NCERT Solutions for Class 9 – Complete Chapter-wise Study Material
Elections is one of the most important chapters in the Class 9 Social Science English NCERT Solutions curriculum. This chapter plays a significant role in helping students build a strong conceptual foundation while preparing for school examinations, class tests, unit tests, half-yearly examinations, annual examinations, and CBSE board assessments. The chapter has been carefully designed according to the latest NCERT syllabus, making it an essential part of every student's study plan.
The Elections - Class 9 Social Science English NCERT Solutions available on ATP Education explain every question in a simple, accurate, and step-by-step manner. Each answer is prepared according to the latest CBSE guidelines so that students can understand the concepts clearly without confusion. Whether you are completing your homework, revising before examinations, or strengthening your understanding of the subject, these solutions provide reliable academic support throughout your learning journey.
One of the biggest advantages of studying Elections is that it helps students understand important concepts, definitions, examples, and textbook exercises in an organized way. Instead of memorizing answers, students learn how to develop logical thinking, improve analytical skills, and write well-structured answers in examinations. This chapter also helps improve problem-solving ability and encourages conceptual learning, which is essential for scoring higher marks in school and competitive examinations.
Our Class 9 Social Science NCERT Solutions cover all textbook questions, important exercise questions, and chapter-wise explanations in English Medium. Every solution is written in easy-to-understand language, allowing students to revise the chapter quickly before examinations. Regular practice of these solutions improves confidence, strengthens subject knowledge, and reduces examination stress.
Students preparing for school assessments should carefully study Elections because questions from this chapter are frequently asked in objective questions, short answer questions, long answer questions, competency-based questions, and case-study questions. Understanding the concepts explained in this chapter also helps students connect related topics from other chapters, making overall learning more effective and meaningful.
At ATP Education, we continuously update our Class 9 Social Science English NCERT Solutions according to the latest NCERT textbooks and CBSE curriculum. Students can confidently use these chapter-wise solutions for daily study, homework assistance, quick revision, examination preparation, and self-learning. By studying Elections thoroughly and practising every question regularly, students can strengthen their concepts, improve writing skills, and achieve better academic performance in both school and board examinations.
Elections - Class 9 Social Science English NCERT Solutions
Elections
Chapter Review and Key Points
Chapter 7. Elections
Chapter Review
1. Meaning and Importance of Elections
Elections are one of the most important processes through which democratic rights are exercised. Regular and periodic elections lie at the core of a democratic system. Through elections, citizens choose representatives who make decisions on their behalf. Elected representatives are accountable to the people, and the right to elect representatives and hold them accountable is ensured through periodic elections.
An election is a process through which citizens exercise their right to vote and fulfil their responsibility as citizens. Elections provide citizens with an opportunity to participate in government formation and to express their political choices.
The chapter highlights several important purposes of elections, including:
- Representation – citizens choose representatives who act on their behalf.
- Accountability – elected representatives remain accountable to citizens.
- Legitimacy – elections provide democratic legitimacy to governments.
- Equality – elections provide citizens an opportunity to participate in the political process.
2. Direct and Indirect Elections
There are two broad methods of electing representatives or leaders:
Direct Elections: These are elections in which citizens directly vote to choose their representatives or leaders.
In India, members of the Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and local bodies such as Panchayats and Municipal Corporations are elected through direct elections.
Indirect Elections: These are elections in which citizens elect representatives, and those representatives then choose or elect the leaders.
In India, the President, Vice President and members of the Rajya Sabha are elected through indirect elections.
3. Electoral System
An electoral system determines how votes are converted into seats in a legislature. The framers of the Indian Constitution discussed different electoral systems and chose the plurality system, also known as the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system for elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.
Under the FPTP system, each voter votes for a candidate in their constituency. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes wins, even if the candidate receives less than 50 percent of the total votes polled.
India uses different electoral systems for different elections:
- Lok Sabha: First-Past-The-Post system.
- Vidhan Sabha: First-Past-The-Post system.
- Rajya Sabha: Proportional Representation.
- President: Proportional Representation.
- Vice President: Proportional Representation.
- Vidhan Parishad: Proportional Representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote.
4. First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) System
In the First-Past-The-Post system, voters vote for individual candidates in their constituencies. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes wins the election.
For example, if three candidates receive 40%, 35% and 25% of the votes respectively, the candidate receiving 40% wins because they have received the highest number of votes.
5. Majority System
In a majority system, a candidate must receive more than 50 percent of the votes to win. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent in the first round, the leading candidates may compete in another round.
The chapter illustrates this system through the imaginary country Ratnadweep. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent in the first round, the top two candidates compete again, and the candidate securing more than 50 percent in the second round wins.
6. Proportional Representation
In the proportional representation system, voters vote for a party rather than an individual candidate in the manner illustrated in the chapter. Seats in the legislature are allotted in proportion to the total votes received by the parties.
This system is used in India for elections to the Rajya Sabha and for the elections of the President and Vice President. Elections to the Vidhan Parishad are conducted through proportional representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote.
7. Single Transferable Vote System
The chapter explains the process of the Single Transferable Vote system through the following steps:
- Voters mark their preferences.
- First-preference votes are counted.
- Candidates who receive the required quota are declared elected.
- The candidate receiving the lowest votes is eliminated.
- The votes of the eliminated candidate are transferred according to the second preferences marked on the ballot papers.
- The process continues until the required number of candidates are elected.
8. Electoral Laws in India
The chapter discusses important laws governing elections in India. These include:
- Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RPA, 1950)
- Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA, 1951)
- Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 mainly deals with allocation of seats, delimitation of constituencies, preparation and revision of electoral rolls, and voting rights for citizens aged 18 years and above without discrimination.
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with other aspects of conducting elections and post-election disputes. It includes rules concerning nomination of candidates, election campaigns, voting procedures and resolution of disputes.
Together, these laws help maintain the integrity, transparency and accountability of India's electoral process.
9. Electoral Offences and Corrupt Practices
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 identifies certain electoral offences and corrupt practices.
Examples discussed in the chapter include:
- Giving a gift, offer or promise to influence a person to contest, withdraw, vote or refrain from voting.
- Appealing to people to vote or refrain from voting on the basis of religion, caste, race, community or language.
- Taking prohibited assistance in favour of a candidate from government-related personnel such as gazetted officers, judges, magistrates, armed forces personnel, police personnel and excise officers.
10. Delimitation
Delimitation is the process of determining the number of seats and fixing the territorial boundaries of constituencies for elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.
The boundaries of constituencies are not permanently fixed because population density changes over time. Delimitation aims to keep the ratio of seats to population as close to equal as possible across constituencies.
Article 82 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of a Delimitation Commission.
The chapter mentions four Delimitation Commissions—in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.
11. Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous permanent constitutional body responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of the entire process of conducting elections.
The ECI was established on 25 January 1950. Articles 324 to 329 of the Constitution provide for the establishment of the ECI and define its powers and duties.
The ECI conducts elections to:
- Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha
- Vidhan Sabha
- Vidhan Parishad
- President
- Vice President
12. Major Functions of the ECI
The Election Commission performs several important functions to ensure the proper conduct of elections.
Preparation and Revision of Electoral Rolls: The ECI prepares electoral rolls for constituencies. Only persons whose names appear on the electoral roll are allowed to vote. The ECI also conducts Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to update, verify and correct electoral rolls.
SIR aims to ensure that eligible citizens are not left out and ineligible persons are not included. It can also remove names because of death, change of residence, duplicate enrolment or permanent untraceability.
Election Schedule: The ECI decides the election schedule and dates. While doing so, it considers factors such as weather conditions, agricultural cycles, school and university examinations and festivals.
Registration and Recognition of Political Parties: The ECI registers political parties and classifies them as recognised national or state/regional parties or registered-unrecognised parties according to specified criteria.
Allocation of Election Symbols: The ECI allocates election symbols and also acts as a quasi-judicial body in disputes relating to recognition of political parties and allotment of symbols.
Conduct of Elections: The ECI oversees nominations, campaigns, polling, counting of votes and declaration of election results.
13. Making Elections Free, Fair and Inclusive
For elections to have democratic value, they must be conducted in a free, fair, transparent, inclusive, impartial and trustworthy manner.
Merely conducting an election is not sufficient. Citizens must be able to exercise their right to vote without unfair obstacles or undue influence.
The chapter discusses initiatives to make elections more inclusive, particularly for:
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
- Senior Citizens
- Transgender persons
- Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
During the 2024 General Elections, voting from home was extended across India for senior citizens above 85 years of age and persons with disabilities with a benchmark disability of 40%.
14. Digital Initiatives in Elections
The ECI uses technology and digital applications to facilitate electoral services.
ETPBS: Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System enables service voters to receive and cast postal ballots electronically from outside their originally assigned constituency.
Voter Helpline App: Provides various voter services including registration, transposition and verification, along with election-related information and updates.
cVIGIL App: Enables voters to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct and election misconduct.
ERONET: Facilitates processing of forms, databases and maintenance of electoral rolls.
Sugam: Helps manage vehicles used for election work.
Suvidha: Provides services to contesting candidates and political parties, including nomination-related forms and permissions for meetings, rallies, vehicles and loudspeakers.
Saksham App: Provides customised services to Persons with Disabilities, including assistance with registration and finding polling stations.
15. Inclusive Voting Measures
The chapter presents the idea of “No Voter to Be Left Behind”. The ECI has taken measures to make voting more accessible.
The chapter shows examples such as EVMs with Braille and voting from home for senior citizens. These measures aim to enable more citizens to participate in elections.
India's electoral exercise involves more than 96.8 crore eligible voters as mentioned in the chapter for 2024. The ECI manages elections across diverse regions and terrains and uses information and communication technologies and e-governance for several electoral functions.
16. National Voters' Day
25 January is celebrated every year as National Voters' Day.
The voters' pledge emphasises faith in democracy, democratic traditions, free, fair and peaceful elections, and voting without being influenced by considerations such as religion, race, caste, community, language or inducement.
17. Political Parties
Political parties are essential to a democratic system. They help citizens understand candidates, policies, development visions and positions on social, economic, cultural and political issues.
Political parties perform several important functions:
- Organise public opinion.
- Campaign on specific issues.
- Offer voters meaningful choices.
- Enable voters to make informed decisions.
- Prepare election manifestos.
- Contest elections.
- Form governments when they win.
- Formulate and implement policies.
- Ensure accountability when functioning as opposition.
- Participate in debates and committees.
18. Multi-Party System in India
India has a multi-party system, meaning that many political parties exist and compete in elections. The chapter connects this system with India's diversity of languages, cultures, religions and regions.
Political parties may be recognised as national parties, state parties or remain registered-unrecognised political parties according to specified criteria.
19. Defection and Anti-Defection Law
Defection refers to abandoning or switching from the political party under whose banner a candidate was elected. It may involve joining another party or acting independently of party decisions, particularly in legislative voting.
The chapter also notes that defection may be viewed differently: in the context of party discipline and political stability, it may be considered political opportunism, while in another context it may be viewed as following one's conscience or responding to changing public expectations.
The Anti-Defection Law was passed in 1985 through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act. Its purpose is to prevent defection and provide stability to elected governments.
Under the law, a member of Parliament or a State Assembly may be disqualified if the member voluntarily gives up party membership or votes against the party's instructions (whip), subject to the provisions of the law. The Speaker or Chairman of the House decides such cases.
20. Recognition of Political Parties
The Election Commission recognises political parties according to specified criteria.
For State Party Recognition, the chapter provides several alternative conditions involving vote percentages and seats won in State Assembly or Lok Sabha elections.
For National Party Recognition, the chapter provides alternative conditions involving vote percentages and seats across multiple states, or recognition as a State Party in at least four states.
Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) include parties that have not secured the required percentage of votes and parties that have never contested elections since their registration.
21. Alliances and Coalition Governments
The chapter notes that 1967 witnessed the end of the era of single-party dominated elections and the beginning of an era of alliances in various states.
In 1977, various political parties formed an alliance as the Janata Party in the backdrop of the National Emergency of 1975–1977. The Janata Party formed the first coalition government at the national level, popularly known as the Janata Government.
The chapter also discusses major political alliances in Indian elections since the late 1990s, including the NDA and the UPA and its subsequent reconstitution as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.
22. Challenges to Free and Fair Elections
Conducting elections in India is a large and complex task because of the huge number of voters, thousands of polling stations, hundreds of political parties and diverse geographical and socio-economic conditions.
The chapter identifies challenges such as:
- Misinformation
- Fake news
- Intimidation
- Problems related to accessibility
- Ensuring accurate counting and trustworthy electoral processes
These challenges can affect public confidence and the democratic value of elections if not properly addressed.
23. Measures to Address Electoral Challenges
The Election Commission addresses electoral challenges through various laws, rules and technological measures. The chapter mentions:
- Representation of the People Act, 1950
- Representation of the People Act, 1951
- Model Code of Conduct
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
- Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
- Voter awareness campaigns
- Technology-assisted electoral services
- Active citizen participation and vigilance
24. Role of Citizens in Elections
Citizens have an important role in making elections meaningful. Voting is presented in the chapter as both a constitutional right and a responsibility of citizens.
Citizens should participate in elections responsibly, remain informed about candidates and issues, and avoid being influenced by considerations such as religion, race, caste, community, language or inducement.
Active citizen participation, awareness and vigilance can contribute to elections that are more representative and to a stronger democratic system.
25. Elections and Democracy
Elections are described in the chapter as being at the core of democracy because they provide citizens with an equal opportunity to participate in the formation of government.
However, democracy requires more than merely holding elections. The electoral process must also be free, fair, transparent, inclusive, impartial and trustworthy. Institutions such as the Election Commission, electoral laws, political parties, citizens and other stakeholders all have roles in maintaining the democratic character of elections.
Chapter Summary
Chapter 7, “Elections”, explains why periodic elections are essential for democracy and how electoral systems convert votes into representation. It introduces direct and indirect elections, the First-Past-The-Post system, majority system and proportional representation. It explains the major electoral laws, delimitation, the functions of the Election Commission of India, electoral rolls, Special Intensive Revision, election symbols and measures for inclusive voting.
The chapter also explains the role of political parties, India's multi-party system, defection and the Anti-Defection Law, recognition of national and state parties, and political alliances. Finally, it discusses challenges such as misinformation, fake news and intimidation and highlights the importance of laws, institutions, technology, vigilance and active citizen participation in ensuring free and fair elections.
Elections
Additional Questions With Solutions
Chapter 7. Elections
Extra Questions with Answers
1. What is an election?
Answer: An election is a process through which citizens exercise their right to vote and fulfil their responsibility as citizens. Through elections, people choose representatives who make decisions on their behalf.
2. Why are elections essential in a democracy?
Answer: Elections are essential because they enable citizens to choose their representatives, participate in government formation and hold elected representatives accountable. Regular and periodic elections are therefore at the core of democratic functioning.
3. What is meant by periodic elections?
Answer: Periodic elections are elections held at regular intervals according to the prescribed term of elected bodies. They ensure that representatives cannot continue indefinitely without seeking the people's mandate again.
4. How do elections make elected representatives accountable?
Answer: Elections give citizens the opportunity to choose representatives and later decide whether to support them again. Thus, representatives remain answerable to the people and must seek their mandate through periodic elections.
5. What is a direct election?
Answer: A direct election is an election in which citizens directly vote to choose their representatives or leaders.
6. Give examples of direct elections in India.
Answer: Members of the Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and local bodies such as Panchayats and Municipal Corporations are elected through direct elections.
7. What is an indirect election?
Answer: An indirect election is an election in which citizens elect representatives who then choose or elect the leaders.
8. Give examples of indirect elections in India.
Answer: The President, Vice President and members of the Rajya Sabha are elected through indirect elections.
9. What is meant by an electoral system?
Answer: An electoral system is the method through which votes cast by citizens are converted into seats in a legislature. The manner in which seats are allocated distinguishes one electoral system from another.
10. Which electoral system is used for Lok Sabha elections in India?
Answer: Elections to the Lok Sabha are conducted using the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system, also called the plurality system.
11. Explain the First-Past-The-Post system.
Answer: Under the First-Past-The-Post system, each voter votes for one candidate in their constituency. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes wins, even if the candidate receives less than 50 percent of the total votes polled.
12. Why is the FPTP system called a plurality system?
Answer: It is called a plurality system because the candidate who receives more votes than any other candidate wins, even when that candidate does not receive more than 50 percent of the total votes.
13. What is a majority system?
Answer: In a majority system, a candidate must receive more than 50 percent of the votes to win. If no candidate achieves this in the first round, the top candidates may compete again in a second round.
14. What is proportional representation?
Answer: Proportional representation is an electoral system in which seats are allotted in proportion to the votes received by political parties. The chapter illustrates this system through a nationwide party vote and proportional distribution of seats.
15. Which elections in India use proportional representation?
Answer: Elections to the Rajya Sabha and the elections of the President and Vice President are conducted using proportional representation. Elections to the Vidhan Parishad are also held under proportional representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote.
16. What is the Single Transferable Vote system?
Answer: The Single Transferable Vote system allows voters to mark their preferences. First-preference votes are counted, candidates who achieve the required quota are elected, and votes of eliminated candidates can be transferred according to the next preferences marked by voters.
17. What is a quota in the Single Transferable Vote system?
Answer: A quota is the minimum number of votes required for a candidate to be elected. The chapter gives the formula based on the total valid votes and the number of seats to be filled.
18. What are the major laws governing elections in India discussed in the chapter?
Answer: The major laws discussed are the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
19. What does the Representation of the People Act, 1950 deal with?
Answer: The Representation of the People Act, 1950 mainly deals with allocation of seats, delimitation of constituencies, preparation and revision of electoral rolls, and ensuring voting rights for citizens aged 18 years and above without discrimination.
20. What does the Representation of the People Act, 1951 deal with?
Answer: The Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with other aspects of conducting elections and post-election disputes. It includes rules relating to nomination of candidates, election campaigns, voting procedures and resolution of disputes.
21. Why are the Representation of the People Acts important?
Answer: Together, the Representation of the People Acts provide a legal framework for elections and help ensure the integrity, transparency and accountability of India's electoral process.
22. What are electoral offences?
Answer: Electoral offences are prohibited actions that can affect the fairness and integrity of elections. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 lists various electoral offences and corrupt practices.
23. Give one example of a corrupt practice during elections.
Answer: Giving a gift, offer or promise to a person to make them contest, withdraw, vote or refrain from voting is given as an example of a prohibited practice.
24. Why is appealing for votes on the basis of religion, caste, race, community or language prohibited?
Answer: The chapter identifies such appeals as electoral offences because they can influence voting on the basis of these identities rather than through the democratic electoral process.
25. What is delimitation?
Answer: Delimitation is the process of determining the number of seats and fixing the territorial boundaries of constituencies for elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.
26. Why is delimitation necessary?
Answer: Population density changes over time. Without appropriate delimitation, one Member of Parliament could represent a much larger population than another. Delimitation therefore aims to keep the ratio of seats to population as close to equal as possible across constituencies.
27. Which Article provides for the establishment of the Delimitation Commission?
Answer: Article 82 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of a Delimitation Commission.
28. How many Delimitation Commissions does the chapter mention?
Answer: The chapter mentions four Delimitation Commissions, established in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.
29. What is the Election Commission of India?
Answer: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous permanent constitutional body vested with the superintendence, direction and control of the entire process of conducting elections in India.
30. When was the Election Commission of India established?
Answer: The Election Commission of India was established on 25 January 1950.
31. Which Articles of the Constitution provide for the Election Commission of India?
Answer: Articles 324 to 329 of the Constitution provide for the establishment of the Election Commission and define its powers and duties.
32. Which elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India?
Answer: The ECI conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, Vidhan Parishad, President and Vice President of India.
33. What is the role of the ECI in preparing electoral rolls?
Answer: The ECI prepares electoral rolls for each constituency. It collects information about eligible electors and organises electoral rolls polling-station-wise. Only voters whose names appear on the electoral roll are allowed to vote.
34. What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
Answer: Special Intensive Revision is an initiative of the ECI for updating, verifying and correcting electoral rolls. Its objective is to ensure that eligible citizens are included and ineligible persons are not included in the electoral roll.
35. Why is SIR important?
Answer: SIR helps add eligible voters, including young people who have recently turned 18, and remove names because of death, change of residence, duplicate enrolment or permanent untraceability. It also provides an opportunity to raise claims and objections.
36. What factors does the ECI consider while deciding election schedules?
Answer: The ECI considers factors such as weather conditions, agricultural cycles, school and university examination schedules and festivals while deciding election schedules.
37. What is the role of the ECI in political parties?
Answer: The ECI registers political parties, classifies them according to specified criteria and allocates election symbols. It also insists that political parties hold organisational elections periodically as part of its role in ensuring inner-party democracy.
38. What is the role of election symbols?
Answer: Election symbols help identify political parties and candidates during elections. The ECI allocates symbols and also deals with disputes concerning recognition of political parties and allotment of symbols.
39. Why must elections be free and fair?
Answer: Elections must be free and fair so that citizens can exercise their voting rights without unfair influence or obstacles. Fairness, transparency and impartiality help maintain public confidence in electoral institutions and give elections democratic value.
40. What can happen if elections are not conducted fairly?
Answer: If candidates are influenced by personal favours, votes are not counted accurately or voters face difficulties in exercising their rights, public confidence in electoral institutions may weaken and the democratic value of elections may be reduced.
41. Which groups are specifically mentioned in the chapter in relation to inclusive elections?
Answer: The chapter discusses initiatives for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Senior Citizens, transgender persons and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
42. What special voting provision was extended across India during the 2024 General Elections?
Answer: Voting from home was extended across India for senior citizens above 85 years of age and persons with disabilities having a benchmark disability of 40 percent.
43. What is ETPBS?
Answer: ETPBS stands for Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System. It enables service voters to receive and cast their postal ballots electronically from a location outside their originally assigned constituency.
44. What is the Voter Helpline App?
Answer: The Voter Helpline App provides various voter services such as registration, transposition and verification. It also provides election-related information, news and updates.
45. What is the purpose of the cVIGIL App?
Answer: The cVIGIL App enables voters to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct and election misconduct. It helps facilitate prompt action through the election machinery.
46. What is ERONET?
Answer: ERONET facilitates the processing of electoral forms and management of databases. It also supports maintenance of electoral rolls through efficient form processing, dashboards and role-based access.
47. What is the purpose of the Saksham App?
Answer: The Saksham App provides customised services for Persons with Disabilities. It helps with voter registration, finding polling stations and other voting-related requirements.
48. What is meant by “No Voter to Be Left Behind”?
Answer: “No Voter to Be Left Behind” expresses the objective of making the electoral process inclusive so that eligible citizens, including persons with disabilities and senior citizens, can participate in elections.
49. What is the importance of EVM with Braille?
Answer: The EVM with Braille is one of the measures shown in the chapter to make voting more accessible, particularly for voters with visual disabilities.
50. What is National Voters’ Day?
Answer: National Voters’ Day is observed every year on 25 January. The chapter connects the day with awareness about democratic participation and responsible voting.
51. What is the role of political parties in elections?
Answer: Political parties present their policies, programmes, development visions and positions on various issues. They organise public opinion, campaign on specific issues, offer voters meaningful choices and help voters make informed decisions.
52. Why are political parties important in a democratic system?
Answer: Political parties are important because they help democracy function effectively by providing representation, governance, accountability and public engagement. They also work directly at the grassroots level.
53. What information do political parties provide to voters?
Answer: Political parties provide information about candidates, policies, development visions and positions on social, economic, cultural and political issues. They also present their agendas and promises during election campaigns.
54. What is a multi-party system?
Answer: A multi-party system is a system in which many political parties exist and compete in elections. India has a multi-party system that reflects its diversity of languages, cultures, religions and regions.
55. What is defection?
Answer: Defection refers to abandoning or switching from the political party under whose banner a candidate was elected. It may involve joining another party or acting independently of party decisions, particularly in legislative voting.
56. What is the Anti-Defection Law?
Answer: The Anti-Defection Law was passed in 1985 through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act. Its purpose is to prevent defection and provide stability to elected governments.
57. Under what circumstances can a member face disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law?
Answer: According to the chapter, a member of Parliament or a State Assembly may be disqualified if they voluntarily give up their party membership or vote against the party’s instructions, known as the whip, subject to the provisions of the law.
58. Who decides cases under the Anti-Defection Law?
Answer: The Speaker or Chairman of the concerned House decides what needs to be done in such cases.
59. What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties?
Answer: Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) include parties that have not secured the required percentage of votes in Legislative Assembly or General Elections and parties that have never contested elections since their registration.
60. What was significant about the year 1967 in Indian elections?
Answer: The chapter states that 1967 witnessed the end of the era of single-party dominated elections in India and the beginning of an era of alliances in various states.
61. What happened politically in 1977?
Answer: In 1977, various political parties formed an alliance as the Janata Party against the backdrop of the National Emergency of 1975–1977. The Janata Party formed the first coalition government at the national level, popularly known as the Janata Government.
62. What are the major challenges to free and fair elections mentioned in the chapter?
Answer: The chapter identifies challenges such as misinformation, fake news and intimidation. It also discusses difficulties related to accessibility and the need to maintain accurate and trustworthy electoral processes.
63. How can misinformation affect elections?
Answer: Misinformation can affect citizens’ understanding of electoral issues and may influence public opinion. Therefore, addressing misinformation is important for maintaining the integrity of elections.
64. How does the Model Code of Conduct contribute to elections?
Answer: The Model Code of Conduct is one of the measures mentioned in the chapter for addressing challenges to free and fair elections and regulating election-related conduct.
65. What is VVPAT?
Answer: VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail. It is mentioned in the chapter as one of the measures used in India's electoral process to support transparency and verification in voting.
66. Why are voter awareness campaigns important?
Answer: Voter awareness campaigns help citizens understand the electoral process and encourage informed and responsible participation in elections.
67. Why is citizen participation important for free and fair elections?
Answer: Constant vigilance and active citizen participation can help make elections more representative and strengthen democracy. Citizens have a role in exercising their voting rights and reporting electoral misconduct.
68. Why are elections called the “soul of democracy” in the chapter?
Answer: The chapter describes elections as the soul of democracy because they give every citizen an equal voice in the formation of a government.
69. Is conducting elections alone sufficient for democracy?
Answer: No. Elections must also be free, fair, transparent, inclusive, impartial and trustworthy. Democratic value depends not only on holding elections but also on ensuring that citizens can meaningfully exercise their electoral rights.
70. What is the main message of Chapter 7, “Elections”?
Answer: The main message is that elections are central to democracy because they enable citizens to choose representatives and hold them accountable. A democratic electoral system requires appropriate laws, institutions, political parties, inclusive arrangements, responsible citizens and continuous efforts to address challenges such as misinformation, fake news and intimidation.
Elections
NCERT Questions With Answers
Chapter 7. Elections
NCERT Textbook Solutions
Question 1. What reforms have been introduced by the ECI to make voting more inclusive for the following groups?
(a) People with Disabilities
Answer: The Election Commission of India has introduced several measures to make voting accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). These include customised services through the Saksham App, assistance in voter registration and finding polling stations, accessible infrastructure and the use of facilities such as EVMs with Braille. During the 2024 General Elections, voting from home was extended across India to persons with disabilities having a benchmark disability of 40%.
(b) Service Voters
Answer: The ECI uses the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) for service voters. It enables them to receive and cast their postal ballot electronically from a location outside their originally assigned constituency.
(c) Senior Citizens above 85 years of age
Answer: During the 2024 General Elections, voting from home was extended across India for senior citizens above 85 years of age. This enabled eligible senior citizens to exercise their voting right without having to travel to the polling station.
(d) Prisoners
Answer: The chapter's question asks students to find out the relevant provisions concerning prisoners. The chapter does not provide a specific reform for prisoners in the preceding discussion, so their voting provision should be studied separately rather than inferred from the other inclusive measures.
(e) Persons in preventive detention
Answer: The chapter's discussion does not provide a specific reform concerning persons in preventive detention. Therefore, the answer should be based on the relevant electoral provisions rather than assuming that the general accessibility measures apply to this group.
Question 2. What are the various functions of the Election Commission of India? Which of these functions is most important for the conduct of free and fair elections? Explain.
Answer: The Election Commission of India performs several important functions for conducting elections:
- It prepares and revises electoral rolls.
- It conducts Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- It decides the election schedule and dates.
- It registers and recognises political parties according to specified criteria.
- It allocates election symbols.
- It oversees the conduct of elections.
- It regulates various aspects of the electoral process.
- It supervises counting of votes and declaration of election results.
- It addresses certain disputes relating to recognition of political parties and allotment of symbols.
- It undertakes measures to make elections more inclusive and accessible.
For free and fair elections, no single function should be viewed in isolation. The preparation of accurate electoral rolls, impartial conduct of polling, regulation of the electoral process, counting of votes and declaration of results all contribute to the fairness and credibility of elections. The Constitution gives the ECI the superintendence, direction and control of the entire electoral process.
Question 3. Elections are the soul of a democracy. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Answer: Elections are an essential part of democracy because they give citizens an opportunity to choose their representatives and participate in the formation of government. They also enable citizens to hold elected representatives accountable through periodic elections.
However, the democratic value of elections depends on the manner in which they are conducted. Elections need to be free, fair, transparent, inclusive, impartial and trustworthy. Laws, the Election Commission, political parties, voters and other stakeholders all have important roles in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Therefore, elections are central to democracy, but simply holding elections is not enough. Their democratic value depends on ensuring that citizens can meaningfully and fairly exercise their electoral rights.
Question 4. Explain at least three differences between the national and state/regional political parties.
Answer: National and State political parties can be distinguished on the basis of their recognition and electoral performance:
- Area of recognition: A national party is recognised at the national level according to the criteria laid down by the Election Commission, whereas a state party is recognised in a particular state according to specified criteria.
- Electoral performance: The criteria for national party recognition involve electoral performance across multiple states, while state party recognition is based on electoral performance in the concerned state.
- Geographical presence: National party recognition requires meeting specified conditions involving more than one state, whereas a state party's recognition is connected to its electoral performance within a particular state.
- Recognition criteria: The ECI has separate criteria for national and state party recognition involving vote percentages and seats won.
The chapter also identifies Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) as a separate category for parties that have not fulfilled the required conditions for recognition or have not contested elections since registration.
Question 5. Why should you vote? Arrange the following in the descending order of your choice. Discuss the reasons for your choice.
(a) Opportunity to choose my representative
(b) Makes me a responsible person
(c) Opportunity to change the non-performing representative
(d) Strengthens democracy
Answer: The textbook asks students to arrange these reasons according to their own choice. A fixed order is therefore not required by the chapter. The importance of each reason can be explained as follows:
- Opportunity to choose my representative: Voting enables citizens to participate directly in choosing their representatives.
- Strengthens democracy: Elections provide citizens with an equal voice in the formation of government and therefore contribute to democratic functioning.
- Opportunity to change a non-performing representative: Periodic elections allow citizens to exercise their choice again and hold elected representatives accountable.
- Makes me a responsible person: Voting is presented in the chapter as both a constitutional right and a responsibility of citizens.
Question 6. What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative of the ECI? Explain the objectives and the necessity of conducting SIR.
Answer: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an initiative of the Election Commission of India for updating, verifying and correcting electoral rolls.
The main objectives of SIR are:
- To ensure that eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll.
- To ensure that ineligible persons are not included.
- To add eligible young voters who have recently turned 18.
- To remove names because of death, change of residence, duplicate enrolment or permanent untraceability.
- To provide an opportunity for citizens to raise claims and objections.
SIR is necessary because electoral rolls need to remain accurate and updated. Accurate electoral rolls help ensure that eligible citizens can exercise their voting rights and contribute to a fair and trustworthy electoral process.
Question 7. Match the political party name with its symbol.
Answer: According to the table given in the textbook:
| Political Party | Election Symbol |
|---|---|
| Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) | Broom |
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | Lotus |
| Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) | Elephant |
| Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] | Hammer, Sickle and Star |
| Indian National Congress (INC) | Hand |
| National People's Party (NPP) | Book |
Question 8. Read the case study of Ishani and answer the following questions.
(a) What initiatives were taken by the ECI to enable the voters to cast their vote?
Answer: Several initiatives are reflected in Ishani's experience:
- She was able to register as a voter through the ECI's online portal.
- A wheelchair was available for her disabled elder brother.
- Volunteers guided voters to the polling booth.
- Ishani was able to establish her identity using an alternative document when she did not have her Voter ID card or Aadhaar card.
- She was able to see the VVPAT slip after casting her vote.
- Her 89-year-old grandmother was able to vote from home.
These examples demonstrate efforts to make the electoral process accessible and inclusive.
(b) If Ishani was allowed to vote even without carrying her Voter ID card or Aadhaar card, which other document might she be carrying that is valid for voting?
Answer: The passage states that Ishani's identity was verified using an alternative document. The exact document is not specified in the case study. Therefore, the answer should be identified from the officially prescribed list of alternative identity documents applicable to that election rather than inferred from the passage.
(c) Cite the examples of violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
Answer: The case describes wall writing, campaign posters pasted widely, campaigners distributing pamphlets and groups raising slogans in support of candidates on the day before the election. These activities are the examples presented in the case for students to examine in relation to the Model Code of Conduct.
(d) Give a suitable title to the passage.
Answer: “An Inclusive and Accessible Voting Experience” is a suitable title because the passage describes first-time voting, voter registration, accessibility for a person with disability, alternative identity verification, VVPAT and voting from home for an elderly voter.
(e) Find out how the police and army personnel cast their votes.
Answer: The passage raises this as an activity for students to find out separately. The chapter itself discusses ETPBS for service voters, which enables eligible service voters to receive and cast postal ballots electronically from outside their assigned constituency. The exact voting procedure applicable to particular police or armed forces personnel depends on their classification as eligible service voters and the applicable electoral provisions.
Question 9. A comparative chart of three countries is given below. Based on the information in the chart, answer the questions.
(a) What is the difference between having a voting right in a country with a multi-party system and another with a single-party system?
Answer: In the country with a multi-party system, voters have political choices among different political parties contesting elections. In the country with a single-party system described in the chart, only one political party is available. Therefore, the range of political choices available to voters differs between the two systems.
(b) In which of the above countries would you like to stay and why?
Answer: This is an opinion-based question intended for classroom discussion. Students should examine the political and economic information given in the chart and provide their own reasoned response.
Question 10. What are the challenges to conducting free and fair elections?
Answer: Conducting free and fair elections in India is challenging because elections involve more than 96.8 crore voters, thousands of polling stations, hundreds of political parties and diverse geographical and socio-economic conditions.
The chapter specifically identifies the following challenges:
- Misinformation
- Fake news
- Intimidation
- Difficulties related to accessibility
- Ensuring accurate counting of votes
- Maintaining public confidence in electoral institutions
These challenges are addressed through measures such as the Representation of the People Acts, the Model Code of Conduct, EVMs, VVPAT, voter-awareness campaigns, technology-assisted electoral services and active citizen participation.
Question 11. On the Stage — School Elections
Answer: The activity asks students to conduct a mock election in school for the posts of Head Girl, Head Boy and Sports Captain. Different students can take different roles:
- Election Commissioner: Supervises the overall electoral process and ensures that the election is conducted according to the rules.
- Returning Officer: Manages the election process in the assigned area and oversees important procedural arrangements.
- Polling Officer: Manages the polling station and verifies voters according to the rules.
- Polling Agent: Represents a candidate at the polling station and observes the polling process.
- Candidate: Contests the election and presents their ideas or programme to voters.
- Campaigner: Communicates the candidate's ideas and campaign message to voters.
- Police Personnel: Helps maintain order and security at the polling place.
- Journalist: Reports the election process and important developments objectively.
The mock election should demonstrate the principles of free, fair and transparent elections.
Question 12. Try and make videos or audios on topics like: My Vote My Nation; No Voter to Be Left Behind; How to Eliminate the Ill of Money Power, etc.
Answer: This is a creative activity. A suitable short presentation on “No Voter to Be Left Behind” could explain that democracy becomes more inclusive when eligible citizens, including Persons with Disabilities and senior citizens, are able to participate in elections. The presentation may mention accessible polling facilities, EVMs with Braille, home voting for eligible senior citizens and PwDs, and other ECI initiatives described in the chapter.
Question 13. Select one national or state political party. Using authentic and reliable sources, prepare a comparative chart of the last two State Legislative Assembly elections.
Answer: This is a research-based activity. The textbook asks students to use reliable sources such as the Election Commission of India website, the official website of the selected political party and newspapers.
The comparative chart should include:
| Particular | Election 1 | Election 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Some promises made in the Election Manifesto | To be researched from authentic sources | To be researched from authentic sources |
| Percentage of votes polled | To be researched | To be researched |
| Number of seats won | To be researched | To be researched |
| Number of women who contested | To be researched | To be researched |
| Number of women candidates elected | To be researched | To be researched |
The sources used should be clearly cited with the comparative data.
Question 14. Do you think ‘One Nation, One Election’ can improve the efficiency of the electoral process? Discuss its potential advantages and limitations.
Answer: This is a discussion-based question. The textbook asks the class to divide into two groups—one examining potential advantages and the other analysing limitations.
Potential advantages to examine:
- Possible reduction in the frequency of elections.
- Possible administrative and logistical efficiencies.
- Opportunity to examine whether election-related expenditure and deployment of personnel could be reduced.
- Possibility of reducing repeated disruption associated with frequent elections.
Potential limitations to examine:
- Different State and Union electoral cycles would need to be coordinated.
- Constitutional and legal changes may be required.
- Questions may arise regarding what happens if a government loses its majority before the common electoral cycle ends.
- The relationship between national and State-level political issues would need careful consideration.
The activity is intended to encourage students to examine both sides of the issue using constitutional, electoral and practical considerations rather than reaching a conclusion without discussion.
Elections
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
Chapter 7. Elections
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Why are elections essential to a democratic system?
(A) They allow citizens to choose their representatives
(B) They eliminate political parties
(C) They remove the need for government
(D) They give permanent power to representatives
2. An election is a process through which citizens exercise their:
(A) Right to property
(B) Right to vote
(C) Right to employment
(D) Right to education
3. Regular and periodic elections are at the core of:
(A) Monarchy
(B) Democracy
(C) Dictatorship
(D) Military rule
4. Which of the following is an important outcome of elections?
(A) Representation
(B) Accountability
(C) Legitimacy
(D) All of the above
5. In a direct election, citizens:
(A) Choose representatives directly
(B) Choose representatives who then elect all leaders
(C) Do not vote
(D) Only participate in campaigns
6. Which of the following is elected through a direct election in India?
(A) President
(B) Vice President
(C) Lok Sabha
(D) Rajya Sabha
7. Which of the following is elected through an indirect election?
(A) Lok Sabha
(B) Vidhan Sabha
(C) Panchayat
(D) President of India
8. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by using which electoral system?
(A) Majority System
(B) First-Past-The-Post System
(C) Proportional Representation only
(D) Single Transferable Vote only
9. FPTP stands for:
(A) First-Poll-To-Parliament
(B) First-Past-The-Post
(C) Federal-Polling-To-Party
(D) First-Party-To-Poll
10. In the FPTP system, the candidate who receives the:
(A) Highest number of votes wins
(B) Lowest number of votes wins
(C) Exactly 50% of votes must win
(D) Highest number of party members wins
11. Under FPTP, a candidate can win even if the candidate receives:
(A) Less than 50% of the votes
(B) No votes
(C) Exactly 10 votes only
(D) More than 90% only
12. Which elections in India use proportional representation according to the chapter?
(A) Lok Sabha elections only
(B) Vidhan Sabha elections only
(C) Rajya Sabha, President and Vice President elections
(D) Panchayat elections only
13. Elections to the Vidhan Parishad are conducted using:
(A) FPTP only
(B) Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote
(C) Majority system only
(D) Direct election only
14. In a majority system, a candidate must receive:
(A) Exactly 25% votes
(B) More than 50% votes
(C) Less than 50% votes
(D) No votes
15. What happens in the majority system if no candidate gets more than 50% in the first round?
(A) The election is permanently cancelled
(B) The top two candidates may compete again
(C) The lowest candidate automatically wins
(D) Parliament chooses the winner
16. In proportional representation, seats are allotted:
(A) Randomly
(B) In proportion to votes received by parties
(C) Only to the largest party
(D) Only to independent candidates
17. In the Single Transferable Vote system, voters:
(A) Mark their preferences
(B) Vote only for one party without preferences
(C) Do not vote
(D) Select the Election Commission
18. In the Single Transferable Vote system, what happens to the votes of an eliminated candidate?
(A) They are destroyed
(B) They may be transferred according to the next preferences
(C) They are given to the government
(D) They are not counted
19. Which Act mainly deals with allocation of seats, delimitation and electoral rolls?
(A) Representation of the People Act, 1950
(B) Representation of the People Act, 1951
(C) Presidential Elections Act, 1960
(D) Anti-Defection Act, 1975
20. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with:
(A) Nomination, campaigns, voting procedures and post-election disputes
(B) Only delimitation
(C) Only education
(D) Only local government
21. Which Act specifically deals with Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections?
(A) RPA 1950
(B) RPA 1951
(C) Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952
(D) Constitution Amendment Act, 1985
22. Which of the following is an electoral offence mentioned in the chapter?
(A) Giving a gift to influence voting
(B) Reading a newspaper
(C) Registering as a voter
(D) Attending school
23. Appealing to people to vote on the basis of religion, caste, race, community or language is:
(A) Encouraged by election law
(B) A prohibited electoral practice
(C) Necessary for elections
(D) A normal voting procedure
24. What is delimitation?
(A) Fixing territorial boundaries of constituencies
(B) Counting votes
(C) Registering political parties
(D) Allocating election symbols
25. Why is delimitation important?
(A) To maintain a reasonable balance between population and representation
(B) To increase the number of political parties
(C) To stop elections
(D) To select ministers
26. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the establishment of the Delimitation Commission?
(A) Article 21
(B) Article 82
(C) Article 324
(D) Article 368
27. How many Delimitation Commissions are mentioned in the chapter?
(A) Two
(B) Three
(C) Four
(D) Five
28. The Delimitation Commissions mentioned in the chapter were established in:
(A) 1947, 1950, 1975 and 2000
(B) 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002
(C) 1950, 1960, 1970 and 1980
(D) 1967, 1977, 1987 and 1997
29. The Election Commission of India is a:
(A) Private organisation
(B) Autonomous permanent constitutional body
(C) Political party
(D) Judicial court
30. The Election Commission of India was established on:
(A) 15 August 1947
(B) 26 January 1950
(C) 25 January 1950
(D) 26 November 1949
31. Which Articles of the Constitution provide for the Election Commission of India?
(A) Articles 14–18
(B) Articles 19–22
(C) Articles 324–329
(D) Articles 352–360
32. The ECI has the superintendence, direction and control of:
(A) The entire electoral process
(B) Only political parties
(C) Only Parliament
(D) Only local elections
33. Which of the following elections is conducted by the ECI?
(A) Lok Sabha
(B) Rajya Sabha
(C) President
(D) All of the above
34. Who supervises election work at the State level?
(A) Chief Electoral Officer
(B) Chief Minister only
(C) Speaker only
(D) District Judge only
35. Who prepares electoral rolls in India?
(A) Election Commission of India
(B) Parliament alone
(C) Political parties
(D) Supreme Court
36. Only those persons are normally allowed to vote whose names:
(A) Appear on the electoral roll
(B) Appear in newspapers
(C) Are recommended by political parties
(D) Are approved by candidates
37. SIR stands for:
(A) Special Intensive Revision
(B) State Election Registration
(C) Special Indian Representation
(D) Systematic Identity Review
38. The main objective of SIR is to:
(A) Update, verify and correct electoral rolls
(B) Form political parties
(C) Select ministers
(D) Count parliamentary seats
39. Which of the following may lead to removal of a name from an electoral roll during revision?
(A) Death of the voter
(B) Duplicate enrolment
(C) Change of residence
(D) All of the above
40. While deciding election schedules, the ECI may consider:
(A) Weather conditions
(B) Agricultural cycles
(C) Examination schedules and festivals
(D) All of the above
41. Which body registers and recognises political parties?
(A) Election Commission of India
(B) Supreme Court only
(C) Parliament Secretariat
(D) Ministry of Education
42. Who allocates election symbols to political parties and candidates?
(A) Election Commission of India
(B) Supreme Court
(C) Parliament
(D) State Legislature
43. The ECI can act as a quasi-judicial body in disputes concerning:
(A) Recognition of political parties and allotment of symbols
(B) School admissions
(C) University examinations
(D) Tax collection
44. National Voters' Day is celebrated on:
(A) 15 August
(B) 25 January
(C) 26 January
(D) 2 October
45. ETPBS stands for:
(A) Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System
(B) Electronic Transfer of Political Ballot System
(C) Election Technology and Postal Ballot Service
(D) Electoral Transmission and Polling Ballot Scheme
46. ETPBS is designed particularly for:
(A) Service voters
(B) School students
(C) Political party leaders only
(D) Foreign tourists
47. What does the Voter Helpline App provide?
(A) Voter registration and verification services
(B) Election-related information
(C) Other voter services
(D) All of the above
48. The cVIGIL App allows voters to:
(A) Report Model Code of Conduct violations and election misconduct
(B) Vote from another country
(C) Change the Constitution
(D) Register political parties
49. ERONET is associated with:
(A) Processing electoral forms and maintenance of e-rolls
(B) Political speeches
(C) Election rallies
(D) Court proceedings
50. Which app provides customised services for Persons with Disabilities?
(A) Sugam
(B) Suvidha
(C) Saksham
(D) cVIGIL
51. What is the purpose of the Suvidha application?
(A) Services for contesting candidates and political parties
(B) Voting by senior citizens only
(C) Maintaining court records
(D) Conducting school elections
52. What does the principle “No Voter to Be Left Behind” emphasise?
(A) Inclusive participation in elections
(B) Fewer voters
(C) Fewer polling stations
(D) Ending elections
53. During the 2024 General Elections, voting from home was extended across India for senior citizens above:
(A) 60 years
(B) 70 years
(C) 80 years
(D) 85 years
54. The chapter mentions EVMs with which special feature for accessibility?
(A) Braille
(B) Colour screen only
(C) Fingerprint scanner only
(D) Voice recorder only
55. India has which type of political party system?
(A) One-party system
(B) Two-party system
(C) Multi-party system
(D) No-party system
56. Political parties help voters to:
(A) Make informed decisions
(B) Avoid elections
(C) Stop public discussion
(D) Eliminate representation
57. Which of the following is a function of political parties?
(A) Organising public opinion
(B) Campaigning on specific issues
(C) Offering voters meaningful choices
(D) All of the above
58. What is defection?
(A) Switching from the political party under whose banner a candidate was elected
(B) Joining an election commission
(C) Voting for the first time
(D) Registering as a voter
59. The Anti-Defection Law was passed in:
(A) 1975
(B) 1985
(C) 1995
(D) 2005
60. The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through which Constitutional Amendment?
(A) 42nd Amendment
(B) 44th Amendment
(C) 52nd Amendment
(D) 73rd Amendment
61. Under the Anti-Defection Law, a member may face disqualification for:
(A) Voluntarily giving up party membership
(B) Voting against the party's instructions, subject to the law
(C) Both A and B
(D) Registering as a voter
62. Who decides what needs to be done in cases under the Anti-Defection Law?
(A) Speaker or Chairman of the House
(B) Election candidate
(C) Voter
(D) District Magistrate only
63. What is a National Party?
(A) A party recognised as a national party according to specified ECI criteria
(B) Any party contesting one election
(C) Any party formed in a village
(D) Any independent candidate
64. What is a State Party?
(A) A party recognised in a state according to specified criteria
(B) A party that never contests elections
(C) A party without members
(D) An independent candidate
65. RUPP stands for:
(A) Registered Unrecognised Political Parties
(B) Regional United Political Parties
(C) Registered Union Parliamentary Parties
(D) Recognised United Political Parties
66. According to the chapter, 1967 marked:
(A) The beginning of an era of alliances in various states
(B) The end of all elections
(C) The creation of the Election Commission
(D) The introduction of EVMs
67. Which party formed the first coalition government at the national level in 1977?
(A) Janata Party
(B) Congress Party
(C) BJP
(D) NDA
68. The Janata Government was formed against the backdrop of:
(A) National Emergency of 1975–1977
(B) First General Election
(C) Constitution-making
(D) Delimitation Commission
69. Which of the following is a challenge to free and fair elections?
(A) Misinformation
(B) Fake news
(C) Intimidation
(D) All of the above
70. Which of the following measures is mentioned in the chapter for addressing electoral challenges?
(A) EVMs
(B) VVPAT
(C) Model Code of Conduct
(D) All of the above
71. VVPAT stands for:
(A) Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail
(B) Voter Verified Political Account Test
(C) Voting Verification and Polling Audit Tool
(D) Verified Voter Public Access Technology
72. Why are voter-awareness campaigns important?
(A) They encourage informed and responsible participation
(B) They eliminate political parties
(C) They replace elections
(D) They stop voting
73. What can misinformation and fake news affect during elections?
(A) Public understanding and opinion
(B) Only weather
(C) Only transport
(D) Only school examinations
74. What is one important responsibility of citizens during elections?
(A) Vote responsibly
(B) Spread misinformation
(C) Intimidate voters
(D) Influence voters through prohibited inducements
75. According to the chapter, elections give every citizen:
(A) An equal voice in the formation of a government
(B) A government job
(C) A political party membership
(D) A guaranteed election victory
76. Which statement about elections is correct?
(A) Holding elections alone is sufficient for democracy
(B) Elections should be free, fair, transparent, inclusive and trustworthy
(C) Elections are required only at the national level
(D) Citizens have no role in elections
77. What does the ECI do after the polling process?
(A) Counts votes and declares election results
(B) Forms political parties
(C) Makes the Constitution
(D) Appoints all ministers
78. Which institution is responsible for ensuring the overall conduct of elections in India?
(A) Election Commission of India
(B) Political parties collectively
(C) Media organisations
(D) Local schools
79. Which of the following can make elections more representative?
(A) Active citizen participation
(B) Intimidation
(C) Fake news
(D) Electoral malpractice
80. What is the central idea of Chapter 7, “Elections”?
(A) Elections are unnecessary in democracy
(B) Elections enable citizens to choose representatives and hold them accountable, while laws and institutions help ensure a free and fair electoral process
(C) Only political parties are responsible for elections
(D) Only technology determines the success of elections
Answer Key
1. A 2. B 3. B 4. D 5. A 6. C 7. D 8. B 9. B 10. A
11. A 12. C 13. B 14. B 15. B 16. B 17. A 18. B 19. A 20. A
21. C 22. A 23. B 24. A 25. A 26. B 27. C 28. B 29. B 30. C
31. C 32. A 33. D 34. A 35. A 36. A 37. A 38. A 39. D 40. D
41. A 42. A 43. A 44. B 45. A 46. A 47. D 48. A 49. A 50. C
51. A 52. A 53. D 54. A 55. C 56. A 57. D 58. A 59. B 60. C
61. C 62. A 63. A 64. A 65. A 66. A 67. A 68. A 69. D 70. D
71. A 72. A 73. A 74. A 75. A 76. B 77. A 78. A 79. A 80. B
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