BBS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

CLASS : IX
SUBJECT : CIVICS ( CH. 3 ELECTORAL POLITICS )
EXTRA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):

1.What is the minimum voting age in India?
A) 16 years
B) 18 years
C) 21 years
D) 25 years
Answer: B) 18 years
2. Who is responsible for conducting elections in India?
A) President
B) Prime Minister
C) Election Commission
D) Chief Justice
Answer: C) Election Commission
3. How often are Lok Sabha elections held in India?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 3 years
C) Every 5 years
D) Every 10 years
Answer: C) Every 5 years
4. Which of the following is not a component of the Election Commission of India?
A) Chief Election Commissioner
B) Deputy Election Commissioners
C) President of India
D) State Chief Election Commissioners
Answer: C) President of India
5. Who can participate in the electoral process in India?
A) Only citizens aged 25 and above
B) Only citizens aged 18 and above
C) All citizens aged 18 and above
D) Only citizens aged 21 and above
Answer: B) Only citizens aged 18 and above
6. What is the symbol of the Election Commission of India?
A) Ashoka Chakra
B) National Flag
C) Two Elephants
D) None of the above
Answer: C) Two Elephants
7. What is the purpose of an EVM (Electronic Voting Machine)?
A) To count votes
B) To make speeches
C) To conduct exit polls
D) To publish election results
Answer: A) To count votes
8. Who is the final authority to decide disputes related to elections in India?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The Election Commission
C) The President
D) The Courts
Answer: D) The Courts

I. Short Answers:
1. Define the term "universal adult suffrage."
Answer: Universal adult suffrage means that every adult citizen of a country, regardless of
gender, caste, religion, or economic status, has the right to vote in elections.
2. What is the role of the Election Commission of India?
Answer: The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in
the country. It administers the electoral process, ensures adherence to electoral laws, and
conducts the counting of votes.
3. What is the significance of the 'First Past the Post' electoral system in India?
Answer: The 'First Past the Post' electoral system is used in India to elect representatives. It is
significant because the candidate who secures the highest number of votes in a constituency
wins, regardless of whether they have an absolute majority.
4. Explain the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Answer: Lok Sabha is the lower house of India's Parliament, consisting of directly elected
members, while Rajya Sabha is the upper house with members appointed by the President and
elected by the members of State Legislative Assemblies.
5. What is the purpose of political parties in the electoral process?
Answer: Political parties play a crucial role in the electoral process by providing voters with
choices, presenting their policies and candidates, and working to form a government if they
secure a majority in elections.
6. How is the President of India indirectly elected?
Answer: The President of India is indirectly elected by an Electoral College, which consists of
elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative
Assemblies of States and Union Territories.
7. What is the importance of the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in elections?
Answer: The 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option allows voters to express their disapproval of all
candidates in a constituency, and it can lead to electoral reforms and increased accountability
of political parties.
8. Name one condition that disqualifies a person from voting in India.
Answer: One condition that disqualifies a person from voting in India is if they are declared to
be of unsound mind by a competent court.
9. What is the purpose of the Model Code of Conduct during elections?
Answer: The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines and rules that political parties and
candidates must follow during elections to ensure fair competition and prevent the use of
unethical or corrupt practices.
10. Explain the concept of 'constituency' in the context of elections.
Answer: A constituency is a geographical area or region that elects one representative to a
legislative body, such as the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly. It is the basic unit of the
electoral system.
Ill. Long Answers:
1. Describe the process of conducting Lok Sabha elections in India.
Ans. The process of conducting Lok Sabha elections in India is a complex and systematic
procedure that involves several stages. Here's an overview of the key steps:
a) Delimitation of Constituencies: The first step is the delimitation of constituencies. The
country is divided into various parliamentary constituencies based on population, ensuring
representation from different regions. Delimitation is carried out by a Delimitation Commission.
b) Voter Registration: The Election Commission of India maintains an updated voter list. Citizens
who are 18 years of age or older and eligible to vote are enrolled in the electoral roll. Special
voter registration drives are conducted periodically to include new voters.
c) Nomination of Candidates: Political parties or independent candidates can nominate
themselves for the elections. They need to file nomination papers along with a deposit, and
their nomination should be supported by a certain number of voters from the constituency.
d) Campaigning: Candidates and political parties conduct campaigns to reach out to voters. This
involves rallies, speeches, door-to-door canvassing, and advertising through various media.
e) Election Day: On the designated election day, eligible voters in each constituency cast their
votes using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Voting is done through a secret ballot, and
voters choose the candidate they wish to elect.
f) Counting of Votes: After the polling concludes, the votes are counted. The EVMs are used to
tally the votes, and the results are declared for each constituency.
g) Declaration of Results: The candidate who secures the highest number of votes in a
constituency is declared the winner. They are then elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) to
the Lok Sabha.
h) Formation of the Government: The political party or coalition that wins the majority of seats
in the Lok Sabha (at least 272 out of 545 seats) is invited to form the government. The leader of
the majority party or coalition becomes the Prime Minister.
i)Role of Opposition: The second-largest party or coalition in the Lok Sabha becomes the
principal opposition party. Its leader becomes the Leader of the Opposition.

j ) Oath and Commencement: The elected MPs take an oath and formally commence their
work in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha conducts legislative business, debates, and discusses
national issues, and plays a vital role in shaping the country's policies and laws.
2. Discuss the role and functions of the Election Commission of India in ensuring the fairness of
elections.
Ans. The Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the fairness of
elections in the country. Its functions are as follows:
a) Conducting Elections: The ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair elections at the
national and state levels. It administers the entire election process, from voter registration to
the declaration of results.
b) Delimitation of Constituencies: The ECI carries out the delimitation of parliamentary and
assembly constituencies to ensure equitable representation based on population.
c) Voter Registration: The ECI maintains and updates the electoral roll, ensuring that eligible
citizens are included. It conducts special enrollment drives to bring new voters into the system.
d) Monitoring Campaign Expenditure: The ECI monitors and regulates campaign expenditure of
candidates and political parties to prevent the use of money power in elections.
e) Model Code of Conduct: The ECI enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which lays
down guidelines for political parties and candidates during elections. The MCC aims to ensure
fair competition and prevent unethical practices.
f) Deployment of Security Forces: The ECI coordinates with law enforcement agencies to
provide security during elections to maintain law and order.
g) Use of EVMs: The ECI introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to enhance the
transparency and accuracy of the voting process.
h) Voter Awareness: The ECI conducts voter education programs to raise awareness about the
importance of voting and to promote voter participation.
i ) Dispute Resolution: The ECI is the final authority to adjudicate disputes related to elections. It
ensures that election-related grievances are resolved fairly and impartially.
j ) Media Management: The ECI regulates election-related coverage in the media to provide a
level playing field for all candidates and parties.
K ) Counting and Declaration of Results: The ECI oversees the counting of votes and the
declaration of results in a transparent manner.
l) Overseeing Nomination Process: The ECI supervises the nomination process, ensuring that
candidates meet eligibility criteria and adhere to election laws.

The ECI's commitment to impartiality, transparency, and efficiency is essential in upholding the
democratic principles of free and fair elections in India. It acts as the guardian of the electoral
process, safeguarding the rights of citizens and ensuring the integrity of the democratic system.
3. How do political parties influence the electoral process in India, and what are their functions
beyond elections?
Ans. Political parties play a significant role in shaping the electoral process in India, and their
influence extends beyond elections. Here's an overview of how political parties influence the
electoral process and their functions:
Influence on the Electoral Process:
* Candidate Selection: Political parties select and field candidates for various constituencies in
elections. They assess the potential of candidates, their popularity, and their ability to win
elections.
* Campaigning: Parties organize and fund election campaigns. These campaigns include rallies,
public meetings, advertising, and canvassing. Parties are responsible for conveying their
policies, ideologies, and promises to the electorate.
* Mobilization of Voters: Parties work to mobilize voters and ensure a high voter turnout. They
encourage their supporters to cast their votes and may even deploy strategies to get more
people to vote in their favor.
* Formation of Alliances: Political parties often form pre-election alliances with other parties to
maximize their chances of winning. These alliances may be at the national or regional level.
*Promotion of Ideologies: Parties represent various political ideologies and philosophies. They
influence voters by presenting their distinct ideologies and policy positions.
* Manifestos: Parties release election manifestos that outline their proposed policies and
programs if they come to power. These manifestos serve as a guide for voters to understand
what each party stands for.
* Functions Beyond Elections:
* Legislative Business: Political parties are crucial in the functioning of the parliament and
legislative bodies. They participate in debates, discussions, and the passage of laws. The ruling
party shapes government policies, while the opposition holds the government accountable.
* Policy Formulation: Parties contribute to policy formulation and implementation. The ruling
party designs and implements policies, while opposition parties critique and provide
alternatives.
* Oversight of the Executive: Opposition parties play a significant role in holding thegovernment
accountable. They question the government's actions, policies, and decisions in parliament and
help ensure transparency and accountability.
* Representation: Political parties represent the diverse interests and concerns of the populace.
They give a voice to various sections of society, from labor unions to business associations and
environmental groups.
* Economic Planning: Parties participate in the formulation of economic policies and plans.
They influence decisions related to budget allocation, taxation, and economic development.
* Social Initiatives: Parties may initiate and support social welfare programs and initiatives that
address issues such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
* Public Opinion: Parties gauge public opinion and represent it in parliament. They adapt their
positions based on changing social, economic, and political realities.
* Local Governance: Political parties participate in local governance through elected
representatives in municipal bodies, panchayats, and other local institutions. They address local
issues and deliver services to communities.
In summary, political parties are integral to the electoral process in India. They not only
compete in elections but also shape the country's political landscape, formulate policies, and
play a vital role in the functioning of democratic institutions. Their functions extend beyond
elections and influence every aspect of governance and public life.