Chapter 5 Democracy and Election Politics

Punjab State Board PSEB 9th Class Social Science Book Solutions Civics Chapter 5 Democracy and Election Politics Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 9 Social Science Civics Chapter 5 Democracy and Election Politics

SST Guide for Class 9 PSEB Democracy and Election Politics Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Fill in the Blanks :

Question 1.
Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the
Answer:
President.

Question 2.
First Lok Sabha Elections were held in _________
Answer:
1952.

Question 3.
Elected Member of Parliament is known as _________ in India.
Answer:
M.P.

II. Multiple Choice Questions :

Question 1.
People’s representatives are
(i) Appointed
(ii) Elected by the people for a specific period
(iii) Permanently elected by the people
(iv) Selected by the President.
Answer:
(ii) Elected by the people for a specific period.

Question 2.
Which of the following is not the pillar of Democracy?
(i) Political Parties
(ii) Fair and free elections
(iii) Poverty
(iv) Adult Suffrage.
Answer:
(iii) Poverty.

III. Write T (for True) and F (for False) Statements :

Question 1.
There is a Multi Party System in India.
Answer:
True.

Question 2.
The function of Election Commission is to direct, to control and to supervise the election.
Answer:
True.

IV. Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is the designation of the elected representatives of the Gram Panchayat?
Answer:
They are called Panch.

Question 2.
What is the designation of the elected representatives of the State Legislative Assembly?
Answer:
They are designated as M.L.A.

Question 3.
Give the names of the election methods.
Answer:
Direct elections and Indirect elections.

Question 4.
Name the election method by which President and Vice President of India are elected.
Answer:
They are elected by indirect elections. They are elected by the representatives of the people.

Question 5.
Which institution is responsible for holding elections in India?
Answer:
Election Commission is responsible for holding elections in India.

Question 6.
Enumerate any two features of Indian Electoral System.
Answer:

1. Elections in India are conducted on the basis of adult franchise.
2. One candidate is elected from one electoral constituency.

Question 7.
Where can the petition regarding election dispute be filed?
Answer:
Election dispute related petition can be filed in the High Court.

Question 8.
Describe any two functions of the Election Commission.
Answer:

1. Election Commission prepares voters’ list and even changes it from time to time.
2. Election Commission gives recognition to different political parties.

Question 9.
How many seats are there in Punjab for State Legislative Assembly?
Answer:
There are 117 seats in Punjab State Legislative Assembly.

Question 10.
Who conducts the election process in India?
Answer:
The election process in India is conducted by the Election Commission in India. .

Question 11.
Who appoints the election commissioner and deputy election commissioners?
Answer:
They are appointed by the President of India.

Question 12.
What is the tenure of the office of the Chief Election Commissioner and Deputy Election Commissioners? °
Answer:
They are appointed for a period of 6 years or’till they attain the age of 65 years whichever comes earlier.

V. Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Describe the significance of election in democratic countries.
Answer:

1. Without election, democracy is not possible. Without election, rule of the people is neither possible nor desirable.
2. Without election it is not possible to select the representatives. It is not possible for all the people to sit at one place and select the representatives on the basis of knowledge and education. Hence elections are needed for a democratic system.

Question 2.
Draw the flow chart of the stages of election process.
Answer:

• Demarcation of the constituencies
• Declaration of date of election
• Filing of the nomination form
• Withdrawal of nomination form
• Election campaign
• Closure of canvassing
• Polling of votes
• Counting of votes
• Declaration of results.

Question 3.
What is meant by election campaign?
Answer:
After the last date of the withdrawal of nomination papers, all the candidates are given minimum of 20 days for canvassing. It is called election campaign. During the time of election campaign, all the candidates campaign for themselves to get maximum votes. Political parties and candidates announce their election manifesto to impress the public. Big promises are made with the public. Election campaign comes to an end 48 hours before the beginning of elections.

Question 4.
What do you mean by booth capturing?
Answer:
Enclosure of polling booth by one person or a group, forcing the polling staff to surrender, forcible possession on the polling booth is called booth capturing. According to law if anyone forcibly does so he will get minimum of 6 months of imprisonent and fine and the punishment can be increased upto 2 years. If any government official does so, he will get imprisonment of one year along with fine. This punishment can be increased up to 3 years.

Question 5.
Describe the role of political parties in election.
Answer:
In a train called democracy, political parties act as its wheels without which elections are not possible. We cannot think democracy without political parties. Whichever type of government is there, political parties are always there. It hardly matters whether a dictatorship like North Korea is there or a democratic set up like India, political parties are always there. In India, there is multiparty system. In India, there are 7 National parties and about 58 regional parties. If one counts all the political parties registered with the Election Commission, this number reaches up to 1700.

Question 6.
Name any four National Political Parties.
Answer:

1. Indian National Congress
2. Bhartiya Janta Party
3. Bahujan Samaj Party
4. Communist Party of India.

Question 7.
Name any four Regional Political Parties.
Answer:

1. Shiromani Akali Dal (Punjab)
2. Shiv Sena (Maharashtra)
3. Aam Aadmi Party (Delhi and Punjab)
4. Telugu Desham Party (Andhra Pradesh.)

Question 8.
How can the Chief Election Commissioner be removed from his office?
Answer:
The tenure of Chief Election Commissioner is 6 years or age of 65 years, whichever comes earlier but he can be removed even before the completion of his term. If both the houses of Parliament pass a censure motion with two-third majority and send that motion to the President, who can then remove him from his post.

VI. Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Explain in brief the salient features of Indian Electoral System.
Answer:
The main features of Indian Electoral System are :

1. Universal Adult Franchise: In India the system of universal adult franchise has been adopted for the election of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than eighteen years of age has the right to exercise his/her vote in election of members of the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies.
2. Direct Election: The Constitution provides for the system of direct election of the members of the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly of every state by the eligible voters.
3. Joint Electoral System: The Constitution of India provides for a system of joint electorates. Under the joint electorate system every voter in constituency is entitled to participate in electing representative from the constituency.
4. Single Member Constituency: The Constitution of India provides for a single member constituency. For this purpose the entire country is divided in 543 contituencies. Belonging voters elect their representatives. But only one representative represents his/her constitutency.

Question 2.
Explain in brief the function of Election Commission.
Answer:

• Election Commission supervises, directs and controls the elections. Such elections include elections to Parliament, the legislature of every state and to the offices of the President and Vice-President.
• Election Commission prepares electoral rolls and delimitations of constituencies. It also considers the objections raised in this regard. Revision of electoral rolls takes place before every general elections.
• Election Commission appoints returning officers and assistant returning officers to conduct the election.
• Election Commission allots election symbols to political parties and to the independent candidates.
• The Election Commission is responsible to conduct free and fair election.
• The Election Commission is authorised to recognise a political party.
• The Election Commission fixes the timetable for the election.
• The Election Commission prepares a code of conduct for all political parties and candidates and independent candidates who. are contesting election.
• All election results are announced by the Election Commissioner.

Question 3.
Explain in brief the stages of Election Process.
Answer:
India is a democratic country. But India has adopted indirect democracy. The administration is run by the representatives of the people, who are elected for a fixed term. In India election procedure is as follows :

1. Constituencies: The first important task in election is delimitation of constituencies.
2. List of Voters: First, a temporary list of voters is prepared. If anybody’s name is excluded in the list, he can ask for inclusion of his/her name. But such a request is to by made within a fixed time.
3. Appointment: Senior and Junior staff for election purposes are appointed and supervised.
4. Polling Station: In each constitutency polling stations are established and fixed number of voters are directed to cast their votes there.
5. Filing of the Nomination Papers: After the appointment of the date of election, nomination papers are field in favour of candidate.
6. Withdrawal of Nomination: Candidates are allowed to withdraw their name from election. But this is to be done befsore the last date for withdrawal.
7. Scrutiny and Objections: On the fixed date nominations papers are scrutinised and those papers, which are not proper, are rejected and the names of eligible candidates are announced.
8. Propaganda. With the announcement of election, political parties and independent candidates start propaganda and try to influence the voters.
9. Polling: On the day of the polling, holiday is declared so that each voter can cast his vote. At polling booth voters are given ballot paper and the voter stamps against the name of the candidate, whom he/she wants to vote. After that the voter puts the ballot paper in the ballot box.
10. Counting of Votes: On the fixed date, ballot boxes are opened in the presence of the representatives of the candidates and votes are counted. A candidate getting the highest votes is declared elected. If a candidate fails to get one-sixth of the votes then he loses his security also.

Question 4.
Write a note on the importance of Elections.
Answer:
The election system is a political device through which a democratic state creates among its citizens a sense of involvement and participation in public affairs. The importance of election is as under :

1. Elections give chance to voters to take part in the political affairs of the country.
2. The election serves as a plebiscite, referendum or a mandate. Elections are the instruments for choosing the leaders and also determining the will of the people. Through election voters approve or reject the policies of the government.
3. Rosenan uses the term support-building as an all-embracing function of election. Through election legitimacy of the government is established.
4. Elections provide political stability.
5. Another important function of the elections is to bring the individual citizen into closer contact with the political system. It gives them the feeling that they are important part of the political system of the country.
6. Elections provide a means of protection to every voter.
7. Elections provide education to the voters. In fact, elections are training grounds for the people in the art of government.
8. Elections serve important functions in the area of political recruitment and training.
9. Elections are important agencies of political communications between the people and the government.
10. In a democratic state, elections are the means through which the will of people is expressed. Voters decide who shall govern them. Conflicts are decided by ballots and not by bullets.

PSEB 9th Class Social Science Guide Democracy and Election Politics Important Questions and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions :

Question 1.
What type of democracy exists in India?
(а) Representative Democracy
(b) Direct Democracy
(c) Monarchical Democracy
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(a) Representative Democracy.

Question 2.
After how many years elections in India are held for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies?
(a) 2 years
(b) 4 years
(c) 5 years
(d) 7 years.
Answer:
(c) 5 years.

Question 3.
What is the age to cast vote in India?
(a) 15 years
(b) 18 years
(c) 20 years
(d) 25 years.
Answer:
(b) 18 years.

Question 4.
Election Commission has members.
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4.
Answer:
(c) 3.

Question 5.
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner?
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Speaker
(d) Vice President.
Answer:
(a) President.

Question 6.
How many Lok Sabha elections have been conducted till today?
(a) 12
(b) 13
(c) 14
(d) 16.
Answer:
(d) 16.

Question 7.
When were first elections held in India?
(a) 1950
(b) 1951
(c) 1952
(d) 1955.
Answer:
(c) 1952.

Question 8.
When were 16th Lok Sabha elections held in India?
(a) 2006
(b) 2008
(c) 2007
(d) 2014.
Answer:
(d) 2014.

Question 9.
Name the state which used voter’s card for the first time.
(a) Haryana
(b) Punjab
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Tamil Nadu.
Answer:
(a) Haryana.

Fill in the Blanks :

Question 1.
_________ are of great importance in a democratic country.
Answer:
Elections

Question 2.
Chief Election Commissioner is appointed for_______ years.
Answer:
Six

Question 3.
Elections of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies are held after _________ years.
Answer:
Five

Question 4.
There are _________ national parties in India.
Answer:
Seven

Question 5.
The elected members of Municipalities are known as _________
Answer:
Municipal Councillors

Question 6.
Election Commissioners are appointed by the _________
Answer:
President.

True/False:

Question 1.
Prime Minister can remove Chief Election Commissioner.
Answer:
False

Question 2.
Elections are conducted by the government.
Answer:
False

Question 3.
Elected members of Lok Sabha are known as M.L.A.S.
Answer:
False

Question 4.
The function of amending voters’ list is of the Election Commission.
Answer:
True.

Question 5.
Election Commission gives sanction to political parties.
Answer:
True.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Which system of government was adopted in India in 1950?
Answer:
Democratic form of government.

Question 2.
Which representative system is adopted in India?
Answer:
Regional Representative System.

Question 3.
After how many years elections for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly are held?
Answer:
5 years.

Question 4.
How many members of Lok Sabha are elected by the people?
Answer:
543.

Question 5.
Give one condition of democratic elections.
Answer:
Every one has the right to cast one vote and value of each vote is same.

Question 6.
Give one demerit of electoral competition.
Answer:
It leads to the creation of factionalism in the constituency.

Question 7.
What do you understand by general election?
Answer:
When election takes place after a fixed term, it is called general election. It is a democratic method used for choosing people’s representatives.

Question 8.
What is mid-term election?
Answer:
When the general election is held before the completion of term, it is called mid-term election.

Question 9.
What is by-election?
Answer:
When election is held to fill a particular seat, it is called by-election.

Question 10.
Give one feature of the Indian election system.
Answer:
Integrated election system is adopted in India.

Question 11.
Who is a voter in India?
Answer:
One who is of the age of 18 years and is registered with the election commission is a voter.

Question 12.
What is meant by voters’ list?
Answer:
The list in which names of voters’ of a constituency are given is known as Voters’ List.

Question 13.
Can Election Commission derecognise any political party?
Answer:
Yes, Election Commission can derecognise any National or regional party if they are unable to fulfil the required conditions.

Question 14.
In which part and Articles of the Constitution, the mention of Election is given?
Answer:
15th part and Articles 324-329A.

Question 15.
How many members does Election Commission have?
Answer:
Election Commission has 3 members-Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

Question 16.
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner?
Answer:
The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President.

Question 17.
Give the tenure of Election Commissioners.
Answer:
They are appointed for a time period of 6 years.

Question 18.
Give one functions of the Election Commission.
Answer:
Election Commission conducts elections in the country and prepares voters’ list.

Question 19.
What is the importance of Election Symbol?
Answer:
Many of the Indian voters are illiterate. That’s why, just by looking at election symbol, they can cast their vote to their candidate.

Question 20.
What is meant by Election Petition?
Answer:
If any candidate uses wrong means to win election, opposition parties can file a case in the High Court and this is known as election petition.

Question 21.
Who hears the dispute related petition to election?
Answer:
The petition related to the dispute of election is heard in the High Court or the Supreme Court.

Question 22.
Give one demerit of the Indian election system.
Answer:
Communalism greatly affects the election process which is an obstacle in the way of social progress.

Question 23.
Give one way of bringing reforms in Elections.
Answer:
Those who try to capture booths must be severely punished.

Question 24.
In which year the first elections were held in India?
Answer:
In 1952.

Question 25.
Give one election-related reforms done by the Indian Government.
Answer:
Through 61 constitutional amendment, the age of casting vote was changed from 21 to 18 years.

Question 26.
Which methods are used for election campaigning?
Answer:
Election manifesto, meetings, door to door campaigning etc.

Question 27.
When does election campaign end?
Answer:
48 hours before the election.

Question 28.
Who conducts election in the country?
Answer:
Election Commission.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Give any three qualities of the Indian voter.
Answer:

1. He must be the citizen of India.
2. He must be of the age of 18 years or more.
3. His name must be in the voters’ list.

Question 2.
Tell something about the nature of elections in India.
Answer:

• Due to 16 general elections in the country, election-related consciousness has aroused among the people.
• Now people have started taking interest in elections.
• Voters have come to know about the policies and programmes of political parties.

Question 3.
Write a short note on election symbols.
Answer:
Election Commission allots symbols to political parties participating in elections. These symbols are identification of political parties. In India maximum voters are illiterate. So by recognising election symbol they choose their favourite party and give vote to that party.

Question 4.
How does the independence of Election Commission affect the functioning of Indian democracy?
Answer:
To conduct elections in the country, the Constitution has arranged for an independent Election Commission. The independence of Election Commission has greatly affected Indian democracy. Its independence has given great contribution in strengthening and making Indian democracy a successful democracy. Due to its independence, it has been able to conduct free and fair 16 Lok Sabha elections. Only due to independent and impartial elections, people have great faith in democracy.

Question 5.
Explain two reforms to change the election process in India.
Answer:
Following reforms are necessary in the Indian election process:

1. Impartiality: Elections must be conducted in a fair manner. Sitting government must not have any interference in election and it must not use official machinery to win elections.
2. Expenses: People spend much more money than the fixed amount to win elections. It must be stopped.

Question 6.
What do you ‘mean by the cancellation of election?
Answer:
The meaning of cancellation of election is that if during campaigning, any candidate dies due to some reason, election for that constituency stands cancelled. In 1992, a change was rpade in the People’s Representative Act and it was said that in case of death of any independent candidate, election will not be cancelled.

Question 7.
Explain any two stages of the election process in India.
Answer:
Given below are the two stages of the election process in India :

1. Electoral Notification: The election process is formally set into motion by a presidential announcement calling upon electors to elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha. At the same time the Election Commission issues notification specifying the timetable for nominations, scrutity, withdrawals and polling.
2. Filing of Nomination Papers: The Election Commission fixes last date for filing the nomination papers for election. The nomination papers of the candidates are filed with the returning officer appointed by the Election Commission.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Give five arguments in favour of adult franchise in India.
Answer:

1. In democracy, power lies within the hands of the people. That’s why on the basis of equality, every one should have the right to vote.
2. The impact of laws is same on all the citizens. That’s why all the citizens must have the right to vote.
3. The right to vote is very much necessary for individual development.
4. The government elected through adult franchise is more powerful because it is a type of government which is elected through the constitutional means.
5. Adult franchise encourages political consciousness and people get political education with adult franchise.

Question 2.
Explain different methods of election campaign.
Answer:
As soon as Election Commission issues notification for the date of polling, different political parties and independent candidates start their election campaign within prescribed rules.

The following are the important techniques of election campaign :
1. Election Manifesto. Every main political party and sometimes independent candidates issue Election Manifesto. Election Manifesto is a document which contains the policies and programme of political parties. By comparing the election manifesto of the various political parties voters can understand the views and policies of different parties on different issues.

2. Public Meetings and Processions. Members of different political parties and candidates arrange public meetings and processions by which they try to persuade the voters in their favour through their speeches and personality. For example, Mr. Narender Modi, in his election campaign in 2014 of 45 days, addressed 285 scheduled public meetings, reaching out in person to more than 50 million people.

3. Wall-paintings’, Posters and Big Leaflets etc. Wall-paintings, posters etc. are other important techniques of election-campaign which not only make colourful different walls of cities, but also print the minds of common men.

4. T.V. and Radjo. In the present age, the most sophisticated way of campaigning is to broadcast speeches of leaders of political parties on T.V. and Radio. In 1977, it was started for the first time in India and the system continues till date.
5. Door to Door Canvassing. In this technique the leaders of different political parties go from door to door or area to area canvassing for their candidates.

6. Slogans. It is a very popular and influential technique of election campaign. In 1971, ‘Garibi Hatao’ and in 1980, ‘Indira Lao Desh Bachao’ were very popular slogans of Congress (I).

7. Flags and Banners. Flags and banners are another method of election campaign.

8. Loudspeakers and Gramophones. Different party-workers and candidates arrange different types of vechicles and fit loudspeakers and gramophones on them for noisy canvassing from mohalla to mohalla.

Question 3.
Write five reasons of less people’s participation in elections in India.
Answer:
Indian democracy is the largest democracy in the world. During the 16th Lok Sabha elections in 2014, the number of voters stood at more than 81 crore 40 lakhs. But many voters in India do not cast their vote.

The reasons for less people’s participation are given below :

1. Illiteracy: A large number of Indian population is illiterate. An illiterate person cannot understand the meaning of voting right and he even hardly knows how to cast his caste to the best candidate.
2. Poverty: Poor people cannot even think of contesting elections. They don’t even understand the importance of their vote and are even ready to sell their vote.
3. Unemployment: A lot many individuals are unemployed. They don’t understand the value of their vote and generally sell their vote to the candidate whosoever wish to buy it.
4. Non-participation in politics: People do not participate in political activities as they consider it a wastage of time.
5. Election booths situated at far off places: Many a time election booths are situated at far off places and people don’t like to move to such places only to cast their vote.

Question 4.
Explain the composition of the Election Commission.
Answer:
In the Election Commission, there can be a Chief Election Commissioner and few more other members. This number is fixed by the President. In 1989, Congress government appointed two more election commissioners but the government of National Front changed this decision. On 1st October, 1993, two new Election Commissioners, M.S. Gill and G.V.G. Krishnamurthy were appointed and an important step was taken for making it a three member Commission. In December 1993, the Indian Parliament passed a bill and made it a multi member Commission. The Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners (total of 3) are appointed by the President.

Question 5.
Mention main drawbacks in Indian electoral system.
Answer:
Following are the major drawbacks in Indian electoral system :
1. The distortion df Seat-Vote Ratio. The first and foremost defect of the present electoral system is that there is no relationship between the votes secured by a party and its stsrength in the Assembly or the Parliament. The number of seats secured by a particular party is not proportionate to the votes polled in their favour.

2. Money Power. Another important drawback of Indian electoral system is the growing influence of money in elections. The expenses incurred on elections are so huge that parties tend to give ticket to a millionaire. The high cost of electioneering has resulted in corrupt practices.

3. Independent Candidates. Independent candidates are also proving headache for Indian electoral system. These candidates join hands with any particular party according to opportunity.

4. Role of Caste. Right from the selection of a candidate by a party to the election of a legislator by the voters the caste factor plays a key role.

5. Misuse of Public Media. It is being alleged that the Congress was using the governmnt monopoly in radio and television for the party. This thing has gone a long way in helping the party in power by projecting its image. These public media have thus been abused.

6. Importance of Individual Candidates. The existing system of election gives more importance to the individual candidates than the political party. The result is that these important individuals dictate their terms for remaining in the party.

7. Defect in Single Member Constituency System. Election on the basis of single-member constituency system results in tension and bitterness among different sections of the population.

Question 6.
Examine the major suggestions for electoral reforms.
Answer:
Following remedies are suggested to improve the Indian Electoral System.

1. The present electoral system of single-member constituencies should be replaced by system of proportional representation.
2. Strict action should be taken against those who indulge in booth capturing and bogus voting.
3. There should be a provision for recall.
4. The elections including the polling should be so conducted that the people are in a position to exercise their franchise freely, without intimidation, coercion, interference, undue inducement by political parties and others.
5. The number of polling booths in a constituency should be increased.
6. The electoral rolls should be open for additions and deletions every three months after the general revision is completed.
7. Every effort should be made to check the role of money in elections.
8. Election petitions should be disposed of expeditiously. ‘
9. The state must share election expenses.
10. Ministers and other officials must not misuse the official machinery.
11. Eligible voters should be given identity cards.
12. The Election Commission has suggested that election need not be countermanded on the death of any candidate.
13. Every political party, registered with the Election Commission, should publish its accounts annually.