Election and Representation-part A Unit-3

 

System of Representative Democracy

Class 11, part A, Unit-3

1. What is election? HS-2012
Ans:- Election is the process by which people choose their representatives in democracy.

2. What is democracy?
Ans:- Democracy is a form government- of the people, by the people and for the people. (Abraham)

3. Who control the election process of India?  HS-2014
And:- Election Commission

4. The basis of 'Universal Adult Franchise' is age/education/property. (Choose the correct)       HS-2016
Ans:- age

5. Which type of democracy is there in India?        HS-2014
Ans:- Indirect or representative democracy.

6. How many members are there in Lok Sabha from Assam?     HS-2011
Ans:- 114 members

7. How many members are there in State Assembly of Assam?     
Ans:- 126 members

8. Is every citizen a voter?    HS-2016
Ans:- No.

9. Are common people casting their votes in the election of Vice-President of India.
Ans:- No

10. In India right to vote is determined on the basis of-     HS-2016
(a) Property qualification    (b) Education
(c) Residential status        (d) Universal Adult Franchise

Ans:- Universal Adult Franchise

11. Which of the following resembles most a direct democracy?
(a) Discussion in a family meeting.
(b) Election in the class monitor.
(c) Choice of a candidate by a political party.
(d) Decisions taken by the Gram Sabha.
(e) Opinion polls conducted by the media.

Ans:- (d) Decisions taken by the Gram Sabha.

12. Which of the following tasks are not performed by the election commission? HS-2014
(a) Preparing the Electoral Rolls.
(b) Nominating the candidates.
(c) Setting up polling booths.
(d) Implementing the model code of conduct.
(e) Supervising the panchayat election.

Ans:- (e) Supervising the panchayat election.

13. Which of the following is common to the method of election of the members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha?
(a) Every citizen above the age of 18 is an eligible voter.
(b) Voter can give preference order for different candidates.
(c) Every voter has equal value.
(d) The winner must get more than half the votes.

Ans:- (a) Every citizen above the age of 18 is an eligible voter.

14. In the First past the post system, the candidate is declared winner who
(a) Secures the largest number of postal ballots.
(b) Belongs to the party that has highest number of votes in the country.
(c) Has more votes than any other candidate in the constituency.
(d) Attains first position by securing more than 50% votes.

Ans:- (c) Has more votes than any other candidate in the constituency.

15. What is representative?
Ans:-

16. What is full form of EVM.
Ans:- Electronic Voting Machine

17. What is full form of NOTA.
Ans:- None of the above.

18. What is full form of FPPS.
Ans:- First past the post system.

19. How many members are there in election commission.
Ans:- 3 members.

20. Till which year did the Election Commission consists of one members?
Ans:- 1989.

21. When was the Election Commission formed?
Ans:- In 1950.

22. Who is the present chairman of election commission of India?
Ans:- Sushil Chandra

23. Write briefly on electoral constituency.     HS-2014 2 marks
Ans:- Electoral constituency means the particular area or constituency where the candidate of election contest the election. The electoral constituency is determined on the basis of population.

24. Write two differences between FTTS and Proportional representation election system.  HS-2018
Ans:- (i) In FPTP system, the country is divided into small geographical units called constituencies or districts.
    On the other hand, in proportional representation, large geographical areas are demarcated as constituencies. The entire country may be a single constituency.
(ii) Every constituency elects only one representative in FPTP system. But in proportional representation, more than one representative may be elected from the constituency.
(iii) Voters vote for the party in FPTP system. On other hand, voters vote for the party in proportional representation.
(iv) In FPTP system Candidate who wins the election may not get majority (50%+1) votes. But in proportional representation Candidate who wins the election gets majority of votes.

25. Mention some suggestions for electoral reform in India.    HS-2018
Ans:- The process of the general election in India has been defective. So, some suggestions for electoral reforms are discussed below:
(i) Role of money power and muscle power in election should he checked both through preventive measure as well as spreading voter's awareness.
(ii) Election campaign should be closely monitored, keeping it healthy but without restricting it unduly.
(iii) Another distinctive reform in the Indian election system can be the issuing of identity cards with photographs to all the voters.
(iv) Deterrent punishment for violation of code of conduct must be enforced.
(v) Candidates with any criminal case should be barred from contesting elections, even if their appeal is pending before a court.

26. Discuss the functions of election commission.     HS-2015,2017,2011
(or) Write two functions of election commission. HS-2014
Ans:- The Election Commission supervises and holds elections for the posts of President, Vice President, Central and State Legislatures. Its functions are discussed below:
(i) Preparation of Voters' List:-
        The first function of the Election Commission of India is to prepare the voters' list of those citizens who have attained 18 years of age.
(ii) Schedule the elections:
        Another function of the Commission is to decide the timing of the election and to prepare the election schedule. It includes notification of elections, the date of vote counting.
(iii) Stopping and Cancelling an Election:
        The Election Commission can independently take any decision to ensure free and fair elections. If situation arises that election cannot be run in particular area, then the Commission can cancel the election for that area.
(iv) Issuing Code of Conduct:-
        The Election Commission can issue a Code of Conduct for the political parties or the candidates.
(v) Recognition to New Political Parties:-
        The Election Commission gives recognition to new political parties and allots symbols to them.
(vi) Supervising Elections:
    The Election Commission supervises and holds elections for the post of President, Vice President, Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. It also establishes new voting centers if required.

27. Mention four drawbacks of Indian election system.     HS-2016
Ans:- drawbacks of Indian election system are discussed below:-
(i) The Indian election system has been witnessing the march of criminals and anti-social elements in the electoral process.
(ii) The undesirable and unhealthy role of money in elections has been a big drawback of the system.
(iii) The absence of common platforms and public means for campaigning makes the election contest a very costly and noisy.
(iv) Since poverty dominates Indian masses, the popular participation in election remains limited.
(v) The Indian election system has not been successful in securing the objectives of increased voters' participation in elections.

28. Write briefly on "Fast past the post system".    HS-2014
Ans:- First past the post system (FPTP) is also known as the plurality system.


30. Discuss the various phases of election commission. HS-2014
Ans:- Election process in India consists of the following steps: 

(i) Delimitation of constituencies: The Delimitation Commission, a statutory body, re-arranges the constituencies according to the population once in every ten years. This is done generally after a census. This is to accommodate the new changes in the population.

(ii) Election notification: The President of India issues the Election notification on the recommendation of the Election Commission of India. After the election notification has been announced, the Election Commission appoints returning officers throughout the country. Soon the political parties start to distribute election tickets. Soon thereafter individuals who are selected as candidates by parties or stand as independent candidates submit their nomination papers to the concerned authorities. 

(iii) Guidelines: Soon after the announcement of date of election, the Election Commission issues certain guidelines to political parties, candidates and voters. This is known as 'model code of conduct'. Practices such as bringing voters to the polling booths, intimidating, buying votes with money, seeking votes in the name of caste or religion, etc. are prohibited. 

(iv) Election campaign: Soon after the announcement of the election dates, the election campaign starts. The candidates visit the homes of people, factories and conduct rallies, distribute leaflets outlining their policies and programmes for the constituency. Election campaign stops 48 hours before the election.

(v) Scrutiny of nomination and allotment of symbols: Nomination papers filled by the candidates are scrutinised. A candidate can withdraw his nomination paper within the stipulated time. After the scrutiny and the withdrawal time, the final list of the candidates will be published. The party candidates are allotted their party symbols and independents choose their symbols. 

(vi) Polling arrangements: The Election Commission makes all the necessary arrangements for the smooth conducting of the election. A large number of election duty staff is arranged and polling officers are appointed. The election duty staff is transported to the respective election area. On the polling day, the voters in the voters' list are allowed to vote. The voting is done through secret ballot papers or electronic voting machine.

(vii) Custody of ballot boxes: After the polling is over, the ballot boxes or voting machines are sealed and then brought to district headquarters for counting. On the appointed day, votes are counted in their respective areas and then the election results are announced. A candidate who gets maximum of votes in a particular constituency is declared elected by the Commission. 

(viii) Submission of election account: Every candidate has to submit an account of his or her election expenses within a specific period. They can also submit election complaints regarding the irregularities in the voting system or procedure. The commission will study these accounts and complaints and will take necessary actions if they are found to be genuine and true.

31. What do you meant by Universal adult franchise? Give arguments in favor  and against of it.         HS-2015 2+2+2=6
What do you meant by Universal Adult franchise?     HS-2017,2012
Ans:-Universal Adult franchise means that all adults irrespective of caste, community, race, gender, educational qualification are given the right to vote.

Arguments in favor of Universal adult franchise
(i) Stands for Democracy:-
    The principle of universal adult franchise stands for full democracy. Democracy is based on equality. It recognises the principle of equality while granting voting rights.
(ii) General Satisfaction:-
    It leads to the creation of general satisfaction. People are satisfied because they become a part and parcel of the government.
(iii) Supremacy of the People:-
    This principle recognizes the supremacy of the people. It shows that real power is vested in the people
(iv) Inclusion of all:-
    Under this principle the political importance of every adult citizen is recognised by the state.

32. Mention two causes why India adopted the 'First Past the Post System'. HS-2019
Ans:-Reasons for adopting the FPTP System in India
(i) India has adopted the FPTP system because of the simplicity of the system.
(ii) This system offers voters a choice not simply between parties but specific candidates.
(iii) Under this system the voters know who is their own representative and can hold him or her accountable.
(iv) This system makes it possible for parliamentary government to function smoothly and effectively by facilitating the formation of a stable government.
(v) The FPTP system encourages voters form different social groups to come together to win an election in a locality.

Dr. Ratanlal Brahma, M.A., B.Ed., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Post Graduate Teacher (Political Science)
H.N.Seminary Model HS School, Bagribari, Dhubri, Assam
Email : brahmaratan@gmail.com
Whatsapp : 7020477396
Contact us for pdf notes on Political Science, English, MIL Assamese, Swadesh Adhyayan (Assamese medium)

 

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