Chapter - 3

Electoral Politics
Key Points to be Remember:-
• Mr. Devilal was the chief of ‘Haryana Sangharsh Samiti, he
led a movement called ‘Nyaya Yudh’ (Struggle for Justice) and
formed a new party, Lok Dal.
• The most common form of democracy in our times is for the
people to govern through their representatives e.g. MP, MLA,
Councilor, Pradhan etc.
• In India, Elections are held regularly after every five years for
Lok Sabha or (Lower house of the Parliament) and Vidhan
Sabha (State Assembly), Panchayats, municipalities etc. is
called a general election. Sometimes election is held only for
one constituency to fill the vacant seat caused by death or
resignation is called a by-election.

203 Class IX - Social Science

Electoral Constituencies:
• The country is divided into different areas for the purpose of
elections. These areas are called electoral constituencies.
• For Lok Sabha election, our country is divided into 543 Lok
Sabha constituencies.
• In the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for the Scheduled
Castes (SC) and 47 for the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• Voters’ List: This is a list of those who are eligible to vote. It
is prepared much before the election. This is officially called
the Electoral Roll and is commonly known as the Voters’ List.
It is revised time to time. Now we can easily update our data
through Online made at ECI website.
• Universal adult franchise means all the citizens aged 18 years
and above can vote in the elections without any discrimination
of caste, creed religion, class or sex etc.
• Model code of conduct: During the election all political parties
and contesting candidates follow norms and guidelines set by
election commission.
• National Voters day is celebrated every year on the 25th January.

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 • In our country elections are conducted by an independent and
powerful election commission.

Some Successful Slogan:

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Class IX - Social Science 206
 QUESTIONS
1 Mark Questions
Q.1 Who had formed the Lok Dal Party in Haryana?
(a) Chaudhary Devi Lal
(b) Bipin Chandra Pal
(c) Lala Lajpat Rai
(d) Chaudhary Bhajan Lal
Q.2 Who is responsible for the free and fair elections in
India?
(a) Election Commission of India
(b) Chef Justice of India
(c) Lok Sabha Speaker
(d) Vice President
Q.3 Who had given the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’?
(a) Jai Prakash Narayan (b) Sanjay Gandhi
(c) Rajiv Gandhi (d) Indira Gandhi

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Q.4 Which political party had given the slogan ‘Save
Democracy’?
(a) Samajwadi Party
(b) Bahujan Samaj Party
(c) Janata party
(d) Communist Party of India
Q.5 How many seats are unreserved in the Lok Sabha?
(a) 400 (b) 543
(c) 215 (d) 412
Q.6 Read the following statements and identify the correct
State:
I. Lok Dal Party contested the election
II. Nyaya Yudh Movement was launched
III. Devilal was the head of Sangarh Samiti
Option:-
(a) Punjab (b) Haryana
(c) Kerala (d) Sikkim
Q.7 Which of the following statements related to the need
for elections.
I. Elections take place regularly
II. Everyone knows how to take the right decision in every
matter.
III. In large Community representative selection is necessary.
IV. Not everyone has the understanding to run the government.
Option:-
(a) Statement I, II, III & IV are correct
(b) Statement I, III, IV are correct
(c) Statement III & IV are correct
(d) Statement II, III, IV are correct
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Q.8 Once the election results were announced the newly
elected MLA of _________ choose Devilal as their leader.
(a) Apna Dal (b) Janta Dal
(c) Congress (d) Lok Dal
Q.9 Consider the statement given below and choose the
correct answer.
Statement I : After five years the term of all the elected
representative comes to an end.
Statement II : The voter who live in an area elect one
representative.
(a) Statement (I) is correct and (II) is incorrect
(b) Statement (I) is incorrect and (II) is correct
(c) Both (I) and (II) are incorrect
(d) Both (I) and (II) are correct
Q.10 On the instruction of which of the following, a new
system of declaration from the candidates has been
introduced.
(a) Election Commission (b) President
(c) Governor (d) Supreme Court
Q.11 Select the correct option by arranging the following step
of election procedure.
I. Preparation of voter list
II. Determining Constituencies
III. Filling of nomination form by Candidate
IV. Casting the vote
Option:-
(a) II, I, III, IV
(b) I, II, IV, III
(c) II, III, I, IV
(d) I, II, III, IV
209 Class IX - Social Science
Q.12 Match the Column-A with Column B and choose the
correct option.
Column-A Column-B
I. Total Member of Lok Sabha 1. 47
II. Total Member of Delhi Assembly 2. 84
III. Reserved seat for SC 3. 543
IV. Reserved seat for ST 4. 70
Option:-
I II III IV
(a) 1 4 3 2
(b) 3 4 2 1
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 4 1 2 3

Q.13 Match the Column A with Column B and Choose the

correct option.
Column A Column B
I. Remove Poverty 1. Telugu Desam Party
II. Save Democracy 2. Congress Party
III. Land to the Tiller 3. Janata Dal
IV. Protect the self respect 4. Left Front
of the Telugas
Option:-
I II III IV
(a) 2 3 4 1
(b) 1 2 4 3
(c) 3 1 2 4
(d) 4 3 1 2

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Q.14 Carefully study the map of Gulbarga Parliament Constituency
and Identify that how many assembly constituencies are
there in Gulbarga Parliamentary Constituency.
(a) 7
(b) 8
(c) 9
(d) 6

Q.15 In the question given below. There are two statements marked
as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statement and
choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Our constitution entitles every citizen to elect
her/his representative.
Reason (R): Some constituencies are reserved for people
who belongs to the Scheduled Castes.
Option:
(a) Both A and Rare true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
of A.
(c) A is correct and R is incorrect.
(d) A is incorrect and R is correct.

2 Marks Questions
Q.1 How does representatives elected in democracy?
Q.2 ‘Election is necessary in democracy’. Why?
Q.3 How does electoral competition among parties serves the
people?

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Q.4 Suppose you are a candidate in an election. How will you
do your election campaigning? Mention any two points.
Q.5 Why should the role of the electron commission be neutral?
Q.6 Suppose you are a member of the Election Commission.
How will you reduce Malpractices in elections? Mention any
two.
Q.7 Mention any two successful slogans used by the political
parties during election.

3/5 Marks Questions

Q.1 In a democracy it is neither possible nor necessary for
people to govern directly. Justify the above statement by
giving suitable reasons.
Q.2 After Haryana Election result, the sitting Chief Minister
(Congress Govt.) resigned. Substantiate your answer with
reasons.
Q.3 In an election the voters make many choices. Justify the
statement with important points.
Q.4 Analyse the negative impact of electoral competition on the
society.
Q.5 Our Constitution makers opted for free competition in election.
Supports your answer with selected points.
Q.6 Discuss the composition of Parliament of India?
Q.7 Explain the electoral roll.
Q.8 Discuss the distribution of seats in the Lok Sabha?
Q.9 Discuss the election process.
Q.10 Discuss the powers and functions of Election Commission
of India.
Q.11 Explain the different types of representation in India.

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Q.12 Whether the system of elections in India is democratic or
not? Justify.

Q.13 Describe the electoral constituencies.

Q.14 What makes an election democratic?

Q.15 Discuss the demerits of electoral competition or party politics?

Q.16 Why do we need elections in democracy?

Q.17 Describe the limitations and challenges to the free and fair
elections.

Q.18 Explain the Model Code of Conduct?

Q.19 Briefly describe the activities that happen at the polling

booth.

Q.20 Analyse the journey of Chaudhary Davi Lal to become the

Chief Minister in Haryana Assembly Election.

Q.21 Analyse the minimum conditions of a democratic election.

Q.22 Analyse the some of successful slogans given by different

political parties in various electrons.

Q.23 Very few election commissions in the world have such

wide ranging powers as the election commission of India.
Substantiate with suitable answer.

Source Based Question: (4 Marks)

Q.1 Makers of our constitution thought of a special system of
reserved constituencies for the weaker sections. Some
constituencies are reserved for people who belongs to the
Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). In a
SC reserved constituency only some one who belongs to
scheduled castes can stand for election. Similarity only those
belonging to the Scheduled Tribes can contest an election

213 Class IX - Social Science

 from constituency reserved for ST. Currently In the Lok
Shabha, 84 Seats are reserved for this Scheduled Castes
and 47 for the Scheduled Tribes.
I. Why did the system of reserved constituencies started by maker
of constitution?
II. Who can contest election from the constituency reserved for
scheduled casts.
III. How many total seats reserved in Lok Shabha.

Q.2 Read the given source and answer the questions that
follow:-
Our Constitution entitles every citizen to elect her/his
representative and to be elected as a representative. The
Constitution makers, however, were worried that in an open
electoral competition. Certain weaker sections may not stand
a good chance to get elected to the Lok Sabha and the
state Legislative Assemblies.
They may not have the required resources, education
and contacts to contest and win electrons against others.
Those who are influential and resourceful may prevent them
from wining elections. If that happens. Our Parliament and
Assemblies would be deprived of the voice of a significant
section of our population. That would make our democratic.
So, the makers of our Constitution thought of a special
system of reserved constituencies for the weaker sections.
Some constituencies are reserved for people who belong
to the Scheduled Castes [SC] and Scheduled Tribes [ST].
I. How does every citizen get the right to choose / elect his / her
representatives?
II. Suppose you want to context election. What resources you will
require for this?
III. What was the concerns of the society makers towards the
weaker sections of the society and why?
Class IX - Social Science 214
 ANSWERS
Answer of 1 Mark Questions
1. (a) Chaudhary Devi Lal
2. (a) Election Commission of India
3. (d) Indira Gandhi
4. (c) Janata Party
5. (d) 412
6. (b) Haryana
7. (b) Statement I, III, IV are correct
8. (d) Lok Dal
9. (d) Both (I) and (II) are correct
10. (d) Supreme Court
11. (a) II, I, III, IV
12. (b)
13. (a)
14. (b) 8
15. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanations
of A.

Answer of 2 Marks Questions

1. In a democracy, every citizen gets a chance to choose their
representative by casting vote in elections every five years
through Universal Adult Franchise.
2. Election is very important for democracy. Democracy has no
meaning without elections. Through elections, people choose
their representatives and participate in government.
3. Through the electoral competition, voters get the information
about the candidates and it is also understand that what works
these candidates want to do for the development of the country
and the public.

215 Class IX - Social Science

 4. i. Through election meetings
ii. By organising rallies
iii. Establish door to door contact
5. The role of the election commission should be neutral because
during the election process whether the political parties and
their candidates are following the code of conduct in election
context or not.
6. i. Making correct voter list
ii. Stopping the wrong person from voting
iii. To take action against those who do not follow the rules of
the election commission.
7. Remove Poverty – Congress Party
Save Democracy – Janata Party

Answer of 3/5 Marks Questions

1. i. In today’s time, the population living in the countries are more
in numbers.
ii. Everyone cannot sit together for decision making.
iii. Not all people have an understanding of all issues related to
the society.
2. • Lok Dal joined other opposition parties to form a front against
the government.
• The party promise to waive off loan.
• The people were unhappy with present government.
3. • Choose who will make laws for them.
• Choose who will form the government.
• Choose who will take major decision.

4. • Division of society on the basis of religion.

• Inequality the society on the basis of caste.
• Propagation of narrow ideas in the society.

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 5. • Every person should have the opportunity to be came a
candidate in the election.
• Providing various option to the voters.
• People should vote for the candidate of their choice so that
all the people can be developed.

6. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. The Indian

parliament comprises of the President and the two houses - Lok
Sabha (House of the People or lower house of the Parliament)
and Rajya Sabha (Council of States or upper house of the
Parliament).

7. The electoral roll is a comprehensively compiled list which bears

the names also details of voters in a specific constituency.

8. Total Seats (constituencies) : 543

• General : 412
• Reserved for SC : 84
• Reserved for ST : 47

9. See the key points.

10. See the key points.

11. i. Member of Parliament or an MP (Lok Sabha)

ii. Member of Parliament or an MP (Rajya Sabha)
iii. Member of Legislative Assembly or an MLA (Vidhan Sabha)
vi. Member of Legislative Council Oran MLC (Vidhan Parishad)
v. Members of Panchayats and Municipalities / Municipal
Corporation

12. Yes, (because):

• Elections are held regularly after every five years.
• All the citizens can use their right to vote.

217 Class IX - Social Science

 • During elections, the Election Commission monitors all the
polling activities.
• After completion the term of all the elected representatives
comes to an end.
• Elections are held in all constituencies at the same time,
either on the same day or within a few days.

13. On the basis of voter’s population, election commission has

divided the country into different areas for the purposes of
elections. These areas are called electoral constituencies. The
voters who live in an area elect one representative from their
constituency.

14. The minimum conditions of a democratic election are:

• Everyone should have one vote with equal weightage
• Parties should offer some real choices to the voters
• Elections must be held regularly
• The candidate preferred by the people should get elected.
• Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner

15. Demerits of electoral competitions are:

• It creates a sense of disunity and ‘factionalism’ in every
locality.
• Political parties and leaders often level allegations against
one another.
• Parties and candidates often use dirty tricks to win elections.
• Pressure to win electoral fights does not allow sensible
long-term policies to be formulated.
• In respect of the above demerits or unhealthy competition
some good people who may wish to serve the country do
not enter this arena.

Class IX - Social Science 218

16. Elections are considered essential in our times for any
representative democracy because:
• In any large community, this is not possible that all the people
can sit together every day and take all the decisions.
• Nor is it possible for everyone to have the time and
knowledge to take decisions on all matters.
• People can choose or change their representatives
according to their wish.

17. See the key points.

18. See the key points.

19. i. The election officials identify voter’s identity

ii. Put a mark on his/ her finger and
iii. Allow his/her to cast his/her vote.
iv. An agent of each candidate is allowed to sit inside
the polling booth to ensure that the voting takes place in
a fair way.

20. • Campaigning more and more

• Formation of Lok Dal Party
• Start the NYAYA YUDH Movement
• Making promises to the public
• Getting more votes from the public
21. See key points
22. See key points
23. See key points

219 Class IX - Social Science

Answer of Source based Questions (4 Marks)
1. I. For the representation of weaker sections.
II. Candidates of Scheduled Castes.
III. 131

2. I. By using your vote through election.

II. • Money
• Public Support
• Vehicles, Loud speakers

III. Worry → Will people from weaker sections be able to

become members of Parliament and State
assembly in open election contest.
Why → If the representation of the people from the
weaker sections of the society is not done in the
decision making, then this section will continue
to lag behind in development.

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