Electoral Politics Chapter 3

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of regulating political campaigns during elections?

To ensure that every political party and candidate has a fair and equal chance to compete.

What actions are prohibited for parties or candidates once elections are announced?

Bribing or threatening voters, appealing in the name of caste or religion, using government resources, and exceeding spending limits.

What is the maximum amount a candidate can spend in a Lok Sabha election?

The maximum amount is ` 25 lakh.

How often do ruling parties lose elections in India based on the last 25 years?

Ruling parties lose elections in India about two out of three times. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a candidate violates election laws?

Their election can be rejected by the court even after being declared elected. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of candidates who tend to lose elections in India?

Candidates who spend a lot of money on 'buying votes' and those with criminal connections often lose. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Model Code of Conduct?

It is an agreement among political parties to ensure fair election campaigns. Signup and view all the answers

What do voters do on election day?

They go to a polling booth, identify themselves, and cast their vote. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general trend regarding sitting MPs or MLAs in India compared to the US?

In India, about half of sitting MPs or MLAs lose elections, while in the US, incumbents rarely lose. Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to the outcome of rigged elections in India?

The losing party usually does not accept the outcome of rigged elections. Signup and view all the answers

What must happen before a voter casts their vote in a booth?

Election officials identify the voter and put a mark on their finger. Signup and view all the answers

Is family politics a common practice in Indian electoral politics?

Yes, family politics is common, but it may not be confined to only a few states or parties. Signup and view all the answers

What is forbidden for political parties and candidates to use during elections?

Political parties and candidates cannot use any place of worship for election propaganda. Signup and view all the answers

What was the expenditure by the government for the Lok Sabha elections in 2014?

`3,500 crores. Signup and view all the answers

How much was the total expenditure made by the government, parties, and candidates during the elections?

About `30,000 crores. Signup and view all the answers

What amount per person did the government spend on the voters' list during the 2014 elections?

Approximately `40 per person. Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument some people make about the cost of elections?

Some argue that elections are a burden on the country and that it cannot afford them. Signup and view all the answers

How much did the government spend to purchase six nuclear submarines in 2005?

`3,000 crores each. Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated cost of hosting the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010?

`20,000 crores. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Model Code of Conduct allow agents of candidates to do?

Agents can sit inside polling booths to ensure fair voting. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some believe that elections are too expensive for India?

They believe that the financial burden is too high for a poor country. Signup and view all the answers

What trend in voter turnout is observed in India from 1991 to 2015?

Voter turnout in India has either remained stable or increased from 1991 to 2015. Signup and view all the answers

What was the voter turnout percentage in India in 2015?

The voter turnout percentage in India in 2015 was 66%. Signup and view all the answers

How does the voter turnout in India compare to that in the UK as per the data?

As of 2015, voter turnout in the UK was 78%, which is higher than India's 66%. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic groups in India have a higher voter turnout?

The poor, illiterate, and underprivileged groups vote in larger proportions compared to the rich and privileged. Signup and view all the answers

What change in voter interest regarding election-related activities was noted during the 2004 elections?

More than one-third of voters participated in campaign-related activities during the 2004 elections. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the increase in participation among the poorer demographics in India?

It suggests a growing political awareness and engagement among the underprivileged sections of society. Signup and view all the answers

In which year did India's voter turnout show a percentage of 72%?

The voter turnout of 72% was recorded in the year 2009. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the interest in elections is on the rise in India?

The increasing participation in campaign-related activities indicates a rising interest in elections. Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of voter turnout in India in the year 1991?

The voter turnout percentage in India in 1991 was 56%. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about electoral participation from the trends in India compared to Western democracies?

Electoral participation in India shows higher turnout among lower socioeconomic groups, contrasting with Western democracies. Signup and view all the answers

What should you ask eligible voters in your family about their voting behavior?

Ask whether they voted in the last election and why they did or did not vote. Signup and view all the answers

How do voters feel about their ability to influence political parties through elections?

Voters believe they can exert pressure on political parties to adopt favorable policies. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of participants believed their vote has an effect?

67% believed their vote has an effect. Signup and view all the answers

What do the remaining percentages indicate about voters' perceptions of election fairness?

15% and 18% indicated skepticism about whether elections are free and fair. Signup and view all the answers

What activities related to elections could voters participate in aside from voting?

Voters could attend election meetings or rallies. Signup and view all the answers

Why might voters feel their vote matters in governance?

They believe their vote influences how things are run in the country. Signup and view all the answers

What inquiry process is suggested for understanding voting motivations?

Inquire about the party and candidate they voted for and their reasons. Signup and view all the answers

How is the acceptance of election outcomes tested?

It is tested by assessing if the outcome itself reflects free and fair elections. Signup and view all the answers

What does a lack of fair election outcomes typically favor?

It tends to favor the powerful. Signup and view all the answers

According to the study, what is a crucial aspect of considering the effectiveness of elections?

The free and fair nature of elections is essential to their effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 3: Electoral Politics

Democracies use representatives instead of direct rule by the people
Elections are essential for representatives to be chosen
Electoral competition among parties benefits the people
Democratic elections differ from non-democratic elections

Overview of Elections in India

Elections in India involve various stages, from constituency delineation to result declaration
Each stage is evaluated to assess whether Indian elections are free and fair
The Election Commission plays a role in ensuring free and fair elections

Why Elections?

People are often unhappy with the existing government
Election candidates often promise positive changes, like loan waivers for farmers, attracting voters
Election results can lead to government changes and policy shifts
After elections the previous Chief Minister may resign

The text discusses the importance of political competition in democratic elections
Elections should be regular and fair to ensure that those the people want in power are elected
Voters have responsibilities in elections
Elections in India benefit from the efforts of the Election Commission, preventing issues like voter intimidation, undue influence, or voter issues such as fraud or rigging.
Many factors, like money, influence voter decisions

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of electoral politics in democracies, with a focus on the processes involved in Indian elections. Understand the importance of free and fair elections, the role of the Election Commission, and the impact of political competition on governance. This quiz covers key concepts and stages of the electoral system.