8th Lok Sabha Elections in India

Questions and Answers

What is the basis for allocating the number of seats to each state in the Lok Sabha?

The population of the state (correct)

The number of cities in the state

The geographical area of the state

The economic strength of the state

Which constituency is the largest in terms of area?

Ladakh (correct)

Chandni Chowk

Lakshadweep

Malkajgiri

What is the maximum tenure of the Lok Sabha?

3 years

10 years

7 years

5 years (correct)

How many seats are allocated to the states in the Lok Sabha?

530 Signup and view all the answers

What is the criteria for allocating at least one seat to every state?

Population of more than 60 lakh Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for determining the population of a state for allocating seats?

The population as ascertained at the last preceding census Signup and view all the answers

Which constituency has the maximum number of electors?

Malkajgiri Signup and view all the answers

What is the total strength of the Lok Sabha?

543 Signup and view all the answers

How many seats did the BJP win in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections?

240 Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of members the Lok Sabha can have?

550 Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the Indian Constitution outlines the composition of the Lok Sabha?

Article 81 Signup and view all the answers

How many seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha?

47 Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment to the Constitution of India introduced the provision of special representation for Anglo-Indians?

This provision was not introduced by an amendment Signup and view all the answers

How many phases were the 2024 Lok Sabha elections held in?

7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the Lok Sabha's tenure?

5 years Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the coalition that the Congress party was a part of in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections?

INDIA Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

18th Lok Sabha Elections

General elections in India occurred from 19 April to 1 June 2024, covering 543 members of Lok Sabha.
The NDA alliance secured a majority with 293 seats; BJP won 240 of these seats.
The opposition INDIA coalition obtained 234 seats, with Congress contributing 99 seats to that total.
Elections were executed in seven phases, with results announced on 4 June 2024.

Composition and Structure of Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament, capable of having a maximum of 550 members.
The current structure includes 530 representatives from states and 20 from Union Territories.
The previous maximum was 552 seats, which included two nominated members from the Anglo-Indian community.
The Constitution (104th Amendment) Act of 2019 eliminated the nomination of Anglo-Indians.

Reservation and Representation

A total of 84 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 47 for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The Lok Sabha's tenure is five years but can be extended during emergencies by Parliament.
Under the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act of December 2023, one-third of all seats are reserved for women across Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Allocation of Seats

Seats are allocated based on population ratios, ensuring equitable representation.
Each state is divided into territorial constituencies, aiming for equal population-to-seat ratios, though small states with populations under 60 lakh are guaranteed at least one seat regardless.
Ladakh is the largest constituency by area, while Chandni Chowk is the smallest.
Malkajgiri has the largest number of electors; Lakshadweep has the fewest.

Historical Context

The 2024 Lok Sabha election was the second longest since India's first elections held in 1951-52.
The basis for seat allocation is defined in Article 81 of the Constitution, relying on population data from the latest published census.