Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the duration of the term for elected representatives in India?
What is the duration of the term for elected representatives in India?
By-elections are held to fill vacancies that occur due to the completion of a term.
By-elections are held to fill vacancies that occur due to the completion of a term.
False
What is the term used for the representative elected from a Lok Sabha constituency?
What is the term used for the representative elected from a Lok Sabha constituency?
Member of Parliament (MP)
In the Lok Sabha, _____ seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC).
In the Lok Sabha, _____ seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC).
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following terms with their meanings:
Match the following terms with their meanings:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true regarding reserved constituencies?
Which of the following is true regarding reserved constituencies?
Signup and view all the answers
Electoral constituencies in India are based on population density only.
Electoral constituencies in India are based on population density only.
Signup and view all the answers
What are the elected representatives from state legislative assemblies called?
What are the elected representatives from state legislative assemblies called?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum age required to become a candidate in elections?
What is the minimum age required to become a candidate in elections?
Signup and view all the answers
Carry an Election Photo Identity Card [EPIC] is compulsory for voting.
Carry an Election Photo Identity Card [EPIC] is compulsory for voting.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the official name given to the list of eligible voters?
What is the official name given to the list of eligible voters?
Signup and view all the answers
Candidates are required to make a legal declaration providing details about their __________ and liabilities.
Candidates are required to make a legal declaration providing details about their __________ and liabilities.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following items related to election regulations:
Match the following items related to election regulations:
Signup and view all the answers
During what time period do election campaigns take place in India?
During what time period do election campaigns take place in India?
Signup and view all the answers
Information about candidates is made available to the public.
Information about candidates is made available to the public.
Signup and view all the answers
Election slogans like 'Save Democracy' represent __________ efforts by political parties.
Election slogans like 'Save Democracy' represent __________ efforts by political parties.
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the main reasons elections are necessary in a democracy?
What is one of the main reasons elections are necessary in a democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
Elections should be held only once every ten years to be considered democratic.
Elections should be held only once every ten years to be considered democratic.
Signup and view all the answers
Mention one condition that makes an election democratic.
Mention one condition that makes an election democratic.
Signup and view all the answers
Political competition is essential because it provides _______ to political parties and leaders.
Political competition is essential because it provides _______ to political parties and leaders.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following aspects of elections with their descriptions:
Match the following aspects of elections with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a democratic election?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a democratic election?
Signup and view all the answers
Elections enable voters to choose parties whose policies will guide governance.
Elections enable voters to choose parties whose policies will guide governance.
Signup and view all the answers
What does electoral competition among parties serve?
What does electoral competition among parties serve?
Signup and view all the answers
What is prohibited for political parties according to the Model Code of Conduct during elections?
What is prohibited for political parties according to the Model Code of Conduct during elections?
Signup and view all the answers
The Election Commission is responsible for monitoring the use of places of worship for election propaganda.
The Election Commission is responsible for monitoring the use of places of worship for election propaganda.
Signup and view all the answers
What do electronic voting machines (EVM) show to voters during elections?
What do electronic voting machines (EVM) show to voters during elections?
Signup and view all the answers
The day when voters cast their votes is called __________.
The day when voters cast their votes is called __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following roles with their responsibilities in the election process:
Match the following roles with their responsibilities in the election process:
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to the EVMs after polling is completed?
What happens to the EVMs after polling is completed?
Signup and view all the answers
Ministers are allowed to make policy announcements during the election campaign.
Ministers are allowed to make policy announcements during the election campaign.
Signup and view all the answers
Who is responsible for implementing the Model Code of Conduct during elections?
Who is responsible for implementing the Model Code of Conduct during elections?
Signup and view all the answers
Who do government officers work under during election duty?
Who do government officers work under during election duty?
Signup and view all the answers
Voter turnout is a measure of the percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections.
Voter turnout is a measure of the percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections.
Signup and view all the answers
What groups of people tend to vote in larger proportions in India?
What groups of people tend to vote in larger proportions in India?
Signup and view all the answers
In elections, candidates with known ______ often lose elections in India.
In elections, candidates with known ______ often lose elections in India.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following challenges to free and fair elections with their descriptions:
Match the following challenges to free and fair elections with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common trend observed among sitting MPs or MLAs in India during elections?
What is a common trend observed among sitting MPs or MLAs in India during elections?
Signup and view all the answers
Voters in India have become less interested in election-related activities over the years.
Voters in India have become less interested in election-related activities over the years.
Signup and view all the answers
How do ordinary citizens perceive the outcome of elections in most cases?
How do ordinary citizens perceive the outcome of elections in most cases?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Electoral Politics
- Elections are essential in democracies; they allow citizens to choose their representatives. More than 100 countries utilize elections.
- Voters choose representatives who make laws, form governments, and make major decisions.
- Elections should be held regularly, with freedoms to choose and a fair process, and the winner should be the person most preferred by the people.
Why Elections are Necessary
- Regular electoral competition incentivizes political parties and leaders. If a party fails to meet the needs of voters, they are less likely to be reelected.
- This competition ensures that parties focus on the needs of the general population rather than simply power.
India's Electoral System
- Elections in India are held every five years for the Lok Sabha (national) and Vidhan Sabha (state) assemblies.
- A general election covers all constituencies simultaneously or within a few days.
- By-elections are held for specific constituencies when seats become vacant due to death, resignation, or other reasons.
- India is divided into electoral constituencies to elect representatives.
Electoral Constituencies
- Lok Sabha elections divide India into 543 constituencies.
- Each state has a specific number of Assembly constituencies.
- Constituencies are further divided for local bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities.
Reserved Constituencies
- Specific constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) for representation.
- Seats are reserved in Lok Sabha as well as other bodies.
Voter Eligibility
- Voters who have registered on the electoral/voter's list are eligible.
- Indian voters need an Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC), although another form of identification like a ration card or driving license may also be accepted.
- Age criteria for candidacy is 25 years or above.
Candidate Nomination
- Candidates must fill out nomination forms and pay a security deposit.
- Candidates must publicize their criminal record, assets, liabilities, and educational qualification.
Election Campaigns and Conduct
- Campaigns occur between the final candidate list and the election date.
- Political parties and candidates use slogans and policies to gain voter support.
- Candidates and parties cannot bribe, threaten voters, use religion or caste for campaigning, or misuse government resources.
Polling and Counting
- Election day is when voters cast their ballots.
- Polling booths are used for voting.
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) are commonly used.
- Results are calculated by counting votes from the EVM.
Democratic Principles in Elections
- Election commissions are independent, overseeing all aspects of elections.
- Elections are conducted fairly, based on public participation and free choice.
- Outcome acceptance: The results of elections are often viewed as the will of the people.
Challenges to Free and Fair Elections
- Wealthy candidates or parties often have advantages over smaller parties or candidates.
- Candidates with criminal backgrounds sometimes succeed in gaining election.
- Candidates sometimes misuse government resources, appeal to voters on the basis of religion or caste.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the significance of elections in democracies, focusing on India's electoral system. Understand how elections empower citizens to choose their representatives and the competitive nature of political parties. This quiz delves into the structure and process of elections in India, highlighting their role in ensuring accountable governance.
