11 NCERT CBSE Political Science Chapter 3: Election and
Representation
Packiam AI Quiz Maker
Theme Analysis
Main ThemeElections and Representation in a Democracy
Subject CategoryPolitical Science
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions cover the core concepts of electoral systems (FPTP, PR, STV), the constitutional framework for elections in India, the role and functions of the Election Commission, and provisions for fair representation like reserved constituencies. Emphasis is placed on understanding the implications and comparisons between different systems and the rationale behind India's choices. Difficulty levels are mixed, ranging from direct recall to application and analysis, aligning with 'Understand', 'Apply', 'Analyze', and 'Evaluate' Bloom's Taxonomy levels.
What is the primary reason for basic decisions about elections being written into the constitution of a democratic country?
Hint: Think about who should set the fundamental rules of the game to ensure impartiality.
Answer
Basic decisions about elections are written in the constitution to ensure they are established impartially before electoral politics begins and cannot be manipulated by any single government.
Explanation
The text states that 'these basic decisions about elections are written down in the constitution of a democratic country' because 'these two decisions need to be taken before the game of electoral politics can begin, these cannot be left to any government.' This ensures impartiality and stability of the electoral framework.
Which of the following is considered an example of direct democracy according to the text?
Hint: Recall societies where citizens directly participated in decision-making.
Answer
The ancient city-states in Greece were considered examples of direct democracy.
Explanation
The document explicitly states, 'The ancient city-states in Greece were considered examples of direct democracy,' where citizens directly participate in day-to-day decision-making.
In an indirect democracy, why are elections considered important?
Hint: Consider the role of representatives in large democracies.
Answer
In a large democracy, all citizens cannot take direct part in making every decision, so representatives are elected by the people, making elections important.
Explanation
The text explains that in a large democracy, 'All citizens cannot take direct part in making every decision. Therefore, representatives are elected by the people. This is how elections become important.'
What distinguishes a democratic election from a non-democratic one, according to the text?
Hint: Focus on the purpose of elections in different political systems, particularly how non-democratic rulers use them.
Answer
Non-democratic countries hold elections in such a way that they do not threaten their ruler's power, unlike democratic elections which genuinely reflect the people's will.
Explanation
The text states, 'not all elections are democratic. A large number of non-democratic countries also hold elections. In fact non-democratic rulers are very keen to present themselves as democratic. They do so by holding election in such a way that it does not threaten their rule.'
Which constitutional body is responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections in India?
Hint: Look for the specific body mentioned in Article 324.
Answer
Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for an independent Election Commission for the superintendence, direction, and control of the electoral roll and the conduct of elections in India.
Explanation
Article 324 of the Indian Constitution explicitly provides for an independent Election Commission for the 'superintendence, direction and control of the electoral roll and the conduct of elections' in India.
The First Past the Post (FPTP) system is also known by what other name?
Hint: Check the alternative name given for the FPTP system in the text.
Answer
The First Past the Post (FPTP) system is also called the Plurality System.
Explanation
The text states, 'This method is called the First Past the Post (FPTP) system. ... This method is also called the Plurality System.'
In the FPTP system, if a constituency has 100,000 votes and 5 candidates, and the winning candidate secures 25,000 votes while others get less, what is true about the winner?
Hint: Recall the core principle of winning in an FPTP system regarding the vote threshold.
Answer
In the FPTP system, the candidate who secures the highest number of votes in that constituency is declared elected, and the winning candidate need not secure a majority of the votes.
Explanation
The text explains, 'in this system whoever has more votes than all other candidates, is declared elected. The winning candidate need not secure a majority of the votes.' Securing 25,000 votes out of 100,000 is not a majority but would be the highest if others got less.
The 1984 Lok Sabha elections saw the Congress party win over 80% of the seats with only 48% of the votes. This outcome is a direct illustration of which characteristic of the FPTP system?
Hint: Consider the relationship between vote share and seat share in FPTP, especially when a party wins with less than 50% of the total votes.
Answer
The 1984 election results, where a party won a significantly higher percentage of seats than its vote share, illustrate that the FPTP system can lead to a disproportional representation of votes to seats.
Explanation
The text uses the 1984 election explicitly to show this: 'The Congress party won greater share of seats than its share of votes because in many of the constituencies in which its candidates won, they secured less than 50% of the votes.' This demonstrates the disproportionality inherent in FPTP where votes for losing candidates are 'wasted.'
What is a key feature of the Proportional Representation (PR) system?
Hint: Focus on how seats are distributed based on votes for parties.
Answer
In the Proportional Representation system, each party is allotted a share of seats in the parliament in proportion to its share of votes.
Explanation
The text states, 'In Israel once the votes are counted, each party is allotted the share of seats in the parliament in proportion to its share of votes... This system of elections is called the Proportional Representation (PR) system. In this system a party gets the same proportion of seats as its proportion of votes.'
How do voters typically exercise their preference in a Proportional Representation (PR) system, unlike the FPTP system?
Hint: Think about whether the focus is on the individual or the collective (party) in each system.
Answer
In PR systems, voters typically exercise their preference for a party, whereas in FPTP, they vote for a candidate.
Explanation
The comparison table and description of PR systems state, 'Voter votes for the party' in PR, contrasting with FPTP where 'Voter votes for a candidate.'
In India, the Proportional Representation (PR) system is adopted on a limited scale for which type of elections?
Hint: Recall the specific offices or bodies mentioned for PR in India, which are not direct popular elections.
Answer
India has adopted the PR system on a limited scale for indirect elections, specifically for the election of President, Vice President, and for the election to the Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishads.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'In India, we have adopted PR system on a limited scale for indirect elections. The Constitution prescribes a third and complex variation of the PR system for the election of President, Vice President, and for the election to the Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishads.'
Which of the following is a primary reason why India adopted the First Past the Post (FPTP) system, according to the text?
Hint: Consider the practical advantages for a large, diverse population with varying literacy levels.
Answer
India adopted the FPTP system primarily due to its simplicity, making it easy for common voters to understand.
Explanation
The text states, 'The reason for the popularity and success of the FPTP system is its simplicity. The entire election system is extremely simple to understand even for common voters who may have no specialised knowledge about politics and elections.'
The Constitution makers felt that a PR-based election might not be suitable for providing a stable government in a parliamentary system. Why?
Hint: Relate the distribution of seats in PR to the formation of government and the need for a majority in the legislature.
Answer
PR systems distribute seats proportionally to vote share, which often results in a fractured legislature without a single party having a clear majority, potentially leading to unstable coalition governments in a parliamentary system.
Explanation
The text explains, 'The makers of our Constitution also felt that PR based election may not be suitable for giving a stable government in a parliamentary system... The PR system may not produce a clear majority because seats in the legislature would be divided on the basis of share of votes.'
What is the main purpose of reserving constituencies in India's electoral system?
Hint: Consider the historical context of discrimination and the goal of inclusivity in representation.
Answer
The main purpose of reserving constituencies is to ensure fair and just representation for socially disadvantaged sections, particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who might otherwise remain unrepresented.
Explanation
The text states, 'Our Constitution makers were aware of this difficulty and the need to provide a way to ensure fair and just representation to the oppressed social groups.' This led to the system of reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Who is responsible for appointing the Delimitation Commission in India?
Hint: Recall the head of state's role in appointing key commissions.
Answer
The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India.
Explanation
The text clearly states, 'The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.'
How does the system of reserved constituencies differ from the 'separate electorates' system introduced by the British government?
Hint: Focus on who is eligible to vote and who is eligible to contest in each system.
Answer
In reserved constituencies, all voters participate, but candidates must be from the reserved group. Separate electorates, however, allowed only voters from a specific community to vote for a candidate from that same community.
Explanation
The text explains 'separate electorates' meant 'only those voters would be eligible who belong to that community' for electing a representative from that community. In contrast, for 'reserved constituencies', it states 'all voters in a constituency are eligible to vote but the candidates must belong to only a particular community or social section for which the seat is reserved.'
What was the initial age limit for adult citizens to vote in India before the 1989 constitutional amendment?
Hint: Remember the age change for universal adult franchise.
Answer
Till 1989, an adult Indian, eligible to vote, meant an Indian citizen above the age of 21.
Explanation
The text states, 'Till 1989, an adult Indian meant an Indian citizen above the age of 21. An amendment to the Constitution in 1989, reduced the eligibility age to 18.'
What does the principle of 'universal adult franchise' primarily ensure in a democratic election?
Hint: Consider the meaning of 'universal' and 'adult' in the context of voting rights.
Answer
Universal adult franchise ensures that all adult citizens of the country are eligible to vote in elections, regardless of their educational qualification, income, or social class.
Explanation
The text explains, 'democratic elections require that all adult citizens of the country must be eligible to vote in the elections. This is known as universal adult franchise.' It further clarifies that this is 'irrespective of educational qualification' and without 'restrictions of income, education or class or gender'.
What is the minimum age requirement to contest elections for the Lok Sabha or State Assembly in India?
Hint: Recall the age mentioned for candidates in general elections.
Answer
To stand for Lok Sabha or Assembly election, a candidate must be at least 25 years old.
Explanation
The text specifies, 'For example, in order to stand for Lok Sabha or Assembly election, a candidate must be at least 25 years old.'
According to Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, what key function is vested in the Election Commission?
Hint: Refer to the specific wording of Article 324 provided in the text.
Answer
Article 324 vests the Election Commission with the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, and Vice-President.
Explanation
Article 324 (1) is quoted: 'The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President held under this Constitution shall be vested in a Commission (referred to in this Constitution as the Election Commission).'
Since when has the Election Commission of India remained a multi-member body, after reverting to single-member status briefly?
Hint: Check the year mentioned for its permanent multi-member status after a brief change.
Answer
In 1993, two Election Commissioners were once again appointed, and the Commission became multi-member and has remained so since then.
Explanation
The text states, 'Till 1989, the Election Commission was single member... In 1993, two Election Commissioners were once again appointed and the Commission became multi-member and has remained multi-member since then.'
What is the tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners?
Hint: Look for the specific terms of service mentioned for EC members.
Answer
The CEC and Election Commissioners are appointed for a six-year term or continue till the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Constitution ensures the security of the tenure of the CEC and Election Commissioners. They are appointed for a six year term or continue till the age of 65, whichever is earlier.'
Why is the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) removed by the President only after both Houses of Parliament make a recommendation with a special majority?
Hint: Consider the importance of the EC's impartiality and its role in conducting free and fair elections.
Answer
This stringent removal process is designed to ensure the security of the CEC's tenure and to safeguard their impartiality from political pressures by the ruling party.
Explanation
The text states, 'The CEC can be removed before the expiry of the term, by the President if both Houses of Parliament make such a recommendation with a special majority. This is done to ensure that a ruling party cannot remove a CEC who refuses to favour it in elections.'
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India, as per the text?
Hint: Recall the specific types of elections the EC is NOT responsible for, as mentioned in the text.
Answer
The Election Commission of India is not responsible for the conduct of local body elections; these are managed by State Election Commissioners.
Explanation
The text explicitly mentions, 'The Election Commission is not responsible for the conduct of local body elections. As we shall study in the chapter on Local Government, the State Election Commissioners work independently of the Election Commission of India.'
What power does the Election Commission have during the election process regarding administrative officers?
Hint: Think about the EC's authority to ensure fairness and impartiality during elections.
Answer
During the election process, the Election Commission has full control over administrative officers assigned election-related duty, including the power to transfer them or take action for failing to act in a non-partisan manner.
Explanation
The text states, 'However, once the election process has begun, the commission has control over the administration as far as election related work is concerned. During the election process, the administrative officers of the State and central governments are assigned election related duty and in this respect, the Election Commission has full control over them. The EC can transfer the officers, or stop their transfers; it can take action against them for failing to act in a non-partisan manner.'
The text mentions that the Election Commission postponed elections in Gujarat in 2002 due to unprecedented violence. This illustrates the EC's power to:
Hint: Recall the EC's powers regarding the conduct of elections under adverse conditions.
Answer
The postponement of elections in Gujarat by the EC demonstrates its power to postpone or cancel elections in the entire country or a specific area if the atmosphere is vitiated, making free and fair elections impossible.
Explanation
The text gives this example: 'In 2002, the Election Commission faced another critical situation when the Gujarat Assembly was dissolved and elections had to be conducted. But the Election Commission found that unprecedented violence in that State had made it impossible to hold free and fair elections immediately. The Election Commission decided to postpone elections to the State Assembly by a few months.' This falls under its power to 'take decisions to ensure a free and fair poll. It can postpone or cancel the election... on the grounds that the atmosphere is vitiated'.
What is one of the suggested electoral reforms regarding the role of money in politics?
Hint: Consider the proposed solutions for reducing financial influence in elections.
Answer
One suggested electoral reform is to have stricter provisions to control the role of money in electoral politics, including the possibility of the government paying election expenses out of a special fund.
Explanation
Under 'Electoral Reforms', one suggestion is: 'There should be stricter provisions to control the role of money in electoral politics. The elections expenses should be paid by the government out of a special fund.'
If a suggestion for electoral reform is to bar candidates with any criminal case from contesting elections, even if their appeal is pending, what is the underlying goal?
Hint: Think about the ethical implications and public trust in representatives, especially concerning criminal backgrounds.
Answer
The underlying goal of barring candidates with criminal cases is to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that representatives are perceived as and are genuinely of good character.
Explanation
The suggestion 'Candidates with any criminal case should be barred from contesting elections, even if their appeal is pending before a court' aims at ensuring the quality and integrity of elected representatives, implying that those with criminal accusations, regardless of final conviction, may not be suitable to hold public office and represent the people.
The text suggests that apart from legal reforms, what two other ways can ensure elections reflect the expectations and democratic aspirations of the people?
Hint: Look for non-legal mechanisms mentioned to improve electoral integrity and democratic representation.
Answer
Beyond legal reforms, elections can be improved by more vigilant and active public participation, and by political institutions and voluntary organizations functioning as watchdogs.
Explanation
The text states, 'Apart from legal reforms, there are two other ways of ensuring that elections reflect the expectations and democratic aspirations of the people. One is, of course, that people themselves have to be more vigilant, more actively involved in political activities... Therefore, it is necessary that various political institutions and voluntary organisations are developed and are active in functioning as watchdog for ensuring free and fair elections.'
The text highlights that India's election system has allowed voters to peacefully change governments at both State and national levels. What does this suggest about the system's effectiveness?
Hint: Consider the democratic value of peaceful power transitions and the role of voter choice.
Answer
The ability of voters to peacefully change governments reflects the success of the election system in upholding democratic principles, allowing for voter sovereignty and smooth transitions of power.
Explanation
One of the factors gauging the success of India's election system is: 'Our election system has allowed the voters not only to freely choose representatives, but also to change governments peacefully both at the State and national level.' This clearly suggests effectiveness in facilitating democratic transitions.
What is the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act, 2023) related to?
Hint: Recall the recent legislative development mentioned regarding women's representation in national and state legislatures.
Answer
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act, 2023) provides for reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'A similar provision for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas has been provided through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act, 2023).' This refers to reserving seats for women in these legislative bodies.
Why did the Constitution makers reject 'separate electorates' for communities?
Hint: Recall the historical debate and the stated concerns about separate electorates from the perspective of national unity.
Answer
The Constitution makers rejected separate electorates because many members expressed fear that it would not suit India's purposes and would do incalculable harm by barring progress and perpetuating divisions.
Explanation
The text quotes Tajamul Husain from CAD: 'Separate electorates have been a curse to India, have done incalculable harm to this country… Separate electorates have barred our progress…' This reflects the fear of perpetuating divisions, which led to their rejection.
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