Question 1

Question 8How is the difference of opinion amongst the Election Commissioners settled?In favour of the majorityThe Supreme Court settles itThe Chief Election Commissioner’s opinion is finalThe President intervenes and decides

Accepted Answer

In favour of the majority

Question 2

Question 9The Election Commission conductsParliamentary ElectionsState Legislative ElectionsElection of the Office of PresidentAll of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Question 3

Question 10Every registered Political Party is allotted a symbol. Which of the following statements is correct about the allotment of a symbol to a Political registered party?A registered Political Party is allotted a symbol from its list of 'reserved symbols'.A registered Political Party selects a symbol of its choice from the list of 'free symbols'.A registered Political Party selects a symbol of its choice from a list of 'reserved symbols'.A registered Political Party can take any symbol of its choice.

Accepted Answer

A registered Political Party is allotted a symbol from its list of 'reserved symbols'.

Question 4

Question 11Election symbols are allotted to Political parties byThe President of IndiaThe Chief Election CommissionerThe Election CommissionThe Political party itself

Accepted Answer

The Election Commission

Question 5

Question 12Constituency : Returning Officer :: .............. : Presiding OfficersPolling boothsCounting centresBoth (a) and (b)None of the above

Accepted Answer

Both (a) and (b)

Question 6

Question 13Which of the following helps the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections?Code of ConductSevere punishment for booth capturingCentral ObserversAll of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Question 7

Question 4Who allots the symbols to political parties? What role do election symbols play in an election?

Accepted Answer

The Election Commission allots symbols to political parties.The election symbols give identification to the political parties on ballot paper/electronic voting machine. It helps illiterate voters to identify the party they want to vote for.

Question 8

Question 5Name two important powers and functions of the Election Commission.

Accepted Answer

Two important powers and functions of the Election Commission are:Preparation of Electoral Rolls and Photo Identity Cards.Registration and Recognition of Political Parties.

Question 9

Question 6What is known as the Voters List? Who prepares the voters list?

Accepted Answer

The Commission identifies eligible voters in each constituency and prepares the list of all eligible voters. This is called voters list.The Election Commission prepares the voters list.

Question 10

Question 7Write a short note on the advisory function of the Election Commission.

Accepted Answer

The election commission advises the President or the Governors of the State in respect of electoral matters, disqualification of members, election disputes, petitions etc. The commission also advises judiciary in the matter of post election disqualification of sitting members of parliament and state legislature. The cases of persons found guilty of corrupt practices at elections which come before the supreme court and high courts are also referred to the commission for its opinion.

Question 11

Question 1With reference to Democracy and Elections, answer the following questions:(a) Distinguish between two types of elections.(b) What type of elections are direct and what type are indirect in a Parliamentary Democracy?(c) How are the elections of the President and Vice-President of India held? Give reasons to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

(a) Below are the differences between the two types of elections:Sl. No.Direct ElectionIndirect Election1People vote directly for their representatives.People elect their representatives indirectly through their elected representatives.2Law regulates the qualifications, age, etc. of voters and establishes eligibility requirements for State officials.All elected representatives are treated at par. There are no further qualifications.3Every adult person holds the right to vote.Every elected representative holds the right to vote.4There is a very large body of voters called the Electorate.There is a very small body of voters.5Members of Legislative Assemblies and Members of Lok Sabha are elected directly.The Members of State Legislative Councils, Members of Rajya Sabha, the President of India and the Vice President are elected indirectly.(b) Election of Legislative Assemblies and Lok Sabha are direct and the election of State Legislative Councils, Rajya Sabha, the President of India and the Vice President are indirect in a Parliamentary Democracy.(c) The President of India is elected indirectly by the members of an Electoral college consisting of the elected members of both the houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States including National Capital Territory of Delhi and Union Territory of Pondicherry. The election takes place in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. Like the President, the election of the Vice-President is also indirect. The Vice-President is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament. In this election, the State Legislatures do not take part.

Question 12

Question 2With reference to types of elections, answer the following:(a) What is known as General Elections?(b) State two points of difference between a by-election and mid-term election.(c) When were the last General Elections held in India? What do you understand by the term 'electorate'? What are the rights of electorate?

Accepted Answer

(a) The Elections held to elect the members of the Lok Sabha after expiry of the normal term of five years are called the General Elections.(b) Two points of difference between a by-election and mid-term election are:Sl. No.Mid-Term ElectionBy-elections1This type of election is held when a State Legislative Assembly or Lok Sabha is dissolved before the completion of its full term (5 years)This type of election is held when a seat falls vacant due to death or resignation of the member before completion of his/her term.2The new house has a full five year term.The member so elected remains the member for the unexpired term of the house.(c) The last General Elections were held in 2019 in India.An electorate can be defined as all the people who are eligible to vote. Alternatively, a very large body of voters is called the electorate.The Indian Constitution grants the right to vote to all Indian citizens of sound mind above the age of 18, irrespective of an individual’s caste, religion, social or economic status. Every voter is allowed one vote only. A voter can vote at the constituency where they have registered themselves.

Question 13

Question 3With reference to terms of office and conditions of service of the Election Commission, answer the following questions:(a) Who constitute the Election Commission? Who is the head of the Election Commission? Who appoints him?(b) What is the term of the Election Commissioners? What happens in case there is a difference in opinion between the Election Commissioners?(c) State any four functions of the Election Commission.

Accepted Answer

(a) The Election Commission consists of three members — a chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners.The chief election commissioner is the head of the Election commission. He is appointed by the President of India(b) The term of the Election Commissioners is six years. During this tenure if they attain the age of 65 years, they shall vacate office on the day of attaining this age.In case there is a difference in opinion between the Election Commissioners, decision is taken in favour of the majority opinion.(c) Following are the four functions of the Election Commission:Preparation of electoral rolls and photo identity cards.Registration and recognition of political parties.Fixing dates and conducting elections.Ensuring free and fair elections.

Elections

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