Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class Political Science Book Solutions Chapter 12 Electoral System Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
PSEB Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 12 Electoral System
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is meant by people’s participation? What are the reasons of people’s low participation in India?
Or
What is meaning of people’s participation? Explain four reasons of low and poor people’s participation in India.
Answer:
Meaning of People’s Participation:
Political participation broadly refers to a wide spectrum of political activities ranging from the simple act of voting to widespread political activism in the political process. It thus implies several voluntary activities apart from voting during the elections. It may involve joining a political party, participation in a political meeting, demonstration, rally, standing for election to the local bodies, state legislature or parliament, maintaining contacts with the elected representatives, sending petitions to the government for the redressal of grievances of the people and a number of other activities concerned in any way with the political system of the country.
Reasons for Low People’s Participation in Indian Democracy:
India is the biggest demorcratic country in the world. But in India hardly 60% of the voters cast their votes. Following factors are responsible for people’s low participation in elections of India.
- Poverty: Majority of the people in India are poor. A poor person remains worried about earning his livelihood and has no time to cast his vote. The poor person does not even think about the elections.
- Illiteracy: Majority of the people in India are illiterate. An illiterate person does not understand the importance of the right to vote. Hence illiterate persons don’t go to cast their votes.
- Unemployment: Thousands of educated and uneducated people are unemployed in India. They remain indifferent to democracy and do not take interest in elections.
- Another reason of low people’s participation is indian democracy are indifferent views of the peoples.
- Corruption is another reason for low people’s participation in India.
- People do not have enough faith in political parties.
- Social and political backwardness is another reason for low people’s participation in media.
Question 2.
What is meant by Voting Behaviour? Write main determinants of Voting Behaviour in India.
Or
What is meant by Voting Behaviour? Write the factors which determine the Voting Behaviour in India.
Answer:
Samuel Eldersveld writes, The term ‘voting behaviour’ is not new. But it is used of late to describe certain areas of study and type of political phenomena which previously either had not been conceived or were considered irrelevant. Voting behaviour connotes today more than examination of voting records, compilation of voting statistics and computation of electoral shifts.
Students are deeply immersed in analysis of individual psychological process (perception, emotion, motivation) and their relation to political action as well as of industrial patterns, such as the communication process, and their impact on elections. Today we accept the relevance of a host of variables which, if perceived at all fifteen years ago, certainly did not constitute the focus of inquiry into voting behaviour. The term thus, has expanded in meaning and further is construed as but one area of study subscribed within the broader designation of political behaviour.”
Today voting behaviour is regarded as that area or field of political science which is most suitable for study by the application of scientific techniques. According to Bowman and Boyntion the traditional approaches to the study of this subject were of two kinds: those, which emphasised legal and constitutional aspects, aimed at the description and analysis of election laws, qualifications of voters, delimitation of constituencies and voting machinery. For example, description studies of Negro disenfranchisement. Historical accounts of election campaigns also formed part of this group. In other words, which were the result of traditional approach, were more normative and value laden.
‘Whereas the traditional approach to electoral politics is concerned primarily with assessing the quality of election choice and analysing electoral institutions, the empirical and the behavioural approaches have focussed upon the relationship among the determinants of electoral outcomes. Empirical research has attempted to identify the factors contributing to the voting decision, while behavioural research has attempted to construct theoretical generalisations explaining the interconnections of variable accounting for these decisions, making possible the prediction of future voting patterns.’
Analysis of Voting behaviour began in France in 1913, in the United States during the period between the two world wars and in the United Kingdom after the Second World War.
Factors which influence Voting Behaviour:
It is difficult to ascertain voting behaviour of the voters. Prof. Maya remarks that individual may cast his vote to protect his personal interest or that of a group to which he is loyal; he may merely express his preference for the candidate; he may take part in a ritual because it is the thing to do, like celebrating a national holiday; he may express his faith in democracy and his country; he may pass judgement on the government’s record or show his agreement with a party’s general policy; he may study type of the candidate and his party carefully.
Or he may simply flip a coin. All voting is an emotional experience for ditch-diggers and professors alike; and the people vote in the same election, but not all of them vote on it. Many factors influence the voting behaviour and some important factors which influence the voting behaviour are as below:
1. Social Class:
Social class is one of the most important factors which influence the voting behaviour. Social class is the most important determinant of the voting behaviour in the United Kingdom. While the middle class votes for the conservative party, the workers vote for the labour party. Social class is less significant in American elections than in Western Europe, yet people with low incomes tend to support the democratic party while the rich tend to be republicAnswer:
2. Religion:
Religion also influences the voting behaviour to some extent. The Unionist Party wins the overwhelming majority of protestant votes in Northern Ireland. Conservative parties in France dominate more strongly the areas of Bittany and Alsac. American ethnic minorities have tended to support the democratic party, and voting in Canada, Belgium and South Africa is still based on religious ethnic divisions. With Kennedy the candidate in 1960, four out of the five Catholics voted Democratic Party and analysis of 1964 returns indicates that this Catholic support of the Democratic Party continued. As V. D. Key says, probably the best guess is that Kennedy won because of the fact that he was a Catholic.
3. Age:
Age is also a great factor which influences the voting behaviour. Generally older voters tend to vote for conservative parties. Moreover, age reflects the historical period when the elector’s voting habits were being formed. The Michigan Survey Centre reported in 1960 that two-thirds of its respondents who could recall their first vote still identified with the same party, and 56 per cent claimed never to have crossed party lines in a presidential election.
4. Caste:
Caste is another factor which influences the behaviour of voters. In Indian caste plays a very important role in elections. Prof. Rudolph says, “Within the new context of political democracy, caste remains a central element of India’s society even while adapting itself to the values and methods of democratic politics. Indeed, it has become one of the chief means by which the Indian masses have been attached to the process of democratic politics.”
While emphasising the role of caste in the Kerala elections, Prof. Harrison says: “The success of the Kerala Communist Party as the first regional Communist Party in India to capture control of a state government can be explained, above all, to its ability to manipulate politically strategic caste lobbies within linguistic boundaries as in Andhra. The Kerala Communists were able to transform economic despair into a legislative majority because of their footing on regional caste ground, notable among the numerous Ezhaves who provided the necessary majority of constituencies.” .
5. Effect of Individual Personality:
According to Profs. Carr, Berustein and Murphy, one of the most fascinating aspects of political behaviour is the effect of individual personality traits on the voting decision.
6. The influence of Policy Views:
Key is of the opinion that great number of citizens do in fact vote according to their policy preference. In his examinations of Gallup studies ranging from 1936 to 1960, Key found a marked correlation between voters’ views on public policy issues and their support of one party or the other.
7. Party Propaganda: Party campaign and propaganda is also an important factor which influences the voting behaviour to some extent.
8. Money Power: Voters are also influenced by money power, which plays a major part in the election system.
9. Elite Influence. In every political system, howsoever modern, there are bound to be elitist sections who exercise their influence on the masses.
10. Respected and influential leaders:
Sometimes, the choice of voting is made for the vote by others, such as elders, respected persons and influential leaders.
11. Conscious thinking:
The voting decision of a voter may be the result of his conscious thinking effort to discriminate between the different choices open to him.
12. The voter’s choice is made in a concrete situation and his idea about that situation normally affects his choice and thus the general public opinion is likely to have important bearing on people’s voting choice.
Varma and Bhambari write:
Voting choice is, in one way or the other, the function of a process of political decision-making by each individual voter but that does not mean that the individual voter makes the decision in abstract; all the normal political, social and other forces which influence him and some of them are especially whipped up on the election even exert greater influence on him. As a citizen, a voter has own political and social preferences and prejudices which he must take into account while making his voting choice.
It has been traditional in voting research to emphasise the stability of voter’s behaviour and attribute change to a small group of voters, the ‘floating voters’, who lack a consistent image of the political parties and who fail to identify themselves with a particular party. According to Alan Ball, this view that while the vast majority of electors are stable in their voting behaviour, elections are decided by a relatively small, ill-informed and disinterested minority, has been challenged recently on two fronts.
First, American research has pointed to the possibility that the floating voter may not be as politically illiterate, as the more partisan voter, and secondly,and more importantly, British research has shown that electoral changes may not be due only to this small group of voters, but that in fact there is a far large element of instability in voting behaviour than was believed to be the case.
Question 3.
Explain any six functions of Election Commission of India.
Or
Explain the composition of the Election Commission and explain four functions of National Election Commission in India.
Or
Discuss the six functions of Election Commission of India.
Answer:
India is a sovereign democratic republic. For the successful working of democracy, elections must be held in a non-partisan spirit. The framers of our Constitution were aware of the need to have an independent and impartial agency to conduct free and fair elections in the country. To ensure this, the Constitution has provided an Election Commission to conduct fair elections.
Composition:
The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as the President may from time to time fix. Till 1989, the Election Commission has always been a one man commission in the sense that though the Chief Election Commissioner was always appointed, no other Election Commissioner was appointed. In 1989 the President appointed two Election Commissioners on the eve of the general elections of 1989.
However, the National Front Government, soon after it came to power, decided to abolish these posts and reverted to the earlier position. In October, 1993 the President appointed two Election Commissioners through an ordinance and gave them the same position and status as the Chief Election Commissioner. The Ordinance was challenged by the Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan and the Supreme Court upheld the supremacy of the Chief Election Commissioner over the newly appointed Election Commissioners.
After the judgement given by the Supreme Court on July 1995, the Court has ruled that the Election Commissioners enjoy equal status with the Chief Election Commissioner. The appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners is made by the President. Before every general elections, the President also appoints, in consultation with the Election Commission, such Regional Commissioners as he considers necessary to assist the Election Commission. At present there are one Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners.
The tenure and the service conditions of the Election Commission are determined by the President. Generally the Election Commissioner is appointed for a period of six years. The conditions of service of the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment. The Chief Election Commissioner may only be removed when 2/3 majority of the Parliament passes a resolution for his removal. Regional Commissioners can only be removed on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
The President or the Governor of a State makes available to the Election Commission such staff as may be necessary for the discharge of its functions.
Functions of the Election Commission. Following are the main functions of the Election Commission:
1. Superintendence, direction and control of the electoral roll for election.
2. To conduct elections to Parliament and legislatures of states and also to the offices of the President and Vice-President.
3. The Election Commission fixes the time-table for the elections.
4. The Election Commission orders a fresh elections in a constituency or at a polling booth if it resorted to malpractices, such as intimidation of voters or burning of polling booths etc. or if it has vitiated the electoral process. On 21st May, 1991 Election Commission countermanded elections in two Parliamentary Constituencies.
5. The Election Commission appoints Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers to conduct the elections.
6. The Election Commission allots symbols to various political parties and the candidates.
7. The Election Commission is authorised to recognise a political party. It is the Election Commission that determines what political parties will be recognised at both National and state levels. Election Commission gave recognition to Seven National Political Parties and 59 state level parties.
8. The Election Commissioner is to ensure that only those persons cast their votes, who are entitled to it and that there is no impersonation.
9. The Election Commission decides where polling booths should be set up so that electorates are not required to travel a long distance.
10. The Election Commission is responsible for the safe custody of the ballot boxes and the counting of votes before the results are announced.
11. The Election Commission prepares a code of conduct for all political parties and independent candidates who are contesting elections.
12. The Election Commission supervises the staff deputed by the Union government and the State governments for the election purposes.
13. All election results are announced by the Election Commission. So far 17 elections to the Lok Sabha have been conducted. The Election Commission has acquired considerable prestige and reputation for conducting elections in a fair and free manner.
Question 4.
Describe the features of the 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 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 into 543 constituencies. Belonging voters elect their representatives. But only one representative represents his constituency.
5. Election Commission: The Constitution has provided Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections.
Question 5.
Explain the main steps of Election process in India.
Or
What is election process? Name all the important stages of Indian election process.
Answer:
India is a democratic country. But India has adopted indirect democracy. Administration is run by the representatives of the people, who are elected for a fixed term. In India election procedure is as given below:
1. Constituencies:
The first important task in elections is delimitation of constituencies. Under Article 327 of the Constitution the Union Parliament is empowered to enact legislation from time to time to provide for the delimitation of constituencies for elections to Parliament and to the state legislatures. Parliament passed the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952. The Act provides for the establishment of a Delimitation Commission for the purpose of delimitating constituencies in each state after every census.
2. List of Voters:
First, temporary list of voters is prepared. If anybody’s name is excluded from the list, he can ask for inclusion of his name. But such a request is to be made within a fixed time.
3. Appointment: Senior staff for election purposes is appointed for supervision.
4. Polling Stations: In each constituency polling stations are established and a fixed number of voters are directed to cast their votes there.
5. Filing of the Nomination Papers: After the announcement of the date of elections, nomination papers are filed in favour of candidates.
6. Withdrawal of Nomination: Candidates are allowed to withdraw their names from elections. But this is to be done before the last date for withdrawal.
7. Scrutiny and Objections:
On the fixed date nomination 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 elections, political parties and indepedent candidates start propaganda and try to influence the voters. The party propaganda is carried out through election manifesto of the party, public meetings, door canvassing, pamphlets etc. Electioneering ceases forty- eight hours before the closing hour or polling in each constituency.
9. Polling:
On the day of the polling, a holiday is declared so that each voter can cast his vote. At polling booth voters are given ballot papers and the voter stamps against the name of the candidate whom he wants to vote. After that the voter puts the ballot paper in the ballot box.
10. Counting of votes:
After the polling is over the polling officer seals the ballot boxes in the presence of two representatives of the candidates and sends the ballot boxes at a particular place. On the fixed date ballot boxes are opiened in the presence of the representatives of 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.
11. Election Expenses:
Each candidate has to submit the accounts of election expenditure to the Election Commission within forty-five days of the declaration of result. The amount of election expenditure is fixed and if any candidate spends more than the fixed limit then his election is nullified.
12. Election Petition:
If any candidate is not satisfied with the impartiality of election or due to some other reason, he may appeal to the court. The court decides the case and an appeal can be made to the Supreme Court against the decision of the High Court.
Question 6.
What is meant by Adult Franchise? Write two arguments in favour and two against Adult Franchise.
Or
Write arguments in favour of and against Adult Franchise.
Or
Give arguments for and against Adult Franchise.
Answer:
What is Adult Franchise or Adult Suffrage? With the advent of democracy, there started a heated controversy as to which category of the people in society should be given the right to elect representatives. Some people are of the opinion that the right to vote is a function and it should be given only to those people who use it properly. Some favour property and some favour education as the basis for giving the right to vote to the people. But the majority is of the opinion that all the people should be equally given the right to vote.
By adult franchise we mean that every person, both male and female, above the age of maturity, irrespective of caste, colour, creed, property, education, profession or sex, is entitled to enjoy the right to vote in the elections. The idea underlying this principle is that the final sovereignty lies with the people as a whole and not with a particular section of society. At present nearly all the civilized countries like Britain, U.S.A., Russia, France, India, etc., have adopted this principle of Adult Suffrage’ and accordingly all the adults enjoy the right to vote. The age of attaining maturity is fixed by the State. In Britain it is 18 years, in India it is 18 years, in Switzerland it is 20 years and in Russia it is 18 years.
How Universal Adult Franchise was accepted in different countries? There has been a long struggle for the acceptance of the principle of Universal adult franchise. Many battles had to be fought, all the world over, for making it a reality. Women were not considered equal, politically, socially and legally. Hence women were not given the right to vote. Till the second decade of the twentieth century, no country had adopted Universal Adult Franchise.
New Zealand was the first country to incorporate the provisions for universal adult franchise in 1893. Manhood suffrage was introduced in Great Britain in 1918 whereas Universal Adult Franchise was introduced in 1928. The United States extended franchise to women by the 19th Amendment of the Constitution in 1919. Soviet Union, the land of the October Revolution 1917, introduced universal adult franchise in 1936. Slogan of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity was popularised by the French Revolution of 1789, but it was only in 1945 that universal adult franchise was introduced. In India Universal Adult Franchise was followed in 1950.
Arguments in Favour of Adult Franchise:
The principle of Adult Franchise possesses some fundamental merits which cannot be ignored in the modern age of democracy. The merits are as follows:
1. It is in accordance with democratic principles:
The principle of adult franchise is in accordance with the democratic principles. Democracy is a government of the people by the people and for the people. If the principle of adult franchise is not introduced then the power to govern will pass on to some section of the people instead of remaining with the people and the administration may not be run in the best interests of the masses.
2. National unity:
The system of Universal Adult franchise is quite essential for the maintenance of national unity. If only a section of the people is given the right to vote, then the entire public could not consider the government as its own. The people would be divided into two groups and the people who do not enjoy the right to vote would not extend willing co-operation to the government. This way national unity cannot be achieved. But if the system of Universal Adult Franchise is introduced, then all the citizens would consider the State as their own.
3. Laws affect all alike:
Whatever laws are framed by the government, they are not meant for a particular community or a section of the people but they affect all alike. Only those people should have the power to frame laws to whom they concern. Therefore, the introduction of the principle of Adult Franchise is essential so that everybody gets the right to participate in the election of the representatives. It is only under such circumstances that laws can be framed in accordance with the wishes of the people.
4. Peace and order:
The application of the principle of Adult Franchise lies ‘ in the establishment of peace and order in the State. The laws are framed
by the representatives of the people in accordance with their wishes. That is why the laws are willingly obeyed by the people. The people fully co-operate with the government and the laws are never violated. All this helps in the maintenance of peace and order.
5. All the people pay taxes to the government:
The government collects money from the people in the form of taxes. Now a days both the direct and indirect taxes are imposed upon the people and hence all the people pay taxes. According to democratic principle that money should be spent by those people only who have given it in the form of taxes. Therefore, all the people should have the right to send representative to that body which has the power to impose taxes upon the people.
6. Political education:
An important merit of Adult Franchise is that it gives political education to the people. If a large number of people get the right to vote, it helps in making them politically educated. When all the people participate in the election they are bound to think about the problems of the country. They will try to find out solution to all the problems which are facing the country.
7. It creates spirit of self-respect:
Through the system of Adult Franchise the people develop the spirit of self-respect. People develop the feeling that they have a share in the government of the State and they have a hand in the making of the government. They think themselves a very important part of the machinery of the State. They do not think themselves in any way inferior to anybody.
8. No danger of Revolution:
Another merit of Adult Franchise is that all the people get the right to vote and there is no danger of revolution. There are many reasons for it. First, because of Adult Franchise the government represents the entire mass of public and nobody ever complains against the government. Secondly, if the government does not function in accordance with the wishes of the people, the people can change it. The government represents all the people and no section of society opposes its actions.
9. Representation to minorities:
Due to Adult Franchise minorities also get some representation. Hence the problem of giving representation to the minorities is solved by Adult Franchise.
10. Essential for civil rights:
Every citizen enjoys civil and economic rights. To protect social and economic rights, political rights are essential and right to vote is the most important political right.
Arguments Against Adult Franchise:
There is a large number of people who find fault with the system of Adult Franchise and they put forward the following arguments in support of their viewpoint:
1. Uneducated should not be given the right to vote:
The right to vote is not a natural or an inherent right which everybody can enjoy. In fact it is a sort of special privilege which is conferred only on those persons who are best fitted to utilize it for the welfare of the State. Some people are of the opinion that the right to vote should be given only to the educated people. The educated persons can make a proper use of their rights. An uneducated person cannot understand who is the best candidate out of all.
2. Government of the fools:
The masses are ignorant and illiterate. They do not even possess the capacity or understanding to elect the best candidates and to judge the worth of governmental policy. Therefore to entrust the right of voting to ignorant masses is to welcome dangerous consequences. The system of Universal Adult Franchise establishes a government of the fools because the fools and the ignorant are in a majority in society.
3. Franchise based on property:
Some people are of the view-point that franchise should be based on property. Those who are propertied persons and who pay the taxes should have the right to elect the representatives so that these representatives could frame the laws in accordance with the wishes of the tax payers. But this argument does not carry much weight. Nowadays all the people pay taxes and the laws are applicable to all the people equally.
4. No franchise to women:
Some people are of the opinion that women should not be given the right to vote. They say that women are physically weak and they are not capable enough to take an active part in politics. Their proper place is home and not political field. Their participation in politics will disturb the peace at home. In the modern age even this argument does not carry weight. The women are taking very active and intelligent part in politics.
5. All citizens are not equal:
It is also wrong that all the people are equal. Nature has not created everybody equal. Some are wise from their very birth and others are fools. All the people cannot be given similar type of work because all are not equally competent. Therefore all the people cannot be given the right to vote and the right to contest election on equal footing.
6. Franchise is not a right but a responsibility:
Many scholars consider that the right to vote is not a right but it is a responsibility. The right can be extended only to those persons who are really capable of using it properly. If it is extended to an incompetent person, it proves very useless. Therefore the right to vote should be extended only to the capable and educated persons.
7. Radical legislation:
Another defect of adult franchise is that it helps in the framing of radical legislation. A large number of people are elected who can influence the ordinary citizens by their progressive views. These people adopt progressive measures and they create a new atmosphere in society. These progressive measures create cultural lag in society and the relationship between the present and the past is completely broken.
Conclusion:
There is no doubt that the system of Adult Franchise has been criticised on various grounds and various arguments have been put forward against it but the fact is that the merits of Adult Franchise outweigh its demerits. In the modern age almost all the countries have adopted the system of Adult Franchise. In the absence of Adult Franchise democracy is incomplete and it cannot be a success.
Question 7.
What do you know of the Direct and Indirect Election system? Also explain their merits and demerits.
Or
Explain the merits and demerits of the system of Direct Election.
Or
Write Merits and Demerits of Direct Election System.
Answer:
In democracy the people elect their representatives and the representatives carry out the wishes of the people. Nowadays almost all the countries have adopted the system of Adult franchise. There are two ways to electing representatives- Direct Election and Indirect Election.
Direct Election:
In the system of Direct election the voters directly participate in election and elect their representatives. The process of direct election is quite simple. Every voter goes to the polling station and records his vote either in favour or against particular candidates. A candidate securing the maximum number of votes is declared elected. This system of election is the most popular and is followed in all democratic countries for electing members of People’s Chamber. All members of the State assemblies and House of People in India are elected directly. Every adult in India exercises the right to vote.
Its Merits.
1. Firstly, direct election is consistent with the principle of democracy. People have direct share in the choice of their representatives and in determining the public policy.
2. Secondly, the system makes the citizens active and alert. Each voter feels that his voice will count in the formation of government and the selection of law-makers. A direct contact between the electors and the representatives stimulates interest in public affairs and develops the sense of public spirit. The system makes people conscious of the rights and duties and is fully in keeping with the democratic principles.
3. Thirdly, the representative elected under this system feels responsible to the people and he tries to keep himself in touch with them and better their conditions.
4. Fourthly, direct election broadens the mental outlook of the citizens since it places before them the national aspects of the social and political problems. The voters are presented the different policies and programmes of the candidates.
5. Fifthly, direct election checks the use of corrupt and unfair means in election.
Its Demerits.
1. Firstly, direct election means political excitement which leads to the election of undesirable candidates. The voters are easily carried away or misled by clever orators. They are swept off their feet by popular passion.
2. Secondly, direct election increases the election expenditure which entails a heavy burden on the public purse.
3. Thirdly, direct election places the final choice of the representatives in the hands of the masses and most of them do not have enough of intelligence or independence to vote for the right type of candidates.
4. Fourthly, direct election means election campaigns and intensive political propaganda for and against different candidates. Many citizens, therefore, who would have proved the best administrators, avoid to contest elections.
This means a great national loss.
Indirect Election:
Indirect election means that the voters do not directly participate in the election of their representatives but choose only an intermediary body which elects the representatives. This intermediary body is usually called the Electoral College. It is a system of Double election. In the first instance, the general mass of voters elect from among themselves a small group of electors. These electors then elect the final representatives who become the members of the legislature.
Thus the final choice of electing the representatives is not that of the general mass of voters but of the intermediary body of electors which the general mass of voters had elected in the first instance. This Indirect Election system is often used for the constitution of second chamber. The Council of States in India, the President of India and the President of U.S.A. are elected by the method of Indirect election.
Its Merits:
1. It is useful where the people are sufficiently educated and politically organized and where the constituencies are very large and unwieldy.
2. The final choice of the representatives is in the hands of a body of select persons who possess superior knowledge and are guided by a keener sense of responsibility. It helps to check popular passion.
3. Clever politicians and orators cannot mislead the few selected people. There is no occasion for any disorder or dislocations taking place as a result of the voters being swayed by political passions. There are neither election campaigns nor party propaganda.
4. This system minimizes the evils of party politics and propaganda.
5. Under this system there are in fact two elections. This involves delay which proves very useful. The Electoral College makes the final choice after cool consideration. The delay makes the situation cool and the electors can vote freely and dispassionately.
Its Demerits.
1. The method of indirect election creates a big gap between the representative and the voters. The representatives do not feel responsible to the primary voters.
2. The voters have no direct participation in the selection of their representatives, and so they take little interest in politics and become negligent on public affairs. The system, therefore, has no educative value.
3. The system gives birth to corruption and political intrigue. The intermediate body of voters has a small membership and can be more easily bribed by a rich and powerful candidate.
4. Actually it leads to more party strifes and in countries where political parties are well organized, election by indirect method has become a mere formality.
Conclusion:
Out of the two methods of elections, the method of Direct Election prevails in most of the countries. In all the democratic countries the representatives to the legislature are elected by the method of Direct Election. The members of the Upper House can be elected through the method of Indirect Election. In India the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the method of Indirect Election. The President of India and the President of U.S.A. are also elected by the method of Indirect Election.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Write down the composition of Election Commission in India.
Or
Write down the composition of the Election Commission.
Answer:
The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners the President may appoint from time to time. In October, 1993 the President appointed two Election Commissioners through an ordinance. At present the Election Commission consists of Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
The appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners is made by the President. Before each general election, the President also appoints, in consultation with the Election Commission, such Regional Commissioners as he considers necessary to assist the Election Commission. The tenure and other service conditions of the Election Commission are determined by the President. Generally the Election Commissioner is appointed for a period of six years. The conditions of service of the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.
Question 2.
Explain any two changing characteristics of Indian Electorate.
Answer:
Important changes have taken place in the character of Indian electorate. Two important changes are as follows:
- The Indian voter has become more politicised. Indian electorate are now taking more interest in the political activities of the country. Indian voters are now more conscious politically.
- Indian electorate are more concerned with the contemporary events and problems than with the past achievements or activities of the parties.
Question 3.
Suggest four remedies to improve the Indian Electoral System.
Answer:
Following remedies are suggested to improve the Indian Electoral System:
1. The present electoral system of single-member constituencies should be replaced by a system of proportional representation.
2. Strict action should be taken against those who indulge in booth-capturing and bogus voting. The high powered Committee on electoral reforms recommended a series of legislative measures to eradicate booth-capturing, rigging and intimidation. The recommended steps include ordering of repoll or countermanding not only on the report of the returning officer but also otherwise and vesting the Commission with power of appointment of investigating agencies, prosecuting agencies and asking for the constitution of Special Courts.
3. There should be 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.
Question 4.
Discuss four techniques of election campaign in India.
Answer:
- Every main political party and sometimes independent candidates issue election manifesto.
- Political parties and candidates arrange public meetings and processions, by which they try to persuade the voters in their favour through their speeches and personalities.
- Wall-paintings, posters and big leaflets are other important techniques of election campaign.
- Slogans is a very popular and influential technique of election campaign.
Question 5.
Write four functions of Election Commission.
Or
Write down any four functions of Election Commission.
Answer:
1. Election Commission supervises, directs and controls the elections. Such elections include election to Parliament, the legislature of every State and the offices of the President and the Vice-President held under the constitution of India.
2. Election Commission prepares electoral rolls and delimitation of constituencies.
3. Election Commission appoints returning officers and assistant returning officers to conduct the election.
4. The allotment of election symbols to a political party and an independent candidate is done by the Election Commission.
Question 6.
Write any four drawbacks of Indian Electoral System.
Answer:
1. Number of Seats:
There is no relationship between the votes secured by a party and its strength in the Assembly or the Parliament. The number of seats secured by a particular party is not proportionate to the voters.
2. Money Power:
Another important drawback of Indian electoral system is the growing influence of money in elections. The expenses incurred on election are so huge that parties tend to give ticket only to a millionaire. The high cost of electioneering has resulted in corrupt practices.
3. Misuse of Public Media:
It is being alleged that the Congress was using the government 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.
4. The existing system of election gives more importance to the individual candidate than the’political party.
Question 7.
Write down four facts which determine the Voting Behaviour in India.
Answer:
- Influence of Religion: Religion influences the voting behaviour to a great extent. In India, many parties seek votes on the basis of religion.
- Influence of Caste: Caste influences the voting behaviour to a large extent. In India caste plays a very important role in elections.
- Party Propaganda: Party campaign and propaganda is also an important factor which influences the voting behaviour to some extent.
- Money Power: Voters are also influenced by money power, which plays a major part in the election system.
Question 8.
Write any four stages of Electoral Process in India.
Answer:
In India election procedure is as follows:
1. Constituencies:
The first important task in election is delimitation of constituencies. Parliament passed the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952. The Act provides for the establishment of a Delimitation Commission for the purpose of delimitating constituencies in each state after every census.
2. List of Voters:
First, temporary list of voters is prepared. If anybody’s name is excluded from the list, he can ask for inclusion of his name. But such a request is to be made within a fixed time.
3. Filing of the Nomination Papers. After the announcement of the date of election, nomination papers are filed in favour of candidates.
4. Withdrawal of Nomination:
Candidates are allowed to withdraw their names from elections. But this is to be done before the last date for withdrawal.
Question 9.
What are the causes of inadequate people’s participation in India?
Or
Why is the level of people’s participation so low in India?
Answer:
India is the biggest democratic country in the world. But in India hardly 60% of the voters cast their votes. Following factors are responsible for people’s low participation in elections of India.
1. Poverty:
Majority of the people in India are poor. A poor person remains worried about earning his livelihood and has no time to cast his vote. The poor person does not even think about the elections.
2. Illiteracy:
Majority of the people in India are illiterate. An illiterate person does not understand the importance of the right to vote. Hence illiterate persons don’t go to cast their votes.
3. Unemployment:
Thousands of educated and uneducated people are unemployed in India. They remain indifferent to democracy and do not take interest in elections.
4. Another reason of low people’s participation in Indian democracy is indifferent view of the peoples.
Question 10.
What do you understand by People’s Participation in a Democracy?
Answer:
Political participation broadly refers to a wide spectrum of political activities ranging from the simple act of voting to widespread political activism in the political process. It thus implies several voluntary activities apart from voting during the elections. It may involve joining a political party, participation in a political meeting, demonstration, rally, standing for election to the local bodies, state legislature or parliament, maintaining contacts with the elected representatives, sending petitions to the government for the redressal of grievances of the people and a number of other activities concerned in any way with the political system of the country.
Question 11.
How does Casteism effect the Voting Behaviour in India?
Answer:
Caste influences the behaviour of voters. In India caste plays a very important role in elections Prof. Rudolph says, “Within the new context of political democracy, caste remains a central element of Indian society even while adapting itself to the values and methods of democratic politics. Indeed, it has become one of the chief means by which the Indian masses have been attached to the process of democratic politics.”
Question 12.
Explain the meaning of voting behaviour. Describe two major determinants of voting behaviour in India.
Or
Explain voting behaviour in India.
Answer:
In the words of J.C. Plano and R.E. Riggs, “Voting behaviour is a field of study concerned with the ways in which people tend to vote in public elections and reasons they vote as they do.”
In brief, the study of voting behaviour implies two things:
- Why people exercise their right to vote and
- Why they exercise their franchise in favour of different candidates.
Some of the important determinants of voting behaviour in India are:
- Caste of the candidate.
- Religion of the candidate.
- Region to which the candidate belongs.
- Influence of money.
Question 13.
What is the salary and term of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners?
Or
Write down the tenure of the members of Election Commission.
Answer:
In December, 1993 the Indian Parliament passed the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Amendment Act, 1993. As per the provisions of the Act, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are paid a salary equal to the salary of a judge of the Supreme Court. Thus, each of them is paid? 250000 per month as salary.
The Act further provides that the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner holds office for a term of six years from the date on which he assumes his office. But if the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner attains the age of sixty-five years before the expiry of the term of six years, he shall vacate his office on the date on which he attains the said age.
Question 14.
How is the Chief Election Commissioner removed in India?
Or
Describe the method of appointment, tenure and procedure of the removal of Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Answer:
1. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President subject to the provisions of any law made on that behalf by the Indian Parliament.
2. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed for a period of six years.
3. The Chief Election Commissioner is removed from his office by an order of the President after an address by each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of the House and by a majority of not less than two thirds of the members of the House present and voting had been presented to the President in the same session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity.
Question 15.
Describe any four features of the Indian Electoral System.
Answer:
The three important features of the Indian Electoral System are the following:
- Universal Adult Franchise: In India the system of universal adult franchise has been adopted for the election of members of Lok Sabha and of State Legislative Assemblies.
- Direct Election: The Constitution provides for the system of direct election of the members of the House of the People and of Legislative Assembly of every state by the eligible voters.
- Joint Electorate System: The Constitution of India provides for a system of joint electorates.
- There is a provision of Reservation of seats for the SCs and STs.
Question 16.
What do you mean by Universal Adult Franchise?
Or
What do you understand by Universal Adult Franchise?
Answer: By universal adult franchise we mean that every citizen both male and female, above the age of maturity, irrespective of caste, colour, creed, property, education, profession or sex, is entitled to enjoy the right to vote in the election. The age of attaining maturity is fixed by the state. In England and in India it is 18 years.
Question 17.
Give four arguments in favour of Adult Franchise.
Answer:
The arguments in favour of adult franchise are given below:
1. It is in accordance with democratic principles. The principle of adult franchise is in accordance with the democratic principles.
2. National unity. The system of Universal Adult Franchise is quite essential for the maintenance of national unity. If the system of Universal Adult Franchise is introduced then all the citizens would consider the State as their own.
3. Laws affect all alike. The introduction of the principle of Adult Franchise is essential so that everybody gets the right to participate in the election of the representatives. It is only under such circumstances that laws can be framed in accordance with the wishes of the people.
4. An important merits of Adult Franchise is that it gives political education to the people.
Question 18.
Give three arguments against Adult Franchise.
Answer:
1. The uneducated should not be given the right to vote. The right to vote is not a natural or an inherent right which everybody can enjoy. The educated persons can make the proper use of their rights. An uneducated person cannot understand who is the best candidate out of all.
2. Government of the fools. The system of Universal Adult Franchise establishes a government of the fools because the fools and the ignorant are in a majority in the society.
3. All citizens are not equal. It is also wrong that all the people are equal. Therefore, all the people cannot be given the right to vote and to contest election on equal footing.
4. Franchise is not a right but responsibility. Therefore the right to vote should be extended only to the capable and educated persons.
Question 19.
What do you mean by Direct Method of Election?
Answer:
In the system of Direct election the votes directly participate in election and elect their representatives, the process of direct election is quite simple. Every voter goes to the polling station and records his vote either in favour or against particular candidates. A candidate securing the maximum number of votes is declared elected. This system of election is the most popular and is followed in all democratic countries for electing members of People’s Chamber. All members of the State assemblies and House of People in India are elected directly. Every adult in india exercises the right to vote.
Question 20.
What is meant by Indirect Method of Election?
Answer:
Indirect elections means that the voters do not directly participate in the election of their representatives but choose only an intermediary body which elects the representatives. This intermediary body is usually called the Electoral College. It is a system of Double election. In the first instance, the general mass of voters elect from among themselves a small group of electors. These electors then elect the final representatives who become the members of the legislature.
Thus the final choice of electing the representatives is not that of the general mass of voters but of the intermediary body of electors which the general mass of voters had elected in the first instance. This Indirect Election system is often used for the constitution of second chamber. The Council of States in India, the President of India and the President of U.S.A are elected by the method of Indirect election.
Question 21.
Distinguish between Direct election and Indirect election methods.
Or
Differentiate between Direct and Indirect Election System.
Answer:
In the system of direct election the voters directly participate in election and elect their representatives. But in indirect election the voters do not directly participate in the election of their representatives but choose an intermediary body which elects the representatives. This intermediary body is usually called the Electoral College. It is a system of double election. In India all members of the state assemblies and Lok Sabha are elected directly. The Rajya Sabha in India, the President of India and the President of U.S.A. are elected by the method of indirect election.
Question 22.
What is Indirect Democracy?
Answer:
In indirect democracy people participate in law-making indirectly. People elect some representatives and these representatives act according to the wishes of the people. Their main aim is to promote the welfare of the people. They frame laws of the State and run the administration for the best interests of the people. The entire country is divided into equal electoral constituencies and from each constituency one representative is elected. The representatives are elected for a fixed period and after the expiry of their term fresh elections are held. This system prevails in almost all the countries of the world today.
Question 23.
Write four merits of Indirect Election.
Answer:
- It is useful where the people are sufficiently educated and politically organised.
- Indirect election minimizes the evils of party politics and propaganda.
- The method of indirect election is less expensive because the number of voters is small.
- Clever politicians and orators cannot mislead the few selected people.
Question 24.
Write four demerits of Indirect Election.
Answer:
- The method of indirect election creates a big gap between the representatives and the voters. The representatives do not feel responsible to the primary voters.
- The voters have no direct participation in the selection of their representatives and so they take little interest in politics and become negligent in public affairs.
- Indirect election encourages corruption because the number of voters is very small and therefore it is easier to purchase their votes. Besides money other methods are also used to pressurise the voters.
- Actually it leads to more parties.
Question 25.
Write four merits of Direct Election.
Answer:
- Direct election is consistent with the principle of democracy. People have direct share in the choice of their representatives.
- The representative elected directly feels responsible to the people and he tries to keep himself in touch with them and works to better their conditions.
- Direct election system makes the citizen active and alert. A direct contact between the electors and the representatives stimulates interest in public affairs and develops the sense of public spirit.
- Direct election checks the use of correct and unfair means in elections.
Question 26.
Write four demerits of Direct Election.
Answer:
- Direct election means political excitement which leads to the election of undesirable candidates. The voters are easily carried away or misled by clever orators.
- Direct election increases the election expenditure which entails a heavy burden on the public purse.
- Thirdly, direct election places the final choice of the representatives in the hands of the masses and most of them do not have enough of intelligence or independence to vote for the right type of candidates.
- Many citizens, who would have proved the best administrators, avoid to contest elections. This means a great national loss.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Write the composition of Indian Election Commission.
Answer:
The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners. The appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners is made by the President. Generally the Election Commissioner is appointed for a period of six years. The conditions of service of the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.
Question 2.
Discuss two techniques of election campaign in India.
Answer:
- Every main political party and sometimes independent candidates issue . election manifesto.
- Political parties and candidates arrange public meetings and processions, by which they try to persuade the voters in their favour through their speeches and personalities.
Question 3.
Write down any two functions of Election Commission.
Answer:
1. Election Commission supervises, directs and controls the elections. Such elections include election to Parliament, the legislature of every State and the offices of the President and the Vice-President held under the Constitution of India.
2. Election Commission prepares electoral rolls and delimitation of constituencies.
Question 4.
Which two conditions are necessary for the successful functioning of electoral system in India?
Answer:
The following three conditions are essential for the successful functioning of electoral system in India.
1. Independence of Election Commission:
For the successful functioning of electoral system in India it is essential that the Election Commission should be independent.
2. Check on Money Power:
A major drawback of Indian electoral system is the growing influence of money in election. For fair election it is essential that the role of money power in election should be controlled.
Question 5.
Mention any two drawbacks of Indian Electoral System.
Answer:
1. Number of Seats:
There is no relationship between the votes secured by a party and its strength in the Assembly or the Parliament. The number of seats secured by a particular party is not proportionate to the voters.
2. Money Power: Another important drawback of Indian electoral system is the growing influence of money in elections.
Question 6.
Write any two factors which influence Voting Behaviour.
Answer:
- Influence of Religion: Religion influences the voting behaviour to a great extent. In India, many parties seek votes on the basis of religion.
- Influence of Caste: Caste influences the voting behaviour to a large extent. In India caste plays a very important role in elections.
Question 7.
Describe any two preliminary stages of election procedure in India.
Answer:
In India election procedure is as follows:
1. Constituencies:
The first important task in election is delimitation of constituencies. Parliament passed the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952. The Act provides for the establishment of a Delimitation Commission for the purpose of delimitating constituencies in each state after every census.
2. List of Voters:
First, temporary list of voters is prepared. If anybody’s name is excluded from the list, he can ask for inclusion of his name. But such a request is to be made within a fixed time.
Question 8.
What is the reason for people’s low participation in Indian democracy?
Answer:
1. Poverty. Majority of the people in India are poor. A poor person remains worried about earning his livelihood and has no time to cast his vote. The poor person does not even think about the elections.
2. Illiteracy. Majority of the people in India are illiterate. An illiterate person does not understand the importance of the right to vote. Hence illiterate persons don’t go to cast their votes.
Question 9.
What do you understand by Political Participation in a Democracy?
Answer:
Political participation broadly refers to a wide spectrum of political activities ranging from the simple act of voting to widespread political activism in the political process. It thus implies several voluntary activities apart from voting during the elections.
Question 10.
Mention any two features of the Indian Electoral System.
Answer:
The two important features of the Indian Electoral System are the following:
- Universal Adult Franchise: In India the system of universal adult franchise has been adopted for the election of members to Lok Sabha and to State Legislative Assemblies.
- Direct Election: The Constitution provides for the system of direct election of the members to the House of the People and to Legislative Assembly of every state by the eligible voters.
Question 11.
What do you mean by Universal Adult Franchise?
Answer:
By universal adult franchise we mean that every citizen both male and female, above the age of maturity, irrespective of caste, colour, creed, property, education, profession or sex, is entitled to enjoy the right to vote in the election. The age of attaining maturity is fixed by the state. In England and in India it is 18 years.
Question 12.
Give two statements in favour of Universal Adult Franchise.
Or
Give two arguments in favour of Adult Franchise.
Answer:
The arguments in favour of adult franchise are given below:
1. It is in accordance with democratic principles. The principle of adult franchise is in accordance with the democratic principles.
2. National unity. The system of Universal Adult Franchise is quite essential for the maintenance of national unity. If the system of Universal Adult Franchise is introduced then all the citizens would consider the State as their own.
Question 13.
Give two arguments against Adult Franchise.
Answer:
1. The uneducated should not be given the right to vote. The right to vote is not a natural or an inherent right which everybody can enjoy. The educated persons can make the proper use of their rights. An uneducated person cannot understand who is the best candidate out of all.
2. Government of the fools. The system of Universal Adult Franchise establishes a government of the fools because the fools and the ignorant are in a majority in the society.
Question 14.
What is meant by Direct and Indirect Election?
Answer:
In the system of direct election the voters directly participate in election and elect their representatives. But in indirect election the voters do not directly participate in the election of their representatives but choose an intermediary body which elects the representatives.
Question 15.
Write any two merits of Indirect Election.
Answer:
- It is useful where the people are sufficiently educated and politically organised.
- Indirect election minimizes the evils of party politics and propaganda.
Question 16.
Mention any two demerits of Indirect Election.
Answer:
- The method of indirect election creates a big gap between the representatives and the voters. The representatives do not feel responsible to the primary voters.
- The voters have no direct participation in the selection of their representatives and so they take little interest in politics and become negligent in public affairs.
Question 17.
Write any two merits of Direct Election method.
Answer:
- Direct election is consistent with the principle of democracy. People have direct share in the choice of their representatives.
- The representative elected directly feels responsible to the people and he tries to keep himself in touch with them and works to better their conditions.
Question 18.
Write four demerits of Direct Election.
Answer:
- Direct election means political excitement which leads to the election of undesirable candidates. The voters are easily carried away or misled by clever orators.
- Direct election increases the election expenditure which entails a heavy burden on the public purse.
One Line Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is Electorate?
Answer:
That part of the total population which participates in election of its representatives is collectively called Electorate.
Question 2.
What is the criterion (basis) for a person to cast vote in India?
Answer:
A citizen, who is eighteen years old or above this age, has the right to cast vote.
Question 3.
What principle of Enfranchisement has been adopted in India?
Answer:
Principle of Universal Adult Frachise.
Question 4.
In which chapter and in which Articles of the Indian Constitution the electoral system has been described?
Answer:
The electoral system has been described in the 15th chapter of the Indian Constitution from Art. 324 to 329.
Question 5.
Write one feature of Indian electoral system.
Answer:
Joint electorate system has been adopted for the election.
Question 6.
Write the composition of Election Commission of India.
Answer:
In the Election Commission, there is a Chief Election Commissioner and a few other Election Commissioners.
Question 7.
How the members of Election Commission are appointed?
Answer:
According to the Constitution, the appointment of the members of the Election Commsission is made by the President.
Question 8.
How is the Chief Election Commissioner appointed?
Answer:
The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President.
Question 9.
Mention the tenure of the members of the Election Commission.
Answer:
The tenure of the members of the Election Commission is fixed by President after framing laws for it. Usually this tenure is six years.
Question 10.
Write one function of Election Commission of India.
Answer:
The main function of the Election Commission is to conduct elections for Parliament and State Legislatures and to prepare electoral rolls.
Question 11.
In India, how many elections have been held so far for the Constitution of Lok Sabha?
Answer:
Till now, there have been 17 elections for the Constitution of Lok Sabha.
Question 12.
In which year, elections to the first Lok Sabha were held in India?
Answer:
The elections for the first Lok Sabha in India were held in 1952.
Question 13.
Which two elections are conducted by Indirect Electoral Process in India?
Answer:
1. President
2. Vice-President.
Question 14.
Which two elections are conducted in India through direct election process?
Answer:
1. Election of Lok Sabha 2. Election of Legislative Assembly.
Fill in The Blanks
1. …………….. number of elections of Lok Sabha have so far been conducted in India.
Answer:
Seventeen
2. Mass political consciousness has been encouraging electoral …………….. in India.
Answer:
Participation
3. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed by the …………….. .
Answer:
Parliament
4. At present, there are …………….. members in Election Commission.
Answer:
Three
5. For election to the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assemblies, India has adopted a …………….. system of representation.
Answer:
Territorial.
True Or False Statement
1. The Parliament, through 61st Amendment, reduced the minimum voting age from 21 to 18.
Answer:
True
2. 1st Lok Sabha election was held in 1950, and 15th Lok Sabha election was held in 2004.
Answer:
False
3. In India, there is Universal Adult Franchise.
Answer:
True
4. Main drawback of Indian electroal system is the growing influence of money in elections.
Answer:
True
5. The bye election will be held within six months from the date the vacancy occurs.
Answer:
True
Choose The Correct Answer
Question 1.
Which is the biggest democratic country in the world?
(a) Japan
(b) India
(c) U.K.
(d) U.S.A.
Answer:
(b) India
Question 2.
The Chief Election Commission is appointed by:
(a) Parliament
(b) President
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Governor.
Answer:
(b) President
Question 3.
How many members are there in Election Commission?
(a) one
(b) two
(c) three
(d) four.
Answer:
(c) three
Question 4.
Election Commissioner in India is appointed for a period of:
(a) 4 years
(b) 7 years
(c) 6 years
(d) 5 years.
Answer:
(c) 6 years
Question 5.
In India the voting is fixed at the age of:
(a) 14 years
(b) 17 years
(c) 18 years
(d) 15 years.
Answer:
(c) 18 years