTP system allows for a more straightforward and direct electoral contest, making it simpler for voters to understand their impact on the outcome. Shifting to PR could lead to fragmentation and conflict among these groups.
3. Political Stability: The FPTP system has been known to foster political stability by encouraging a two-party system or strong coalitions, which is crucial for governance in a diverse country like India. A shift to PR might lead to a multiplicity of small parties, potentially leading to frequent government changes and unstable coalitions.
4. Dominance of Larger Social Groups: There is a risk that larger social groups might still dominate the political landscape under PR by forming new alliances, thus continuing to marginalise smaller or less dominant groups.
5. Constitutional and Social Fabric: The current electoral system is intertwined with the constitutional provisions and the socio-political fabric of India. Any abrupt changes might disrupt the delicate balance of social harmony and political stability.

Mindmap:

• Complexity of PR: Hard to understand; lowers voter engagement.
• Social and Political Impact: Affects social groups; could increase conflicts.
• Political Stability: FPTP encourages stability; PR might lead to unstable governments.
• Dominance of Larger Groups: Larger groups still powerful; marginal groups remain disadvantaged.
• Constitutional Consistency: Suits Indian constitutional framework; abrupt changes risky.
  

MCQ Questions

Chapter 3 – Election And Representation – MCQ Questions

• Which of the following is a key feature of the First Past the Post (FPTP) system as used in India?

Answer: (c) The candidate with the most votes in their constituency wins.

• The Proportional Representation (PR) system is characterised by which of the following features? 

Answer: (b) Seats are distributed based on the total national vote each party receives.

• What is the purpose of reservation in constituencies under the Indian electoral system?

Answer: (b) To ensure representation of marginalised communities.

• Which system was adopted in India to provide a stable government despite multiple parties?

Answer: (b) First Past the Post

• Under the Indian Constitution, who oversees the conduct of elections to ensure they are free and fair?

Answer: (c) The Election Commission of India

• As of the latest amendments, what is the minimum age requirement to vote in India?

Answer: (a) 18 years

• Which of the following is a characteristic of the Election Commission of India to ensure its independence?

Answer: (d) It operates as a multi-member body since 1993.

• What significant change did the 1989 amendment to the Indian Constitution bring regarding elections? 

Answer: (a) It lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

• What is the main purpose of having the First Past the Post (FPTP) system in India according to the textbook?

Answer: (b) To simplify the voting process and ensure a stable government.

• How does the Proportional Representation (PR) system differ in its application in countries like Israel compared to India?

Answer: (b) Seats are allocated to parties in proportion to the total votes they receive nationwide.

• What constitutional provision is made to ensure fair representation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India’s Parliament?

Answer: (a) Seats are reserved based on the population ratio in each state.

• What significant role does the Election Commission of India play during the electoral process?

Answer: (b) It supervises the conduct of elections to ensure they are free and fair.

1. According to the textbook, what was a significant impact of the First Past the Post (FPTP) system observed in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections? 

Answer: (b) The Congress party won a disproportionate number of seats compared to its vote share.

• What is the eligibility criteria for an Indian citizen to contest in Lok Sabha elections, as per the Constitution? 

Answer: (b) Must be at least 25 years old.

• What fundamental change does the textbook suggest to improve the electoral process in terms of representation?

Answer: (c) Increasing the proportion of women representatives in the parliament.

Assertion & Reason Type Questions

Chapter 3 – Election And Representation – Assertion & Reason Type Questions

• Assertion (A): In a large democracy like India, direct democracy is impractical for everyday decision-making.
  Reason (R): The ancient city-states in Greece, which practised direct democracy, had much smaller populations compared to modern democracies like India.
  Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. India’s huge population makes direct democracy unmanageable, unlike the smaller populations in ancient Greek city-states where it was feasible.

• Assertion (A): Not all elections held in non-democratic countries lead to a genuine expression of the public’s will.
  Reason (R): Non-democratic rulers may conduct elections in a way that ensures their continued control without genuinely reflecting the public’s choice.
  Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. Non-democratic leaders often manipulate elections to maintain power, hindering a true reflection of public choice.

• Assertion (A): The First Past the Post (FPTP) system often results in a party winning a majority of seats without a majority of votes.
  Reason (R): In the FPTP system, the candidate who receives the most votes in a constituency is declared the winner, regardless of whether they secure a majority of the votes.
  Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. The FPTP system allows a candidate to win without a majority if they have more votes than others, which can result in disproportionate representation.

• Assertion (A): The Proportional Representation (PR) system allows for a more equitable representation of smaller parties.
  Reason (R): In the PR system, parties receive seats in proportion to the percentage of votes they gain across the electorate.
  Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. PR facilitates fairer representation by aligning seat distribution closely with the vote share, benefiting smaller parties.

• Assertion (A): The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  Reason (R): This reservation is intended to ensure fair representation for these groups, given their historical socio-economic disadvantages.
  Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. The reservation is designed to correct historical injustices and ensure that these groups are adequately represented in the legislative process.

• Assertion (A): The Election Commission of India has the authority to supervise the conduct of elections throughout the country.
  Reason (R): The independence and powers of the Election Commission are enshrined in Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
  Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. The constitutional provision grants the Election Commission the necessary authority and independence to oversee elections.

Passage Based Objective Type Questions

Chapter 3 – Election And Representation – Passage Based Objective Type Questions

 Passage 1:  “In a democratic election, people vote and their preference decides who will win the contest. But there can be very different ways in which people make their choices and very different ways in which their preferences can be counted.”

(i) What does the passage primarily discuss?
(a) The role of the Election Commission
(b) Variations in electoral systems
(c) The importance of voting
(d) The process of counting votes

Answer: (b) Variations in electoral systems

(ii) According to the passage, why is it important to consider different methods of counting votes?
(a) To ensure the majority party always wins
(b) To address the preferences of different political parties
(c) To reflect true democratic choices
(d) To simplify the voting process

Answer: (c) To reflect true democratic choices

Passage 2:  “Proportional Representation (PR) system allows each party to fill its quota of seats from a preference list declared before elections.”

(i) Which electoral system is described in the passage?
(a) First Past the Post (FPTP)
(b) Proportional Representation (PR)
(c) Plurality System
(d) Single Transferable Vote

Answer: (b) Proportional Representation (PR)

(ii) What feature distinguishes the PR system mentioned in the passage?
(a) Candidates are elected based on individual votes.
(b) Parties fill seats based on preference lists.
(c) Voters choose their representatives directly.
(d) All parties get an equal number of seats.

Answer: (b) Parties fill seats based on preference lists

Passage 3:  “The Constitution of India provides the basic rules about who can vote, who can contest, who supervises elections, how votes are counted, and how representatives are elected.”

(i) What aspect of democracy does the passage focus on?
(a) The legislative framework
(b) Constitutional provisions regarding elections
(c) Powers of the President of India
(d) Functions of the Parliament

Answer: (b) Constitutional provisions regarding elections

(ii) Which of the following is NOT a topic covered by the constitutional provisions mentioned in the passage?
(a) Criteria for voting eligibility
(b) Rules for the impeachment of the President
(c) Supervision of elections
(d) Method of electing representatives

Answer: (b) Rules for the impeachment of the President

Passage 4:  “Elections have today become the most visible symbol of the democratic process.”

(i) What is highlighted about elections in the passage?
(a) Their complexity and challenges
(b) Their symbolic value in democracy
(c) Their role in economic stability
(d) Their influence on international relations

Answer: (b) Their symbolic value in democracy

(ii) The passage suggests that elections are crucial for:
(a) Ensuring judicial independence
(b) Demonstrating a functioning democracy
(c) Regulating the market economy
(d) Enforcing legal statutes

Answer: (b) Demonstrating a functioning democracy

Passage 5:  “The First Past the Post (FPTP) system results in the candidate with the most votes in a constituency being declared elected, without necessarily achieving a majority.”

(i) Which election system is described in the passage?
(a) Proportional Representation
(b) First Past the Post (FPTP)
(c) Mixed Electoral System
(d) Direct Democracy

Answer: (b) First Past the Post (FPTP)

(ii) What is a characteristic outcome of the FPTP system as mentioned in the passage?
(a) It guarantees that the winning candidate has the majority of votes.
(b) It can lead to a winning candidate who does not have the majority of votes.
(c) All candidates have an equal chance of winning.
(d) Voters can vote for multiple candidates.

Answer: (b) It can lead to a winning candidate who does not have the majority of votes

Passage 6:  “In India, the method by which representatives are elected is very important, as citizens have a limited role in major decisions and in running the administration.”

(i) What does the passage imply about the role of citizens in governance?
(a) Citizens are directly involved in daily governance.
(b) Citizens primarily influence governance through their elected representatives.
(c) Citizens have unlimited powers in decision-making.
(d) Citizens’ roles are primarily advisory.

Answer: (b) Citizens primarily influence governance through their elected representatives

(ii) According to the passage, why is the election method significant in India?
(a) It determines the economic policies directly.
(b) It shapes how citizens participate in governance.
(c) It is unrelated to the governance model.
(d) It limits the powers of the judiciary.

Answer: (b) It shapes how citizens participate in governance

Passage 7:  “Several non-democratic countries also hold elections to present themselves as democratic, without threatening the rulers’ hold on power.”

(i) What is the main point of the passage regarding elections in non-democratic countries?
(a) They ensure free and fair competition.
(b) They are held to maintain an appearance of democracy.
(c) They are more transparent than in democratic countries.
(d) They always result in changes in leadership.

Answer: (b) They are held to maintain an appearance of democracy

(ii) What can be inferred about the nature of elections in some non-democratic countries from the passage?
(a) They are competitive with multiple parties.
(b) They might be conducted to uphold the current power structure.
(c) They are typically held frequently.
(d) They are decided by international observers.

Answer: (b) They might be conducted to uphold the current power structure

Passage 8:  “The Constitution of India lays down rules for elections, detailing who can vote, contest, and how elections are supervised and representatives elected.”

(i) What aspect of the electoral process does the Constitution of India specify?
(a) Political party formation
(b) Election campaigning rules
(c) Eligibility and election oversight
(d) Media involvement in elections

Answer: (c) Eligibility and election oversight

(ii) Based on the passage, which of the following is directly determined by the Constitution regarding elections?
(a) The frequency of elections
(b) The specific candidates who can run
(c) The supervisory mechanism for elections
(d) The locations of polling stations

Answer: (c) The supervisory mechanism for elections

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Chapter 3 – Election And Representation – Very Short Answer Type Questions

 What is the primary function of elections in a democracy?

Answer: Elections in a democracy primarily function to elect representatives through the people’s votes.

• Define direct democracy and provide an example.

Answer: Direct democracy involves citizens directly in decision-making; an example is ancient Greece’s city-states.

• How does the First Past the Post (FPTP) system determine the winner in an election?

Answer: In the FPTP system, the winner is the candidate with the highest votes in their constituency.

• Explain the term “Proportional Representation” (PR) system.

Answer: Proportional Representation (PR) allocates legislative seats proportional to each party’s vote share.

• What distinguishes a democratic election from a non-democratic election?

Answer: Democratic elections are characterised by fairness and freedom, unlike non-democratic elections.

• Why are basic rules about elections typically outlined in a democratic country’s constitution?

Answer: Constitutions outline election rules to ensure clarity, fairness, and adherence to democratic principles.

• Discuss one major electoral reform introduced in the 21st century in India.

Answer: A major electoral reform in 21st century India was the introduction of NOTA – “None of the Above” option.

• How does the system of reserved constituencies work in India?

Answer: Reserved constituencies in India ensure representation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

• What is the role of the Delimitation Commission in the context of reserved constituencies?

Answer: The Delimitation Commission defines and revises the boundaries of constituencies, including reserved ones.

• Describe the eligibility criteria for voting in India as per the constitution.

Answer: Eligibility for voting in India includes Indian citizenship and a minimum age of 18.

• What qualifications are necessary to contest in Lok Sabha elections in India?

Answer: To contest in Lok Sabha elections, a candidate must be at least 25 years old and an Indian citizen.

• What measures are in place to ensure the independence of the Election Commission of India?

Answer: The Election Commission’s independence is ensured by its authority over election conduct and monitoring.

• Why is the First Past the Post system preferred in India over the Proportional Representation system?

Answer: FPTP is preferred in India for its simplicity and ability to produce clear majority governments.

• Explain the rationale behind reserving constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India.

Answer: Constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Tribes to ensure fair representation.

• What is the role of the Election Commission in managing the electoral process in India?

Answer: The Election Commission manages and oversees the entire electoral process to maintain integrity.

• Identify a challenge faced by the Election Commission of India during elections and how it was managed.

Answer: A challenge faced by the Election Commission was managing elections during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressed by implementing strict health protocols.

• What are some proposed electoral reforms in India to ensure fair representation and reduce the influence of money in politics?

Answer: Proposed electoral reforms include public funding of campaigns and stricter regulations on campaign spending. 

Short Answer Type Questions

Chapter 3 – Election And Representation – Short Answer Type Questions

 What is the significance of elections in a democracy?

Answer: Answer:

Elections are essential in a democracy as they enable citizens to select leaders and hold them accountable, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Democracy, accountability, government reflection, citizen choice

• Explain the concept of direct and indirect democracy with examples.

Answer: Direct democracy involves citizens directly in decision-making, like ancient Greek city-states. Indirect democracy uses elected representatives to make decisions, as seen in modern nations like the USA.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Direct, citizens, Ancient Greece; Indirect, representatives, Modern countries

• Discuss the role of the Delimitation Commission in the reservation of seats for SCs and STs.

Answer: The Delimitation Commission is responsible for defining constituency boundaries and ensuring seats are reserved for SCs and STs based on their population proportions in each state.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Delimitation Commission, boundaries, SC/ST, population proportion

• How does the First Past the Post (FPTP) system operate in Indian elections?

Answer: In the FPTP system, India is divided into constituencies, each electing one representative who wins the most votes, irrespective of the total percentage.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: FPTP, constituencies, most votes win, not majority required

• Compare the FPTP system with the Proportional Representation (PR) system.

Answer: FPTP elects one representative per constituency based on most votes. PR assigns seats based on the proportion of votes a party receives across a larger area or entire country.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: FPTP, one winner, PR, proportionate, multiple winners

• Why was the FPTP system chosen over the PR system in India?

Answer: India adopted the FPTP system for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating stable governments and facilitating a two-party system, which was considered suitable for Indian parliamentary democracy.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: FPTP, simplicity, stable government, two-party system

• What are the constitutional provisions related to elections in India?

Answer: Indian constitution provisions for elections include universal adult suffrage, eligibility criteria for candidates, the role of the Election Commission, and methods for voting and counting.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Constitution, adult suffrage, Election Commission, voting, counting

• How does the Indian constitution ensure that elections are free and fair?

Answer: The Indian constitution ensures free and fair elections by defining eligibility to vote and contest, setting up an independent Election Commission, and establishing clear election procedures.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Constitution, eligibility, independent Election Commission, procedures

• Describe the impact of the universal adult franchise on Indian democracy.

Answer: The universal adult franchise allows every adult citizen to vote, promoting equality and participation in the democratic process, reflecting the constitutional principle of non-discrimination.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Universal adult franchise, equality, participation, non-discrimination

• What qualifications are necessary to contest in Lok Sabha or state assembly elections in India?

Answer: To contest in Lok Sabha or state assembly elections in India, a candidate must be at least 25 years old. There are no restrictions based on income, education, or gender.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Lok Sabha, 25 years old, no income/education/gender restrictions

• Explain the role of the Election Commission of India in maintaining the integrity of elections.

Answer: The Election Commission of India ensures election integrity by supervising voter lists, managing election schedules, and enforcing a code of conduct to maintain a fair electoral process.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Election Commission, voter lists, schedules, code of conduct

• Discuss the changes brought about by the 1989 amendment to the Indian Constitution concerning the electoral process.

Answer: The 1989 amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18, allowing more citizens to participate in the democratic process and enhancing the representativeness of elections.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: 1989 amendment, voting age 18, increased participation

• What are some proposed electoral reforms to improve the election process in India?

Answer: Proposed reforms include adopting a variant of the PR system, reserving one-third of seats for women, regulating political finance, and banning candidates with criminal cases from contesting elections.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: PR system, women reservation, political finance, ban criminals

• How does the system of reserved constituencies work in India?

Answer: Reserved constituencies ensure representation for SCs and STs by designating seats in areas with high populations of these groups, overseen by the Delimitation Commission.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Reserved constituencies, SCs and STs, Delimitation Commission

• Discuss the implications of multi-member versus single-member Election Commissions in India.

Answer: A multi-member Election Commission, considered more suitable due to shared powers and enhanced accountability, contrasts with a single-member commission which centralises power.

Mindmap:

• Keywords: Multi-member, shared powers, accountability; Single-member, centralised power

These answers and keywords should help you articulate your own responses in the exam effectively, ensuring they are concise yet comprehensive.

Long Answer Type Questions

Chapter 3 – Election And Representation – Long Answer Type Questions

 Discuss the importance of elections in a democracy. Using the textbook content, elaborate on the role of elections in representing citizens and facilitating the democratic process. Highlight the distinction between direct and indirect democracy as explained in the text.

Answer: Elections are crucial in a democracy because they are the main mechanism through which citizens can express their preferences regarding who governs and makes important decisions on their behalf. Elections ensure representation by allowing citizens to choose their representatives in the government. This is essential in large democracies like India, where direct participation of all citizens in decision-making is impractical. In direct democracies, citizens participate in decision-making directly without intermediaries. However, in large states or countries, such a system is not feasible, hence indirect democracy prevails where people elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf. Therefore, elections serve as the backbone of democratic engagement, ensuring that governance is conducted by those elected by the people and reflecting their will.

Mindmap:

• Democracy – Elections essential, Representative mechanism
• Direct vs Indirect – Direct involves personal decision-making, impractical in large states
  Indirect uses elected representatives
• Role in democracy – Engage citizens, reflect public will, ensure governance by elected individuals.

• Evaluate the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system as used in India. Reflect on the 1984 Lok Sabha elections as an example to illustrate how the FPTP system can result in disproportionate representation. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the FPTP system based on the information given in the textbook.

Answer: The First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system, where the candidate with the most votes wins, is the prevalent electoral system in India. Using the 1984 Lok Sabha elections as an example, it’s clear how FPTP can lead to disproportionate representation. In these elections, the Congress party secured 48% of the total votes but won more than 80% of the seats. This demonstrates a significant disproportionality, as less than half of the voter base gave the party an overwhelming majority in the legislature. The main strengths of FPTP include its simplicity and its ability to provide clear-cut results, often leading to stable governments. However, its weaknesses include the potential for disproportionate representation and the marginalisation of smaller parties, as evidenced by the minimal seats won by other parties in the same election.

Mindmap:

• FPTP in India – Simple, clear results
• 1984 Lok Sabha example – Congress 48% votes, 80% seats, disproportional
• Strengths – Simplicity, stability in government
• Weaknesses – Disproportionate representation, marginalises smaller parties.

• Compare and contrast the FPTP and Proportional Representation (PR) electoral systems. Using the textbook descriptions, analyse the differences in how constituencies are structured, how voters cast their votes, and the method of seat allocation in the legislature. Provide examples from the textbook such as the UK, India, Israel, and the Netherlands to support your analysis.

Answer: The First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems differ significantly in their approach to elections. FPTP, used in countries like the UK and India, involves dividing the country into numerous small constituencies, where each constituency elects one representative based on the highest number of votes received. In contrast, PR, used in countries like Israel and the Netherlands, allocates seats to political parties based on the proportion of votes they receive across larger or even nationwide constituencies. This means that PR tends to reflect the diverse political preferences of the entire electorate more accurately than FPTP, which can disproportionately benefit larger parties and marginalised smaller ones. Examples from the textbook highlight how PR can enable a fairer representation of political, ethnic, and minority groups by aligning seat allocation closely with the percentage of votes received.

Mindmap:

• FPTP vs PR – FPTP: small constituencies, one winner, can be disproportionate
• PR: larger or national constituencies, seats based on vote percentage, fairer representation
• Examples – UK, India use FPTP; Israel, Netherlands use PR.

• Analyse the reasons for adopting the FPTP system in India. Discuss the historical, social, and political factors that led to the choice of the FPTP system over other electoral systems, based on the textbook explanations. Mention how this system has affected political representation and stability in India.

Answer: India chose the First Past the Post (FPTP) system primarily for its simplicity and the clarity it provides in electoral outcomes, which often result in stable governments. Historically, the need for a straightforward electoral process that could accommodate the vast and diverse population of India was paramount. FPTP was seen as less complex and more direct than other systems, making it easier for voters to understand. Politically, it has tended to favour larger, well-established parties, which can be advantageous in forming stable governments. Socially, the system encourages broad coalitions of various social groups, promoting national integration over sectional interests. Despite its tendency to produce disproportionate results, the simplicity and potential for stability in governance made FPTP the preferred choice during the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

Mindmap:

• Reasons for FPTP in India – Simplicity, clear results
• Stability – favours formation of stable governments
• Social integration – encourages broad coalitions
• Historical context – suitable for a diverse, large population.

• Explain the concept and rationale behind reserved constituencies in India. Discuss the social and historical context that necessitated this provision as detailed in the textbook. Examine the role of the Delimitation Commission in this process and its impact on representation of marginalised groups.

Answer: Reserved constituencies in India are a fundamental aspect of ensuring political representation for marginalised groups, specifically Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This system was instituted to address historical injustices and social imbalances where these groups were often underrepresented in political decision-making. By reserving seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, the system ensures that members of SCs and STs can have direct representation in the legislature, promoting greater equity in governance. The Delimitation Commission, an independent authority, is tasked with designating which constituencies are reserved based on the demographics of SC and ST populations, ensuring that the representation is fair and proportionate to their population.

Mindmap:

• Reserved constituencies – Address underrepresentation of SCs, STs, Equity in governance
• Delimitation Commission – decides reserved areas, fair representation based on demographics.

• Critically assess the role of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections. Detail the constitutional provisions that empower the Election Commission and discuss its evolution into a multi-member body. Evaluate its effectiveness based on historical challenges and current practices mentioned in the textbook.

Answer: The Election Commission of India plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Constituted under the Constitution of India, it oversees the conduct of all electoral processes, ensuring that they are free from manipulation and external pressures. The transition to a multi-member body in 1993 has strengthened its function, allowing for shared decision-making and enhanced accountability. Historically, the Election Commission has faced challenges like electoral fraud and violence, but has continually adapted and responded to ensure that elections remain fair and democratic. Its powers to regulate campaign spending and enforce the model code of conduct are crucial in minimising undue influences in elections. The effectiveness of the Election Commission is evident in its ability to conduct elections across diverse and challenging environments in India.

Mindmap:

• Election Commission of India – Ensures election integrity, free from manipulation
• Multi-member body since 1993 – enhanced accountability
• Powers – regulate campaign spending, enforce code of conduct
• Effectiveness – adapts to challenges, fair elections.

• Discuss the ongoing debate on electoral reforms in India. Reflect on the suggestions for changing the electoral system, regulating political party functions, and ensuring more inclusive representation, as outlined in the textbook. Evaluate the potential impacts of these reforms on the democratic process in India.

Answer: The debate on electoral reforms in India is a vibrant and ongoing discourse focusing on enhancing the transparency and fairness of elections. Key suggestions from various stakeholders include shifting from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system to a variant of the Proportional Representation (PR) system to ensure that seat allocation in legislatures more accurately reflects the votes received by parties. Another significant proposal is to enforce a minimum quota for women in Parliament and state assemblies, aiming for at least one-third female representation. Additionally, there are calls for stricter regulations on electoral spending and the influence of money in politics, with suggestions that election expenses be funded by the government to reduce corruption. These reforms are intended to strengthen democracy by making the electoral process more inclusive and representative of India’s diverse population.

Mindmap:

• Electoral reforms debate

Key suggestions: adopt PR system for fair seat allocation, enforce women’s quota in legislature

• reduce money influence – government-funded campaigns
• Aim – more inclusive, representative democracy.

• Explore the challenges and criticisms of the Proportional Representation (PR) system as detailed in the textbook. Explain how the PR system works, including its variations like those used in Israel and the Netherlands. Discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of adopting such a system in a diverse and populous country like India.

Answer: While the Proportional Representation (PR) system is lauded for its ability to ensure a fair representation of all political parties in proportion to the votes they receive, it also faces several challenges and criticisms, particularly in the context of a diverse and populous country like India. Critics argue that PR can lead to fragmented legislatures with multiple small parties, which can complicate the process of forming stable governments. This fragmentation may result in frequent coalitions that are often unstable. Additionally, because PR focuses on party lists, it can diminish the accountability of individual representatives to their local constituents, as voters cast their votes for parties rather than specific candidates. Despite these criticisms, proponents argue that PR offers a more equitable representation system, especially for minority groups.

Mindmap:

• PR system challenges – Fragmented legislatures, unstable coalitions
• Reduced individual accountability – votes for parties, not candidates
• Criticisms – complicates government formation
• Proponents’ view – equitable, fair for minorities.

• Analyse the significance of universal adult franchise in the Indian democratic system. Based on the textbook content, discuss the evolution of the right to vote in India, including the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18. Evaluate how universal franchise aligns with democratic principles such as equality and non-discrimination.

Answer: Universal adult franchise is a cornerstone of the Indian democratic system, reflecting the principle that every adult citizen has the right to vote. This right emphasises equality and non-discrimination in the electoral process, allowing every individual, regardless of social, economic, or educational background, to participate in shaping the government. The decision to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 in 1989 further expanded this democratic right to a larger segment of the youth, recognizing their role in shaping the nation’s future. Universal franchise is vital because it ensures that the government reflects the will of the broader populace, making it truly representative of its diverse population. It aligns with democratic principles by empowering citizens to influence their governance directly.

Mindmap:

• Universal adult franchise – Equal voting rights for all adults, reflects democracy
• Lowered voting age – from 21 to 18, empowers youth
• Importance – ensures government reflects broad populace will, enhances direct citizen influence in governance.

• Discuss the impact of electoral systems on minority representation. Use the information from the textbook to explain how electoral systems like FPTP and PR can affect the political representation of minority groups. Include examples from the textbook that illustrate these impacts.

Answer: Electoral systems like the First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) significantly impact the political representation of minority groups. In the FPTP system, used in India and the UK, the tendency is for larger parties to dominate, often at the expense of minority groups unless their population is concentrated geographically. This can lead to underrepresentation of diverse minority interests in legislatures. In contrast, the PR system, used in countries like Israel and the Netherlands, allocates seats based on the proportion of votes each party receives, which tends to benefit smaller parties and minority groups, ensuring a more representative and inclusive governance. This system allows minority voices to be heard more clearly in the legislative process, potentially leading to more balanced and equitable policy decisions.

Mindmap:

• Impact on minorities
  FPTP: may underrepresent unless geographically concentrated
  PR: benefits smaller parties and minorities, more inclusive governance
• Examples: FPTP in India, UK; PR in Israel, Netherlands.

• Evaluate the constitutional safeguards that aim to ensure free and fair elections in India. Refer to the textbook to discuss the role of constitutional provisions, the Election Commission, and the judiciary in maintaining the integrity of elections. Analyse how these mechanisms have been tested in various electoral challenges.

Answer: India’s constitution provides several safeguards to ensure free and fair elections, pivotal among which is the role of the Election Commission of India, tasked with overseeing the entire electoral process. Constitutional provisions stipulate eligibility criteria for voters and candidates, ensuring inclusivity and fairness. The judiciary also plays a crucial role, with the power to address electoral disputes and uphold electoral laws strictly. Moreover, the constitution allows for special measures, such as reservation of seats in legislatures for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to promote equitable representation. These mechanisms collectively work to maintain the integrity of elections and protect them from malpractices, ensuring that the democratic process remains robust and transparent.

Mindmap:

• Constitutional safeguards – Election Commission oversees process
• Judiciary handles disputes
• Eligibility criteria for voters and candidates
• Reservation for SC/ST for equity
• Ensures integrity, fairness of elections.

• Assess the effectiveness of electoral reforms implemented in India since independence. Using the textbook, review the major reforms that have been introduced, such as the use of Electronic Voting Machines and the NOTA option. Discuss their impact on voter behaviour and election transparency.

Answer: Since independence, India has implemented several electoral reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in elections. Notable among these are the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the inclusion of the None of the Above (NOTA) option, which have significantly impacted voter participation and the integrity of the electoral process. EVMs have helped in reducing the incidences of vote tampering and speeding up the counting process, while NOTA has provided voters with the power to reject all candidates if they find them unsuitable, promoting accountability. These reforms reflect India’s commitment to refining its electoral system continually and addressing the evolving needs and expectations of its electorate.

Mindmap:

• Electoral reforms since independence – Introduction of EVMs, reduced tampering, quick counts
• NOTA option, empowers voters, accountability
• Impact – Increased participation, enhanced integrity.

• Explore the role of the Delimitation Commission in the context of electoral fairness. Based on the textbook details, discuss how the Delimitation Commission operates to ensure fair representation across different regions and communities. Evaluate the challenges and controversies associated with redrawing constituency boundaries.

Answer: The Delimitation Commission plays a critical role in ensuring electoral fairness by determining the boundaries of electoral constituencies. This independent body, appointed by the President of India, works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India to redraw constituency boundaries based on the latest census data. The main goal is to ensure that each constituency is fairly represented in terms of population size, which is essential for maintaining a balanced democratic process. By adjusting these boundaries, the Delimitation Commission addresses population shifts and changes, preventing any region from being underrepresented or overrepresented. This process helps in creating constituencies that reflect current demographic realities, thereby supporting the principle of equality in voting.

Mindmap:

• Delimitation Commission – Redraws constituency boundaries
• Fair representation, based on population
• Adjusts for demographic changes
• Ensures electoral fairness, equality in voting.

• Examine the debate over women’s reservation in the Indian Parliament and state assemblies. Refer to the textbook to discuss the historical context, the arguments for and against such a reservation, and the impact of similar reservations in local bodies. Analyse the potential effects of this reform on political representation in India.

Answer: The debate over women’s reservation in the Indian Parliament and state assemblies revolves around the proposal to reserve one-third of the seats for women. This initiative aims to enhance the representation of women in legislative bodies, addressing the historical underrepresentation. While the reservation in local bodies has seen success, extending it to higher legislative bodies has faced challenges and opposition. Supporters argue that such a measure is necessary to ensure gender equity in governance and decision-making. Critics, however, contend that it could lead to tokenism and might not address the root causes of political inequality. The proposal has been repeatedly introduced in Parliament but has yet to be passed into law.

Mindmap:

• Women’s reservation debate – One-third seats for women
• Success in local bodie
•  Challenges in Parliament/state assemblies
• Supports gender equity
• Criticisms: tokenism, not addressing root causes.

Sample Questions Paper

Chapter 3 – Election And Representation – Sample Questions Paper

 Sample Question: 1

Time allowed: 2 hours Maximum Marks: 40

General Instructions:
(i) The question paper contains 14 questions.
(ii) All questions are compulsory.
(iii) Section A: Question numbers 1 and 2 are 1 mark source-based questions. Answers should not exceed 10-15 words.
(iv) Section B: Question numbers 3 to 9 are 2 marks questions. These are very short answer type questions. Answers should not exceed 30 words.
(v) Section C: Question numbers 10 to 12 are 4 marks questions. These are short answer type questions. Answers should not exceed 80 words.
(vi) Section D: Question numbers 13 and 14 are 6 marks questions. These are long answer type questions. Answers should not exceed 200 words.

Section A

1. Why did the Constitution makers in India adopt the First Past the Post (FPTP) system for elections? (1 mark)
2. What is the role of the Election Commission of India with respect to conducting free and fair elections? (1 mark)

Section B

1. What is the difference between direct and indirect democracy? (2 marks)
2. Mention two reasons for the popularity and success of the FPTP system in India. (2 marks)
3. What is the purpose of reserving constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes? (2 marks)
4. What is the principle of universal adult franchise? (2 marks)
5. How is the Election Commission of India different from a single-member body? (2 marks)
6. What are the two objectives behind marriage according to the textbook? (2 marks)
7. Define the term ‘informal economy’ as given in the textbook. (2 marks)

Section C

1. Explain the concept of ‘sovereignty’ with respect to the modern state. Why is it considered an important feature of the modern state? (4 marks)

OR

Briefly discuss the difference between endogamy and exogamy in the context of marriage rules. (4 marks)

1. How does the Delimitation Commission decide which constituency is to be reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes? Explain the process. (4 marks)
2. “Religion cannot be studied as a separate entity. Social forces always and invariably influence religious institutions.” Examine the statement in light of the sociological perspective on religion. (4 marks)

OR

Describe the various forms of family based on the nature of residence as mentioned in the textbook. (4 marks)

Section D

1. Evaluate the differences between the First Past the Post (FPTP) system and the Proportional Representation (PR) system of elections. Which system do you think is better suited for a diverse country like India? Justify your answer. (6 marks)
2. Examine the role and importance of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections in the country. What measures can be taken to further strengthen the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission? (6 marks)

OR

Discuss the various social institutions mentioned in the textbook. How do these institutions interact with each other, and what is their significance in shaping an individual’s life? (6 marks)

Sample Question: 2

Time allowed: 2 hours Maximum Marks: 40

General Instructions:
(i) The question paper contains 14 questions.
(ii) All questions are compulsory.
(iii) Section A – Question numbers 1 and 2 are 1 mark source-based questions. Answers should not exceed 10-15 words.
(iv) Section B – Question numbers 3 to 9 are 2 marks questions. Answers should not exceed 30 words.
(v) Section C – Question numbers 10 to 12 are 4 marks questions. Answers should not exceed 80 words.
(vi) Section D – Question numbers 13 and 14 are 6 marks questions. Answers should not exceed 200 words.

Section A

1. Can we have democracy without holding elections? Give a reason for your answer. (1)

Or

Can we hold elections without having democracy? Substantiate your answer.

1. Mention one reason why the makers of our Constitution adopted the First Past the Post System. (1)

Section B

1. What is meant by universal adult franchise? (2)
2. State two reasons for the popularity of First Past the Post system in India. (2)
3. Why are constituencies reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes? (2)
4. State any two functions of the Election Commission of India. (2)
5. Why is it important to have an independent Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections? (2)
6. What is the significance of the Model Code of Conduct implemented by the Election Commission? (2)
7. Mention any two suggestions for electoral reforms in India. (2)

Section C

1. Explain the procedure followed by the Delimitation Commission to reserve constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. (4)

Or

How does the system of reserved constituencies ensure proper representation of oppressed social groups? Explain.

1. What are the constitutional provisions to ensure free and fair elections in India? Explain any three provisions. (4)

Or

How does the Election Commission ensure free and fair elections in India? Explain any three ways.

1. ‘No system of election can be perfect’. In light of this statement, discuss any two major suggestions for electoral reforms in India. (4)

Section D

1. Differentiate between the First Past the Post System and the Proportional Representation System of elections. (6)

Or

Assess the merits and demerits of the First Past the Post System in India.

1. What measures have been taken in India to ensure free and fair elections? Explain the role of the Election Commission in this regard. (6)

Or

Evaluate the significance of the Election Commission in strengthening the democratic process in India.