Exam Practice

Objective Type Questions

Mutple Chhoice Questions specific number of
7Each state is divided into a
(a) Block Constituencies
19982 to 1987, Haryana was ruled by (b) District Constituencies
Since
1whichpoliticalparty? lcAssembly Constituencies
Sangharsh
Samit
ial HaryanaJanata Party (d) Ward Constituencies
Bhartiya
il
NeCongressParty
Ans. (c) Assembly Constituencies
Party of India whoare eligible to vote
a Communist
8 The list of those people
(c) Congress Party is officially called
o Electoral Roll
of the following is not afactor that (a) Voter's List
Which
one
(c) Elector's List
(d) Constituency List
9
makes an
election democratic?
should be something to choose from. Ans. (b) Electoral Roll
(a) There and candidates should be free to contest has the largest
9 Which of the following state
Parties
(b)
number of Lok Sabha seats?
elections.

choice should not be offered at reqular (b) Andhra Pradesh

(c) The (a) Maharashtra
intervals.
LdyUttar Pradesh
(c) Bihar
ia) The candidate preterred by the people should
get elected. Ans. (d) Uttar Pradesh
should not be offercd at regular intervals. Union Territories has the
(c)Thechoice 1øWhich of the following
number of Lok Sabha seats?
Ans.
when largest
Which of the following terms is used b}Delhi
constituency to fill (a) Chandigarh
election is held only tor one (c) Lakshadweep (d) Puducherry
the vacancy caused by death or resignation of
a member?
Ans. (b) Delhi
election
(a) Constituency election (b) General 11 The power and
independence of Election
which
Commission (EC) of India is equivalent to
er By-election (d) Assembly election
Ans. (c) By-election one of the following?
Commissioner of Police
for the (a) Governor b) Assistant
Which of the following terms is used
A Hunian Rights Commission
our country is divided into e Judiciary (d) National
areas when
different areas for purposes of
elections? Ans. (c) Judiciary
(a) Panchayats (b) Wards 12 The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed
dConstituencies
(c) Blocks by whom among the following?
Ans. (d) Constituencies (a) Lok Sabha Speaker
(b) The Chief Justice of India
5 What do we mean when we say that a e The President of India
Scheduled
constituency is reserved for the (d) The Vice-President of India
Castes (SC)? Ans. (c) The President of India
but only
la) Any candidate can contest the election
the SC candidate will be declared winner. 13 What does EVM stand for?
election but only
(b) Any candidate can contest the winner.
(a) Electronic Vending Machine
SC women candidate will be declared (bLElectronic Voting Machine
derOnly SC candidate can contest the election. c) Electoral Voting Machine
(d) None of the above (d) Electoral Volunteer Mechanism
Ans. (c) Only SC candidate can contest the election. Ans. (b) Electronic Voting Machine
0 What proportion of seats are reserved in rural 14 In India, which of the fiollowing sections vote(s)
and urban local bodies for women candidates? in larger proportion as. compared to the rich and
a) One-third of the total seats privileged sections?
b)Two-third of the total seats (a) Poor (b) Illiterate
(c) Half of the total seats (d} All of these
(d) One-fourth of the total seats (c)Underprivileged
Ans. (d) All of these
Ans. (a) One-third of the total seats
262 Allínone Social Science
Clos
S Peopie's participation in election is usually Fill in the Blanks
measured by voter ......igures.
29 Haryana had been ruled by Congress party
(a) physical (b) education ()umout (d) economic since
Ans. (c turnout
Ans. 1982
1 Find the incorrect option from the following.
21 For Lok Sabha elections, India is
(a) Elections should be conducted in free and fair
manner.
. ... Constituencies. divided ints
(b) Everyone should have the right to choose their Ans. 543
repre sentative. 22 The representative elected from each
(e Elections are necessary and mandatory in all constituency is called
forms of govermment.
(d) Elections are held in all constituencies at the Ans. Member of Parliament
same time, either on the same day or within a 23 Each village or town is divided into
few days. wel.. that are like constituencies. different
Ans. (c) Elections are necessary and mandatory in all forms Ans. wards
of government.
24 The candidate was to fill a ........ form and
17 Find the incorrect option from the following. give some money as security deposit.
(a) Election compaigning takes place for three week Ans. nomination
period between the announcement of final list of
candidates and date of polling. 25 was the slogan given by Janata Party in
(b) Election campaign means the promotion of the the Lok Sabha election held in 1977.
policies, offers and promises that the candidates Ans. Save democracy
make to the voters to fulfil, ifthey are elected.
(c) Political parties prepare their election manifestos. 26 A is a sheet of paper on which the
(d) In electior1campaigns, political parties try to names of the contesting candidates along with
focus public attention on some big issues. party name and symbols are listed.
Ans. (a) Elecrion cormpaigning takes place for three week Ans. ballot paper
period between the announcement of final list of
candidates and date of polling. 27 Political parties in our country have agreed to
18 Arrange the following in the correct sequence a ........ for election compaign.
Ans. model code of conduct
(i) Save Democracy was the slogan given by
Janata party. 1979
(ii) The Left Front used the slogan of Land to Picture Based Questions
the Tiller in the West Assembly elections. !9 17 28
(iii) Achhe din aane waale hain was the slogan
of BJP for the general elections. ?|4 TODAY! ToMORKON
(iv) Protect the self-respect of the Telugus was
the slogan in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly
elections. ! 32 2
Codes
(a) (i), (iv), (iii), (ii) b) (1), (i), (iv), (üü)
(c) (iv), (ii), (ü), (6) (d) (iii), (iv), (i), (ii)
Ans. (b)
Match the Following
19 List I List II
(Slogans) (Political Parties)
A. Land to the Tiller 1. Congress Party
B. Garibi Hatao 2. Telugu Desan Party ) What does this picture depicts ?
C. Save Democracy 3. Left Front A (a) Most of the leaders make many big promises to
D. Protect the self 4. Janata Party the voters.
Respect of the Telujus (b) After the elections, political leaders forget ther
Codes promises.
A C D A B C D (c) People select their representative as per ther
(a) 2 4 1 3 (b) 1 2 3 4 choice in an election.
(c) 4 1 2 3 dY 3 1 4 2 (d}Both (a) and (b)
Ans. (a) Ans. (d) Both (a) and (b)
Eectoral
Politics 263

parties and
Family
s or Dynastic Politics in India is
politics (32) Assertion(A) Different political booth
29 condidates often use dirty tricks
like
capturing to win elections.
to
Reason (R) Itgives choices to voters real
best and reveals the
choose among the
motive of political parties.
Codes
and R is the correct
(a) Both A and R are correct
explanation of A
but R is not the
(b) Both A and R are correct
correct explanation of A
(c) Ais true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
and R is the correct
Ans. (a) Both A and R are correct
(a) Not a new phenomenon
explanation ofA
h More or less found in each any every state
ic) Most of the sons and daughters who have entered Correct and Rewrite
politics has no political experience SC and ST take
33 The reserved seats for
(d) Allof the above shareof other social
away the legitimate
above
As. () Allof the groups.
away
not take
Ans. Thereserved seats for SC and ST do
this
legitimate share of ocher social groups as
Assertion/Reason
the share in the
30 Assertion (A)There is no educational reservation is in proportion to their
qualification for condidates for being an MP or total population.
an MLA.

Reason (R)The relevant qualification for Very Short Answer Questions

candidates is the ability to understand people's 34 What is election symbol?
concerns, problems and to represent people's
Ans. At the time ofelection, certain symbols are
alloted by Election Commission to political
interests.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
parties. They are called election symbols.
explanation of A 35 Write one merit of an electoral competition.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct
explanation of A Ans. One merit of an electoral competition is that it
(c) A is true but R is false gives choice to voters to choose best among the
(d) A is false butR is true contesting candidates.
Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct 36 What is the meaning of free and fair

EPRXACTMIE
explanation ofA elections?
31 Assertion (A) Political competition takes place Ans. When the voters are allowed to cast vote
when different political parties compete to gain according to their wishes without any pressure
the confidence and the vote of voters. and interference, it is caled free and fair
Reason (R) Regular electoral competition elections.
provides incentives to political parties andtheir
leaders. If they can satisfy the voters
with
37 When does the by-election occur?
work. They will be able to win again.
Ans. When any vacancy occurs due to death or
Codes
correct resignation of a candidate, election becomes
(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the
explanation of A necessary and it is known as by-election.
correct
(b) Both Aand R are correct but R is not the
explanation of A
38 Mention number of years the Member of
Parliament is elected for.
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true Ans. The Member of Parliament is elected for a term
\a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct of five years.
explanation of A
 264 Allinone Social Science
Coss
39 What is the number of Lok Sabha Ans. The minimum age for voting in India i
constituencies at present? 43 How many seats are reserved for
Ans. The number of Lok Sabha constituencies at
is 543.
present Castes (SCs) and Scheduled
the Lok Sabha?
TribesScheduile
40 What is the motive behind reserved Ans. At present, 84 seats are reserved for the
TiSchedul
bes (Seta
constituencies? and 47 for the
Castes (SCs) Scheduled
in the Lok Sabha.
Ans.The motive behind reserved constituencies is
to ensure proper representation of the 44 Who appoints Chief Electoral Officer)
weaker sections like Scheduled Castes and Ans. Chief Election Commissioner in
Scheduled Tribes. State Government appoints Chief consul
with tation
Electoral Ofice
41 What is official name of voters' list? 45 Do you think communal electorate is a
Ans. Voters list is officially known as electoral roll. feature of election system in India?
42 What is the minimum age for voting in India? Ans. No, communal electorate is not a
election system in India. feature of
Short Answer (SA) Type Questions
1.What makes an election democratic? 3 What is the model code of conduct for
Ans. Following conditions make an election democratic election campaign?
() Election must be held regularly in every five years. or What is the model code of conduct for
(i) Every eligible voter must have one vote with election campaign which is accepted
equal value. by all the political parties in our
(ii) There should be more than one party so that country?
Voters can get some real choice. Ans. Aset of norms and guidelines to be followed by
(ip) Elections should be conducted in a free and fair political and contesting candidates during
manner and people should have full freedom to election time is known as model code of
vote for any candidate they like. conduct.
2 Write any five demerits of electoral According to this, no party or candidate can
competition. () use any place of worship for election
propaganda.
or Write any three demerits of electoral
Competition. () use government vehicles, aircrafts and officials
for elections.

EPRXACTMIE
Ans. Following are the demerits ofelectoral competition
() An electoral competition creates a sense of (ii) lay foundation stones of any project, after the
date of elections are announced.
disunity' and factionalism' in every locality.
() The pressure of winning electoral competition 4 Describe any three functions of the Election
does not allow sensible long-term policies to be Commission of India.
formulated.
Ans. The three major functions of Election Commission of
(iii) Some good people do not enter electoral India are
competition they do not like the unfair () Election Commission takes decisions on
competition in politics.
(iv) Candidates in electoral competition who ask for every aspect of conduct and control of
elections.
vote on communal and caste lines destroy the
basic idea of democracy. (i) It implements the code of conduct and can
(p) Different political parties and candidates often punish any candidate or party that violates
it
use dirty tricks (like distributing money, liquor
(iii) It controls the government officers who are
among thc poor section of voters) in electoral posted on the election duty.
competition to win elections.
F e c t o r aP
l olitics

265

Mention
anytwo provisions which ensure the In fact, the ruling party lose every rwo out of
s jndependency of the Election Commission. the three elections held in the last fifteen
Tuo provisions which ensure the independency of the years.

Commission are as follows (i) Candidates who are known to have spenta lot
Election
those with
The members off the Election Commission are of money on buying votes' and
often lose
appointed bychei President of India, but the members known criminalconnections
not answerable to the President of India. elections.
c) ltis virtualy impossible for the government to (i) Except invery few disputed elections, the
remove the members even if their work is not liked electoral outcomes are usually accepted
as people's verdict' by defeated party. So,
by the government. said
considering the above points, it is truly
any three that oncfinal test of the free and fairness of
6 Mention allegations about unfair election lies in the outcome itself.
practices in elections, reported in newspapers
General
9 Differentiate between the
and television?

Ans Neuspaperss and television generally reportthe follonwing Election and By-election.
three allegations about unfair practices in elections and
Ans. Differences between the general election
AJncusion of false names and excusion of genuine by-election are as
names in the voters list.
General election By-election
(i Misuse of government facilities and officials by the Elections are held in all Election is held only
ruling party. for one constituency to
constituencies at the
i Excessive use of money by rich candidates and big same time either on the fill the vacancy caused
partics. same day or within a few by death or resignation
days. This is called a of a member. This is
7Highlight some issues which bring many general election. called a by-election.
limitations and challenges of Indian elections to
Elections are held Election is held before
our attention.
the expiry of 6 months
regularly after every five from
or Explain the challenges and limitation to free the date the seat
and fair elections in India. years.
falls vacant.
and
Ans. Important issues which bring many limitations The representative The representative
challenges of Indian elections to our attention are elected in by-election is
elected in general
following election is elected for a elected for the
() Candidates and parties with lot of money enjoy a full term of five years remaining period of
big and unfair advantage over smaller parties or not for the remaining the house not for five
independent candidates. period of the house. years.

(i) Candidates with criminal records have been able to

(10) 'In India, value of free and fair election

PERXACTIME
ticket
push others out of electoral race and secure a
has always been promoted'. Support the
from major partics. statement with facts.
(i) Some families tend to dominate political parties
and secure tickets for their own family members. Ans. Elections in India are free and fair as party that
wins an election and forms government does so
(n) Smaller parties and independents suffer ahuge because people have chosen it over its rivals.
disadvantage compared to bigger parties.
The following facts support the statement that value
8 "One final test of the free and fairness of of free and fuir election has always been promoted in
election lies in the outcome itself." Justify the India
statement with the help of the outcomnes of () A
choice is offered to the voter.
India's elections. (i) One vote has one value.
election
Or Describe the importance of outcome of (in) The choice is offered at regular intervals of
in India. time.
(iv) The preferred candidates should be elected.
Ais, The followingpoints state outcomes of elections in India In India, ll these are followed in order to
India
) The ruling parties routinely lose elections in conduct free and fair elections.
both at the national and state levels.
 Shoula hàve
elections in India democratic is that
equalvalue. In India, parties and candidates
should be free to contest elections and should are held regularly atter every ive yearyhere dein
offer some real choice to the voters. Elections are (iin) No, it is not easy for the party in poWer to
held here regularly after every five years. an election in India. This is because vo
Elections are held in a free and fair manner their vote through a secret ballot in afree
where people can choose as they really wish. manner.

Long Answer (LA) Type Questions

1What is aUniversal Adult Franchise? Why 2 How does ouI election law regulate
has it been adopted in India?
Ans. In a democracy, it is necessary to regulate cam
campaigms
Ans. Universal Adult Franchise toensure that every political party and candida
Right to express one's choice by vote is called afair and equal chance to compete. The
Franchise. When the right to vote or franchise is can be regulated by election law.
campa
given toevery adult in a state, it is known as the According to our election law, no party or candidae
Universal Adult Franchise. () bribe or threaten voters.
Reasons for Adopting in India (i) use any place of worship or appeal to the vore
"It makes democracy broad based that the name of religion or caste.
enhances self-respect and prestige of the (11) use government resources, government vveh:ca
common people. air crafts for elections.
" Itestablishes political equality among all the (iv) spend more than 25 lakh in a constituenc fr
people of the society. Lok Sabha election and 10 lakh in a
" It enables minorities to protect and safeguard constituency foran Assembly election.
their interests so that they have an equal say in () once elections are announced, no minister can ir
decisions that affect them. foundation stones of any project or take any
policy decision.
 P o l i t i c s

267
think education qualification should clected to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative
g
you

necessary
Do for the candidate aspiringto Assemblies. Those who are influential and
be elections
s? Give your views in favour or resourceful may prevent them from winning
ight
againstit, elections.
qualification should not be If that happens, that would make our
cducational
necessary
No. -çandidate aspiring
to fight clections.
less representative and less democratic. democracy
Fallowing
the
for arethe reasons against the statement makers of our constitution thought of a So, che
special
Fducational qualification are not relevant to all system of reserved constituencies for weaker sections.
kinds of job. Gender Equality It provide equal representation
qualification
for being an MLA or an women candidates as one-third of the seats to
) Relevant are
MPische ability to understand and people's reserved in rural and urban local bodies.
concerns,
problems and the ways to solve them. 6 Read the extract given
i) Whether they can do so or it is examined by below and answer the
following questions.
voters atter tive years.
(ir) Puttingan educational qualification would go Election and all about competition
Political competition takes place when
against the spirit of democracy. It would deprive different
political parties compete to gain the confidence
laree number of people to get elected. and the vote of the voters. They
and give incentives to motivate the make promises
4 Why slogans are used by political parties?
them. This electoral competition voters to vote
Mention any four successful slogans
by given demerits like it creates a sense ofhas many
disunity
different political parties in various elections. and
factionalism as well as party politics in every
Ih election campaign, political parties use slogans to locality. Different political parties and
often use dirty tricks like booth candidates
attract the public and get them to vote for their capturing
party on that
basis. elections. The competition leads to the ideato ofwin
Four sucessful slogans given by different political being dragged into unhealthy competition.
is why good people do not enter and That
Darties in various elections are
the political competition but regular participate in
a The Congress party led by Indira Gandhi gave electoral
the slogan of Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty) in competition provides incentives to political
parties and leaders. If they can satisfy the
the Lok Sabha election of 1971. with their work, they will be able to win voters
(i) Define the term political again.
(G) Janata Party gave the slogan Save Democracy' in competition ?
the Lok Sabha election of 1977. (iü) To what extent do you agree
that electoral
(i) The Left Front gave the slogan Land to the Tiller' Competition leads to electoral fights. Give
in the West Bengal Assembly election of 1977. reasons.
(D) NT Rama Rao, the leader of The Telugu Desam (iiü) How is electoral competition
Party gave the slogan Protect the Self-Respect of political parties and leaders tohelpful
win an
to
the Telugus' in Andhra Pradesh election in 1983. election? Justify.
Ans. () Political competition takes place when
5What is a reserved constituency ? Why different
there political parties compete to gain the confidence

EPRXACTMIE
is aneed for a reserved constituency? and the vote of the voters.
AMS. Reserved constituencies are the constituencies (i) Yes, we agree that electoral competition leads to
which
are reserved for the people who belong to the electoral fights among the political parties and
Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). leaders as different political parties and leaders
In aSC reserved constituency only often make allegations against one another.
belongs to the Scheduled Castes cansomeone
contest
who Parties and candidates often use dirty tricks to
clections. Similarly only those belonging to the win elections. Political parties try to get the
Scheduled Tribes can contest an election from a support of the people on the basis of religion,
constituency reserved for ST. There is a need of caste, etc. Allthis creates disunity in the society
and leads to comnmunal riots also.
Teserved constituency because
(iii) Electoral competition provides incentives to
Political Equality for Weaker Sections Our political parties and leaders. If they can satisfy the
constitution entitles every citizen to elect his/her voters with their work, they will be able to win
epresentaive and to be elected as a representative. again. In a democratic set up, it is necessary to
The Constitution makers, however, were worried have electoral conmpetition as it generates
in confidence and motivate the vÍters to vote a
weaker an'open electoral competition, certain
sections may not stand a good chance to suitable political party.
get