12 CBSE NCERT Political Science
2 Reasons for Congress Party Dominance in Early Elections
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Theme Analysis
Main ThemeEarly Democratic Politics and One-Party Dominance in India
Subject CategoryPolitical Science
Key Concepts
Question FocusThe questions cover the historical context of India's early democratic journey, the challenges of conducting large-scale elections, the reasons behind the Congress party's initial supremacy, the impact of the electoral system, and the nature and role of emerging opposition parties. Questions are designed to test understanding, application, and analysis of these core concepts, avoiding mere rote memorization.
Which of the following challenges, alongside nation-building, confronted India immediately after Independence?
Hint: Consider the primary focus of the chapter's introduction regarding the political system.
Answer
The challenge of instituting democratic politics accompanied nation-building immediately after Independence.
Explanation
The text explicitly states that 'The challenge of nation-building, covered in the last chapter, was accompanied by the challenge of instituting democratic politics.' This highlights the dual priority for newly independent India.
Why did the leaders of newly independent India decide to take the 'more difficult path' of democracy, unlike many other post-colonial nations?
Hint: Reflect on the historical context and values that guided India's independence movement.
Answer
The leaders chose democracy because the freedom struggle itself was deeply committed to democratic ideals.
Explanation
The text states, 'Any other path would have been surprising, for our freedom struggle was deeply committed to the idea of democracy.' This commitment was a core reason for choosing democracy despite its challenges.
When was the Election Commission of India set up, and who became its first Chief Election Commissioner?
Hint: Recall the details provided about the initial steps taken to prepare for elections.
Answer
The Election Commission of India was set up in January 1950, and Sukumar Sen became the first Chief Election Commissioner.
Explanation
The text clearly states, 'The Election Commission of India was set up in January 1950. Sukumar Sen became the first Chief Election Commissioner.'
What specific issue was discovered with the electoral rolls during the preparation for India's first general elections?
Hint: Think about the challenges related to identity and social norms mentioned in the election preparation section.
Answer
The names of nearly 40 lakh women were not recorded properly, listed impersonally as 'wife of…' or 'daughter of…'.
Explanation
When the first draft of the rolls was published, 'it was discovered that the names of nearly 40 lakh women were not recorded in the list. They were simply listed as “wife of …” or “daughter of …”. The Election Commission refused to accept these entries and ordered a revision.'
Why was India's experiment with universal adult franchise considered 'bold and risky' by many observers?
Hint: Consider the global context of democracy and literacy levels at the time of India's first elections.
Answer
It was considered bold and risky because democracy, especially with universal adult franchise, had primarily been successful in prosperous and literate Western countries, making India's attempt in a poor and largely illiterate nation unprecedented.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Till then democracy had existed only in the prosperous countries, mainly in Europe and North America, where nearly everyone was literate.' India's decision to implement universal adult franchise in a poor and illiterate country was therefore seen as a significant gamble.
When were India's first general elections finally held, and why are they referred to as the '1952 election'?
Hint: Recall the specific dates and the reason for the common year reference mentioned in the text.
Answer
The elections were held from October 1951 to February 1952 but are called the 1952 election because most parts of the country voted in January 1952.
Explanation
The text states, 'The elections had to be postponed twice and finally held from October 1951 to February 1952. But this election is referred to as the 1952 election since most parts of the country voted in January 1952.'
What was the initial method of voting used in India's first general election?
Hint: Consider the challenges of illiteracy and the practical solution adopted for the very first election.
Answer
In the first general election, voters were given a blank ballot paper to drop into a box specifically designated for their chosen candidate, marked with their election symbol.
Explanation
The text describes, 'In the first general election, it was decided to place inside each polling booth a box for each candidate with the election symbol of that candidate. Each voter was given a blank ballot paper which they had to drop into the box of the candidate they wanted to vote for.'
How did the successful conduct of India's 1952 general election impact global perceptions of democracy?
Hint: Think about the specific criticism that India's experiment aimed to prove wrong.
Answer
The successful 1952 elections demonstrated that democratic elections were possible in developing nations, challenging previous assumptions.
Explanation
The text states, 'It was no longer possible to argue that democratic elections could not be held in conditions of poverty or lack of education. It proved that democracy could be practiced anywhere in the world.' This marked a landmark in the history of democracy.
Which of the following was NOT a major reason for the Indian National Congress's dominance in the first three general elections?
Hint: Recall the factors explicitly mentioned as contributing to the Congress's early electoral success.
Answer
The Congress party did not form a coalition with opposition parties; it dominated due to its legacy, organization, and leadership.
Explanation
The text lists three main reasons for Congress dominance: 'inherited the legacy of the national movement,' 'the only party then to have an organisation spread all over the country,' and 'in Jawaharlal Nehru, the party had the most popular and charismatic leader.' There is no mention of it forming coalitions with opposition parties before the elections.
How many seats did the Indian National Congress win in the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952?
Hint: Focus on the specific number of seats secured by the dominant party.
Answer
The Congress party won 364 out of 489 seats in the first Lok Sabha elections.
Explanation
The text states, 'The party won 364 of the 489 seats in the first Lok Sabha and finished way ahead of any other challenger.'
Despite winning 74% of the seats in 1952, the Congress party secured only 45% of the total votes. What electoral system explains this discrepancy?
Hint: Consider the electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of a majority.
Answer
The First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system explains how a party can win a disproportionately high number of seats with less than half of the total votes.
Explanation
The text explains, 'The Congress won three out of every four seats but it did not get even half of the votes. In 1952, for example, the Congress obtained 45 per cent of the total votes. But it managed to win 74 per cent of the seats. ... For this, you need to recall the discussion about the first-past-the-post method... In this system of election... the party that gets more votes than others tends to get much more than its proportional share.'
How did the division of non-Congress votes contribute to the Congress party's significant seat advantage under the first-past-the-post system?
Hint: Think about what happens when many candidates split the votes of the majority, allowing a minority winner.
Answer
The division of non-Congress votes among various rival parties and candidates meant that Congress candidates often won their seats with a simple plurality of votes, even if the majority of voters in that constituency voted against Congress.
Explanation
The text clarifies, 'If we add up the votes of all the non-Congress candidates it was more than the votes of the Congress. But the non-Congress votes were divided between different rival parties and candidates. So the Congress was still way ahead of the opposition and managed to win.' This is a direct consequence of the first-past-the-post system.
Which party emerged as the second-largest party in terms of seats won in the first Lok Sabha elections?
Hint: Recall the immediate runner-up in the 1952 general election results.
Answer
The Communist Party of India (CPI) came next in terms of seats won after the Congress in the first Lok Sabha elections.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Communist Party of India that came next in terms of seats won only 16 seats.'
In which state and year did the Congress party first experience electoral defeat and a Communist party government come to power through democratic elections?
Hint: Focus on the specific state and the historical significance of the event for the Communist party.
Answer
The Communist Party came to power in Kerala in 1957, marking the first time a Communist government was democratically elected anywhere in the world.
Explanation
The section 'Communist victory in Kerala' clearly states, 'As early as in 1957, the Congress party had the bitter taste of defeat in Kerala.' It further mentions that 'For the first time in the world, a Communist party government had come to power through democratic elections.'
What was the controversial outcome regarding the Communist government in Kerala, led by E. M. S. Namboodiripad, in 1959?
Hint: Recall the eventual fate of the first democratically elected Communist government.
Answer
The Communist government in Kerala was controversially dismissed by the Congress government at the Centre in 1959, using Article 356 of the Constitution.
Explanation
The text details, 'In 1959 the Congress government at the Centre dismissed the Communist government in Kerala under Article 356 of the Constitution. This decision proved very controversial and was widely cited as one of the prominent instances of the misuse of constitutional emergency powers.'
What was the primary ideology of the Socialist Party, which distinguished it from both the Congress and the Communists?
Hint: Consider the specific term used to describe their political and economic philosophy.
Answer
The Socialist Party believed in the ideology of democratic socialism.
Explanation
The text states, 'The socialists believed in the ideology of democratic socialism which distinguished them both from the Congress as well as from the Communists.'
How did the Congress's declaration of its goal as a 'socialist pattern of society' in 1955 create a dilemma for the Socialist Party?
Hint: Think about the impact on a party's distinct identity when its main rival adopts a similar policy goal.
Answer
The Congress adopting a 'socialist pattern of society' made it harder for the Socialist Party to differentiate itself and offer a distinct alternative.
Explanation
The text explains, 'the socialists faced a dilemma when in 1955 the Congress declared its goal to be the socialist pattern of society. Thus it became difficult for the socialists to present themselves as an effective alternative to the Congress.'
Who among the following was a prominent leader of the socialist parties mentioned in the text?
Hint: Recall the names associated with the leadership of the Socialist Party.
Answer
Jayaprakash Narayan was a notable leader of the socialist parties.
Explanation
The text lists, 'Jayaprakash Narayan, Achyut Patwardhan, Asoka Mehta, Acharya Narendra Dev, Rammanohar Lohia and S.M. Joshi were among the leaders of the socialist parties.'
What was the crucial difference between Congress dominance in India and one-party dominance in countries like China or Myanmar?
Hint: Consider the conditions under which Congress achieved its dominance compared to other one-party states.
Answer
Congress dominance in India was unique because it occurred within a democratic framework, where many parties contested free and fair elections.
Explanation
The text highlights, 'What distinguished the dominance of the Congress party in India from all these cases was it happened under democratic conditions. Many parties contested elections in conditions of free and fair elections and yet the Congress managed to win election after election.'
The Congress party is described as a 'rainbow-like social coalition.' What does this imply about its composition?
Hint: Think about the meaning of 'rainbow-like' in the context of social and ideological representation.
Answer
The description 'rainbow-like social coalition' signifies that the Congress party encompassed a wide array of diverse groups and interests from across Indian society.
Explanation
The text states, 'By the time of Independence, the Congress was transformed into a rainbow-like social coalition broadly representing India’s diversity in terms of classes and castes, religions and languages and various interests. ... In this sense the Congress was an ideological coalition as well. It accommodated the revolutionary and pacifist, conservative and radical, extremist and moderate and the right, left and all shades of the centre.'
How did the 'coalition-like character' of the Congress party handle internal differences and ambitions of various groups?
Hint: Consider how a broad coalition typically manages diverse viewpoints and interests.
Answer
The Congress party's coalition nature allowed for greater tolerance of internal differences and accommodated the ambitions of various groups and leaders within its fold.
Explanation
The text explains, 'In a party that has the nature of a coalition, there is a greater tolerance of internal differences and ambitions of various groups and leaders are accommodated. ... That is why, even if a group was not happy with the position of the party or with its share of power, it would remain inside the party and fight the other groups rather than leaving the party and becoming an ‘opposition’.'
The text states that internal factionalism became a 'strength' of the Congress. What was the primary reason for this?
Hint: Consider the alternative to factions staying within the party.
Answer
Factionalism was a strength because it kept diverse leaders and interests within the Congress, preventing them from defecting and forming formidable opposition parties.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Instead of being a weakness, internal factionalism became a strength of the Congress. Since there was room within the party for various factions to fight with each other, it meant that leaders representing different interests and ideologies remained within the Congress rather than go out and form a new party.'
The Communist Party of India (CPI) initially worked within the Indian National Congress. When did a significant 'parting of ways' occur, and why?
Hint: Recall the specific historical event that caused a major divergence in strategy for the CPI.
Answer
The parting of ways occurred in December 1941 when the Communists chose to support the British during World War II, contrary to the Congress's stance.
Explanation
The text states, 'From 1935, the Communists worked mainly from within the fold of the Indian National Congress. A parting of ways took place in December 1941, when the Communists decided to support the British in their war against Nazi Germany.'
What was the initial stance of the Communist Party of India regarding India's independence in 1947?
Hint: Recall the CPI's initial reaction and actions following India's independence.
Answer
The CPI initially viewed the 1947 transfer of power as a sham and encouraged violent uprisings, notably in Telangana.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Soon after Independence, the party thought that the transfer of power in 1947 was not true independence and encouraged violent uprisings in Telangana.'
Who was the founder-President of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, formed in 1951?
Hint: Recall the key figure associated with the establishment of this nationalist party.
Answer
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was the founder-President of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was formed in 1951 with Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as its founder-President.'
Which of the following was a guiding principle of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh's ideology?
Hint: Consider the nationalist and cultural tenets of the party's platform.
Answer
The Bharatiya Jana Sangh emphasized the idea of 'one country, one culture and one nation,' believing India could be modern and strong based on its own culture and traditions.
Explanation
The text says, 'It emphasised the idea of one country, one culture and one nation and believed that the country could become modern, progressive and strong on the basis of Indian culture and traditions.'
Despite gaining only 'token representation' in the early years, what crucial role did opposition parties play in maintaining India's democratic character?
Hint: Think about the general functions of an opposition in a democratic system, even a weak one.
Answer
Opposition parties provided sustained and principled criticism, kept the ruling Congress party accountable, and served as a training ground for future leaders, thus strengthening democracy.
Explanation
The text states, 'Yet their presence played a crucial role in maintaining the democratic character of the system. These parties offered a sustained and often principled criticism of the policies and practices of the Congress party. This kept the ruling party under check and often changed the balance of power within the Congress. By keeping democratic political alternative alive, these parties prevented the resentment with the system from turning anti-democratic. These parties also groomed the leaders who were to play a crucial role in the shaping of our country.'
Why was the first decade of electoral competition in India described as the 'Congress system'?
Hint: Consider the dual role the Congress played due to its inclusive nature and internal dynamics.
Answer
The 'Congress system' describes a period where the Congress party was so dominant that internal competition among its various factions essentially served the role of both ruling and opposition politics.
Explanation
The text concludes this section by saying, 'Political competition therefore took place within the Congress. In that sense, in the first decade of electoral competition the Congress acted both as the ruling party as well as the opposition. That is why this period of Indian politics has been described as the ‘Congress system’.'
Who was the Education Minister in the first cabinet of free India?
Hint: Refer to the biographical notes provided for prominent figures.
Answer
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad served as the Education Minister in India's first cabinet.
Explanation
The biographical note for Maulana Abul Kalam Azad states he was 'Education Minister in the first cabinet of free India.'
Who was the Health Minister in independent India’s first ministry and continued in that role until 1957?
Hint: Consult the biographical notes for the ministers mentioned.
Answer
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was the Minister for Health in independent India’s first ministry.
Explanation
The biographical note for Rajkumari Amrit Kaur states she was 'Minister for Health in independent India’s first ministry; continued as Health Minister till 1957.'
According to the text, democratic politics is presented as an answer to which fundamental societal question?
Hint: Recall the text's explanation of the purpose of politics in a democratic society.
Answer
Democratic politics provides a mechanism for resolving differences and conflicting aspirations among diverse groups within society.
Explanation
The text asks, 'How do we resolve these differences? Democratic politics is an answer to this question.' It emphasizes that politics is a way of solving problems and pursuing public interest.
What two major tasks, besides setting up the Election Commission, were required to hold a free and fair election in India?
Hint: Think about the logistical requirements for defining who votes where.
Answer
Delimitation (drawing constituency boundaries) and preparing electoral rolls (list of eligible voters) were two crucial preparatory tasks.
Explanation
The text states, 'Holding an election required delimitation or drawing the boundaries of the electoral constituencies. It also required preparing the electoral rolls, or the list of all the citizens eligible to vote.'
A British member of the Indian Civil Service claimed that 'a future and more enlightened age will view with astonishment the absurd farce of recording the votes of millions of illiterate people.' What does this statement reveal about the contemporary view of India's democratic experiment?
Hint: Consider the tone and prediction in the quote regarding the success of the elections.
Answer
This statement reflects the widespread skepticism and belief among many international and colonial observers that India's attempt at universal adult franchise, particularly with a large illiterate population, was misguided and would ultimately fail.
Explanation
The quote, along with others from 'Organiser' magazine and an Indian editor calling it 'the biggest gamble in history,' illustrates the considerable skepticism and doubt that existed regarding India's ability to successfully implement universal adult franchise given its socio-economic conditions.
Who coined the concept of 'integral humanism' and was a founder member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh?
Hint: Check the biographical notes for leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Answer
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya initiated the concept of integral humanism.
Explanation
The biographical note for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya states he 'initiated the concept of integral humanism' and was a 'founder member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.'
The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. What immediate political necessity followed these events?
Hint: Think about the purpose of a constitution in a democracy and what logically follows its implementation.
Answer
After the Constitution came into effect, the immediate necessity was to install the country's first democratically elected government.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Constitution had laid down the rules, now the machine had to be put in place. Initially it was thought that this was only a matter of a few months. The Election Commission of India was set up in January 1950. Sukumar Sen became the first Chief Election Commissioner. The country’s first general elections were expected sometime in 1950 itself.' This clearly points to the installation of an elected government.
Which of the following describes the 'first off the blocks' advantage enjoyed by the Congress party?
Hint: Consider the timing of the Congress's establishment and widespread presence compared to other parties.
Answer
The Congress had a head start because it was an established organization from the freedom struggle, with a nationwide network, while other parties were formed around or after Independence.
Explanation
The text explains, 'The roots of this extraordinary success of the Congress party go back to the legacy of the freedom struggle. ... The Congress was already a very well-organised party and by the time the other parties could even think of a strategy, the Congress had already started its campaign. In fact, many parties were formed only around Independence or after that. Thus, the Congress had the ‘first off the blocks’ advantage.'
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar warned against 'hero-worship' in politics, stating it is a 'sure road to degradation and eventual dictatorship.' What is the underlying concern expressed by Ambedkar regarding this practice?
Hint: Think about the negative consequences of idolizing political figures in a democratic system.
Answer
Ambedkar's concern was that excessive hero-worship could erode democratic institutions and lead to authoritarian rule by vesting too much power and blind loyalty in a single leader.
Explanation
Ambedkar's quote highlights the danger of hero-worship in politics, suggesting it can lead to 'degradation and eventual dictatorship.' This implies a concern that such practices undermine the foundational principles of democracy, where power should be diffused and accountability maintained, rather than concentrated in an unquestioned leader.
After the first two general elections, how did the method of voting change in India?
Hint: Recall the intermediate stage of voting before the introduction of EVMs.
Answer
After the first two elections, the method changed to ballot papers listing all candidates' names and symbols, where voters would stamp their choice.
Explanation
The text states, 'After the first two elections, this method was changed. Now the ballot paper carried the names and symbols of all the candidates and the voter was required to put a stamp on the name of the candidate they wanted to vote for.'
The Congress being an 'ideological coalition' meant it accommodated which of the following?
Hint: Think about the broad range of philosophies that could coexist within a 'coalition'.
Answer
As an ideological coalition, Congress accommodated a wide spectrum of political thoughts, including revolutionary, pacifist, conservative, radical, and various positions across the political left, right, and center.
Explanation
The text states, 'In this sense the Congress was an ideological coalition as well. It accommodated the revolutionary and pacifist, conservative and radical, extremist and moderate and the right, left and all shades of the centre.'
In which regions was the Communist Party of India's support more concentrated in the early years after independence?
Hint: Recall the geographical areas where the CPI had a strong presence.
Answer
The CPI's support was concentrated in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Kerala.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'The party’s support was more concentrated in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Kerala.'
The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was in the forefront of the agitation to replace English with which language as the official language of India?
Hint: Recall the BJS's stance on national language policy.
Answer
The Bharatiya Jana Sangh strongly advocated for replacing English with Hindi as India's official language.
Explanation
The text states, 'The party was in forefront of the agitation to replace English with Hindi as the official language of India.'
Who were some of the prominent opposition leaders included in the interim government that ruled India after Independence and before the first general election?
Hint: Refer to the details about the composition of the interim government and the mutual respect among early leaders.
Answer
Dr. Ambedkar and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee were among the opposition leaders included in the interim cabinet.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'The interim government that ruled the country after the declaration of Independence and the first general election included opposition leaders like Dr. Ambedkar and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in the cabinet.'
How did the presence of diverse opposition parties, even with token representation, prevent 'resentment with the system from turning anti-democratic'?
Hint: Consider how allowing diverse voices within a democratic framework helps legitimize the system.
Answer
By offering legitimate democratic alternatives and channels for criticism, opposition parties ensured that public dissatisfaction could be expressed and addressed within the system, preventing it from escalating into anti-democratic movements.
Explanation
The text states, 'By keeping democratic political alternative alive, these parties prevented the resentment with the system from turning anti-democratic.' This implies that their role in criticizing and providing alternatives served as a crucial check and balance.
Which leader was known for opposing Partition and serving as Education Minister in the first cabinet of free India?
Hint: Refer to the biographical notes for prominent figures and their stance on Partition.
Answer
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a proponent of Hindu-Muslim unity and opposed Partition, later serving as Education Minister.
Explanation
The biographical note for Maulana Abul Kalam Azad states he was a 'proponent of Hindu-Muslim unity; opposed to Partition; member of Constituent Assembly; Education Minister in the first cabinet of free India.'
The text notes that the Congress's ability to accommodate all interests and aspirants for political power 'steadily declined' over time. What was the consequence of this decline?
Hint: Consider what happens when the dominant party loses its ability to incorporate diverse groups.
Answer
As the Congress's accommodative capacity declined, other political parties began to gain more importance and influence.
Explanation
The text states, 'As the ability of the Congress to accommodate all interests and all aspirants for political power steadily declined, other political parties started gaining greater significance. Thus, Congress dominance constitutes only one phase in the politics of the country.'
Who was a Communist leader from Kerala, initially a Congress worker, and later joined the CPI(M) after the split in 1964?
Hint: Check the biographical notes for the Communist leaders mentioned.
Answer
A. K. Gopalan was a prominent Communist leader from Kerala who moved to CPI(M) after the split.
Explanation
The biographical note for A. K. Gopalan states he was a 'Communist leader from Kerala, worked as a Congress worker initially; joined the Communist Party in 1939; after the split in the Communist Party in 1964, joined the CPI (M) and worked for strengthening the party.'
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