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Questions and Answers
Why is it neither possible nor necessary for people to govern directly in a democracy?
Why is it neither possible nor necessary for people to govern directly in a democracy?
Because in a democracy, it is neither possible nor necessary for people to govern directly. The most common form of democracy is for people to govern through their representatives.
The article suggests that electoral competition among parties serves the people because it creates a sense of disunity and 'factionalism' in every locality.
The article suggests that electoral competition among parties serves the people because it creates a sense of disunity and 'factionalism' in every locality.
False
Which of the following is NOT a reason why elections are considered essential in a democracy?
Which of the following is NOT a reason why elections are considered essential in a democracy?
The process of selecting representatives without elections can be challenging because there is always the difficulty of deciding who is more ______ or knowledgeable.
The process of selecting representatives without elections can be challenging because there is always the difficulty of deciding who is more ______ or knowledgeable.
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What condition is NOT a minimum requirement for a democratic election?
What condition is NOT a minimum requirement for a democratic election?
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The article argues that in the absence of competition, elections become pointless.
The article argues that in the absence of competition, elections become pointless.
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What are the two ways to deal with the challenges of political leaders being motivated by a desire for power and a lack of clear understanding of the people's needs?
What are the two ways to deal with the challenges of political leaders being motivated by a desire for power and a lack of clear understanding of the people's needs?
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Explain how electoral competition helps to ensure that political parties and leaders serve the people.
Explain how electoral competition helps to ensure that political parties and leaders serve the people.
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The article suggests that, despite the potential drawbacks, political competition is essential for ensuring a well-functioning democratic system.
The article suggests that, despite the potential drawbacks, political competition is essential for ensuring a well-functioning democratic system.
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Which of these are the two primary types of elections held in India?
Which of these are the two primary types of elections held in India?
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What is an electoral constituency?
What is an electoral constituency?
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In India, every vote has equal value, meaning that each constituency should have a roughly equal population.
In India, every vote has equal value, meaning that each constituency should have a roughly equal population.
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What is the primary function of the voters' list?
What is the primary function of the voters' list?
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Explain the concept of 'universal adult franchise' and its significance in the context of democratic elections.
Explain the concept of 'universal adult franchise' and its significance in the context of democratic elections.
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The Indian Constitution provides for reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure fair representation of these groups in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
The Indian Constitution provides for reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure fair representation of these groups in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
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What is the primary difference between general elections and by-elections?
What is the primary difference between general elections and by-elections?
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The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections at all levels of government, from the national level (Lok Sabha) to local bodies (panchayats, municipal corporations).
The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections at all levels of government, from the national level (Lok Sabha) to local bodies (panchayats, municipal corporations).
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The Election Commission of India is directly accountable to the government and is subject to its orders.
The Election Commission of India is directly accountable to the government and is subject to its orders.
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Which of these actions is NOT considered a malpractices during election campaigns?
Which of these actions is NOT considered a malpractices during election campaigns?
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Study Notes
Electoral Politics Overview
- Democracies rely on representatives, not direct governance
- Elections are crucial for democracies; they assess political competition
- Elections are categorized as democratic or non-democratic
- Elections in India are examined based on democratic standards
- Each election stage, from boundary drawing to declaration of results, is assessed
- The Election Commission's role is also examined
Why Elections?
- Direct democracy is impracticable in large communities
- Representatives are essential for decision-making
- Elections allow people to choose leaders, policies, and governments
- Elections are a crucial mechanism for citizen participation
- Regular elections are essential to ensure accountability
What Makes an Election Democratic?
- Every individual vote must have equal value
- Freedom of choice from various candidates or political parties
- Elections occur at fixed intervals, enabling citizens to change leaders
- Free and fair elections involve a selection process based on will of the people
Electoral Competition
- Electoral competition is a key aspect of democratic systems
- Competition motivates candidates to better serve the public
- Competition amongst parties drives better governance
- Competition also promotes various forms of accountability
Assembly Elections in Haryana (1987)
- Devi Lal's Lok Dal party won a majority in the Haryana Assembly in 1987
- People were unhappy with the incumbent government, attracted by Devi Lal's promised loan waivers
- Devi Lal became Chief Minister following the election
- The government waived loans for farmers and small businesses
- Congress secured just 5 seats that election
Electoral Constituencies
- Countries divide regions into electoral constituencies.
- Each constituency elects a representative to a legislative body
- Constituencies may reflect a rough approximation of an area’s population
- Voters live in a particular area for elections
Reserved Constituencies
- Some constituencies are reserved for specific segments, like scheduled castes and tribes
- This helps ensure representation for these communities
- This constitutional mechanism is intended to promote equality
What Makes Elections in India Democratic?
- Elections are a crucial mechanism for evaluating political parties and leaders performance
- Elections allow people to express preferences among candidates
- Election Commission of India is an important institution in conducting elections. Its independence ensure elections are fair
- Elections are viewed as the 'people's verdict'
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of electoral politics, highlighting the importance of representative democracy and the electoral process. This quiz delves into the characteristics of democratic elections, particularly in the context of India, and the pivotal role of the Election Commission. Understand why elections are essential for citizen participation and accountability in governance.
