Nation Building and Democratic Politics in India
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary method of voting in the first two general elections?

  • Direct oral voting
  • Ballot papers with names and symbols (correct)
  • Postal voting
  • Electronic Voting Machines

How long did it take for the group to prepare the voting boxes for the elections?

  • Ten hours
  • Three hours
  • Seven hours
  • Five hours (correct)

When did the entire country shift to using Electronic Voting Machines (EVM)?

  • By 2004 (correct)
  • By 2000
  • By 1990
  • By 2008

What material was used to prepare the voting boxes before polling?

<p>Sandpaper or brick (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the voting process change after the first two elections?

<p>Ballot papers included names and symbols of all candidates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the common sentiment towards universal adult franchise in India by critics?

<p>It was labeled as the biggest gamble in history. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific activity was suggested to understand participation in elections?

<p>Interviewing family and neighborhood elders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in voting methods towards the end of the 1990s?

<p>Adoption of Electronic Voting Machines. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the founder-President of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh?

<p>Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Bharatiya Jana Sangh emphasize as key to India's strength?

<p>Indian culture and traditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which political organization did the Bharatiya Jana Sangh originate from?

<p>Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ideology is prevalent in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh's philosophy?

<p>One country, one culture, one nation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What vision does the Bharatiya Jana Sangh have regarding India and Pakistan?

<p>Reunion to form Akhand Bharat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When was the Bharatiya Jana Sangh established?

<p>1951 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the Bharatiya Jana Sangh?

<p>It believes in modernity based on traditional values. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What national identity concept does the Bharatiya Jana Sangh reject?

<p>Diverse cultural representation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Patel’s main intention for the Congress party?

<p>To make it a cohesive and disciplined political party (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest was lacking in Patel’s view of the Congress party?

<p>An understanding of the party’s eclectic role (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective did Gandhi hold regarding the Congress party's future?

<p>A romantic view focused on idealism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the 'eclectic role' of the Congress party in early years?

<p>Bringing together diverse political factions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was considered Patel's primary concern in transforming the Congress?

<p>Achieving discipline within the party structure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Patel perceive as more important than comprehension in party dynamics?

<p>Discipline (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Congress was Patel attempting to change?

<p>Its organizational structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the author characterize Gandhi's approach versus Patel's?

<p>Gandhi was idealistic while Patel was realistic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following states did the Congress not win a majority of seats during the elections?

<p>Madras (A), Travancore-Cochin (C), Orissa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who became the Prime Minister after the first general election in India?

<p>Jawaharlal Nehru (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Congress Party in the state elections held after the Lok Sabha elections?

<p>Congress ruled at national and state levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the performance of the Congress Party?

<p>It formed governments even in states where it did not win a majority (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall political scenario in India after the first general election?

<p>Congress dominated both national and state elections (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions had Congress successfully formed a government despite not winning the majority?

<p>Orissa (B), Madras (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which party was primarily in control of the Indian political landscape during the initial years after independence?

<p>The Indian National Congress (C), The Congress Party (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the political dynamics in India during the era of one-party dominance?

<p>Political power was centralized in one party only (A), Other parties performed reasonably well in certain states (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Congress dominance in India from one-party dominance in other countries?

<p>Congress won elections under democratic conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country is NOT mentioned as having experienced one-party dominance?

<p>India (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines the one-party states mentioned in the context apart from India?

<p>Constitutional provisions allow only a single party. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common aspect of countries like Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan until a few years ago?

<p>They were effectively one-party dominant states. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mentions a factor leading to effective one-party states?

<p>Legal and military measures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the dominance of the Congress party in India compare with that of the African National Congress in South Africa?

<p>Both managed to maintain dominance in democratic conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was involved in leading the anti-caste movement and founded the Independent Labour Party?

<p>Ambedkar (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of electoral condition does India maintain that differentiates it from countries with one-party states?

<p>Free and fair elections allowing competition among parties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major characteristic of India's political landscape during the time of the 1950s elections?

<p>Diverse and vibrant opposition parties (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome did the opposition parties of the 1950s achieve?

<p>Token representation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which decade is mentioned as significant for the influence of opposition parties in India?

<p>The 1960s and 1970s (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the non-Congress parties of today be described in relation to earlier opposition parties?

<p>Their roots can be traced to opposition parties of the 1950s (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did opposition parties play in India's political system during the 1950s?

<p>Maintained the democratic character of the system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When did opposition parties start to emerge in India?

<p>Before the first general election in 1952 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a large number of opposition parties suggest about India's political system?

<p>It reflects a vibrant multi-party democracy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cartoon was mentioned in relation to the political discussion?

<p>Tug of War (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

General elections to Lok Sabha

The process of electing representatives to a legislative body, such as the Lok Sabha, through the votes of eligible citizens.

Ballot paper voting

A method where citizens vote for their desired candidate by marking their choice on a physical ballot paper.

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)

A method of voting where citizens use an electronic machine to register their vote electronically.

Universal adult franchise

The right of all adult citizens to vote in elections, regardless of their gender, caste, or other factors.

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Election Commission of India

The body that oversees and manages elections in India, ensuring free and fair elections.

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First-past-the-post system

A system where the winner of the election is the candidate who receives the most votes, even if they don't get a majority of the votes.

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Magazine

A publication that provides information and opinions on various topics, often with a specific political viewpoint.

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Sandpapering or rubbing with brick

The process of rubbing a surface with sandpaper or another abrasive material to smooth it out.

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First General Elections in India

The first general elections in India held after independence, where the Indian National Congress (INC) emerged victorious.

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Congress Party's Dominance

The Congress party's dominance in the first general elections, winning a majority of seats across most Indian states.

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States where Congress did not win majority

States where the Congress party did not secure a majority in the first general elections.

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Travancore-Cochin (Kerala)

The state of Kerala, formerly referred to as Travancore-Cochin, where the Congress party did not gain a majority in the first general elections.

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Madras (Tamil Nadu)

The state of Tamil Nadu, formerly Madras, where the Congress party did not win a majority in the first general elections.

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Orissa (Odisha)

The state of Odisha, formerly Orissa, where the Congress party did not gain a majority in the first general elections.

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Congress forming Governments

The Congress party forming governments even in states where they didn't win a majority in the first elections.

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Nehru as Prime Minister

Jawaharlal Nehru becoming India's first Prime Minister after the first general election.

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One-party Dominance

A situation where one political party holds a majority of power and influence, controlling the government for a significant period.

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Congress Dominance in India

The Congress party's control over India's political landscape after independence, characterized by numerous electoral victories.

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Difference in Indian One-party Dominance

The Indian experience of one-party dominance differed from other countries by upholding democratic processes, allowing for multiple parties to compete in free and fair elections.

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One-party States

Systems where the constitution restricts power to a single political party, limiting democratic participation.

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Examples of One-party States

Countries like China, Cuba, and Syria where the constitution explicitly bars the existence of political parties besides the ruling one.

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Effective One-party States

Nations like Myanmar, Belarus, Egypt, and Eritrea that effectively operate as one-party states, using legal and military measures to suppress opposition.

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Former One-party Dominant States

States like Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan that previously operated under one-party dominance but have transitioned towards more diverse political systems.

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Congress Electoral Success

The ability of the Congress party to secure electoral victories despite facing opposition from other parties in a democratic setting.

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Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)

The Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) was a political party that was founded in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization that played a role in the formation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

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Hindu Mahasabha

The Hindu Mahasabha is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization that also played a role in shaping the BJS's ideology.

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BJS's ideology

The BJS believed that India could modernization, progress, and strength by drawing on its cultural heritage.

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Akhand Bharat

The BJS sought a political union of India and Pakistan, calling for the restoration of 'Akhand Bharat,' a unified India.

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Opposition parties

Political parties that oppose the ruling party or coalition.

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Factionalism in political parties

Internal disagreements and factions within a political party can actually strengthen it by diversifying perspectives and generating new ideas.

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Lok Sabha

The lower house of the Indian Parliament.

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Era of one-party dominance

The era of one-party dominance refers to a period in Indian politics where one particular party held a majority and had significant control over the government.

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Post-independence Indian politics

The Indian political landscape underwent a transformation during the post-independence era, moving away from one-party dominance towards a more multi-party system.

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Multi-party democracy

The process by which multiple political parties compete for power in a democracy.

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Token representation

A small or symbolic representation, often used as a gesture of inclusion or tokenism.

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Maintaining democratic character

The practice of ensuring fairness and transparency in an election.

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Non-Congress parties

Political parties that exist outside the Congress, including those formed before the first general election in 1952.

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The 'sixties and 'seventies

The period between the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by significant political developments.

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Tracing roots

The process of tracing the origins or roots of something, like a political party, to its earlier form or predecessor.

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Purging a political party

The process of removing other political groups from a party and creating a unified and controlled organization.

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Political party dominance

The ability of a political party to control the government and make decisions for a state or nation. This often involves winning a majority of seats in elections.

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Eclectic political party

A party that is characterized by having a wide range of beliefs and interests, rather than a single, focused ideology.

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Cohesive and disciplined political party

A party that is well-organized and follows strict rules and procedures.

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Chief Minister

The leader of a state government, elected or appointed by the ruling party.

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Election

The process of voting by citizens to choose their representatives.

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Forming a government

The process of determining which political party or coalition will form the government.

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Study Notes

Nation Building and Democratic Politics

  • The chapter examines the challenge of nation-building and instituting democratic politics following India's independence.
  • The initial decade of electoral politics is analyzed to comprehend the establishment of free and fair elections, the dominance of the Congress party post-independence, and the rise of opposition parties along with their policies.

Era of One-Party Dominance

  • Independent India faced significant challenges like nation-building, alongside the introduction of democratic politics.
  • Many nations opted for non-democratic rule due to the perceived complexities of establishing democracy, including one-party or military rule.
  • In contrast, India's leaders pursued the establishment of a democratic system, despite the associated difficulties, driven by their belief in democracy as a means to address societal problems.

The First General Elections

  • The first general election faced challenges in terms of size, logistics, illiteracy, and voter registration.
  • The election commission developed and deployed considerable resources to manage the unprecedented scale of the first universal adult franchise election.
  • The election process had to meticulously address the complexities of voter rolls and identification, and included special steps including using separate ballot boxes, along with ensuring the accuracy of voter identification.

Changing Methods of Voting

  • The initial elections used physical ballot boxes, marked by candidates' symbols, for voters to place their ballots in.
  • Later, ballot papers with candidates' names and symbols were used, to prevent issues caused by earlier method's complexity.
  • Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were eventually introduced, replacing the earlier methods.

Congress Dominance

  • The Congress party's dominance in the first three general elections was widespread, but not universal.
  • The extent of Congress dominance was largely due to the party's strong organizational network, prevalent in most states.
  • The victory was also shaped by the popularity of Nehru as party leadership.

Opposition Parties and Electoral Politics

  • Despite the Congress party's dominance, opposition parties existed and played a role in political discourse and electoral politics.
  • These parties raised various viewpoints, offering alternatives to ensure a healthy democratic ecosystem.

First Communist Government in India (Kerala)

  • In 1957, the Kerala state Assembly witnessed a first in India, in the election of a communist government.
  • The Congress party lost power in that state to a coalition led by the CPI.
  • The event was historically significant, representing a significant shift in state-level politics in India, with a communist party gaining power for the first time.

The Socialist Party

  • The Socialist Party emerged as a distinct ideological viewpoint and political party separate from the Congress and the Communist party.
  • The party advocated for democratic socialism, highlighting its disagreement with both Capitalist and Communist viewpoints.
  • The Socialist Party faced challenges in gaining significant electoral success.

Nature of Congress Dominance

  • Indian Congress party's dominance was distinct in that it occurred during a democratic context, unlike other one-party countries where democracy is compromised or non-existent.
  • The dominance was largely due to the party's early organizational structure, its connections with the freedom struggles, and the appeal of its leaders

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Politics in India Since Independence PDF

Description

This quiz explores the challenges of nation-building and establishing democratic politics in India post-independence. It covers the initial decade of electoral politics, the dominance of the Congress party, and the emergence of opposition parties. Additionally, it examines the implications of India's commitment to democracy amidst various global trends towards non-democratic rule.

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