Question 1: Which of the following statements about the reasons for conducting elections are false?
(a) False - Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government.
(b) False - People select the representative of their choice in an election.
(c) True - Elections do not enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.
(d) False - People can indicate which policies they prefer.
Question 2: Which of these is not a good reason to say that Indian elections are democratic?
(a) True - India has the largest number of voters in the world.
(b) True - India’s Election Commission is very powerful.
(c) False - In India, everyone above the age of 18 has a right to vote.
(d) True - In India, the losing parties accept the electoral verdict.
Question 3: Match the following:
(a) True - It is necessary to keep the voters' list up to date to ensure fair representation.
(b) True - Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs for fair representation.
(c) True - Everyone has one and only one vote for equal opportunity.
(d) True - Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles to ensure fair competition.
Question 4: List all the different election-related activities mentioned in the chapter and arrange them in a time sequence.
The following is a list of the different election-related activities arranged in a time sequence −
Making of voters’ list, announcing election schedule, filing nomination, releasing election manifestoes, election campaign, casting of votes, ordering of re-poll, counting of votes, declaration of election results.
Question 5: Surekha is an officer in-charge of ensuring free and fair elections. Describe what should she focus on for each of the following stages of election:
(a) True - Surekha should focus on preventing bribery, threats, and unfair appeals during the election campaign.
(b) True - On polling day, she should ensure that incidents of rigging and booth capturing do not take place.
(c) True - On counting day, she should ensure that agents of all candidates are present to ensure fair counting.
Question 6: Can we draw the following conclusions from the information given in this chapter? Give two facts to support your position for each of these.
(a) False - The Election Commission of India has enough powers to conduct free and fair elections.
(b) True - There is a high level of popular participation in the elections in our country, supported by increased voter turnout and larger participation in election-related activities.
(c) False - It is not very easy for the party in power to win an election, as ruling parties routinely lose elections.
(d) True - Many reforms are needed to make our elections completely free and fair, such as addressing the unfair advantage enjoyed by wealthy candidates and those with criminal connections.
Question 7: Chinappa was convicted for torturing his wife for dowry. Satbir was held guilty of practicing untouchability. The court did not allow either of them to contest elections. Does this decision go against the principles of democratic elections?
This decision does not go against the principles of democratic elections as both Chinappa and Satbir are criminals and should be prevented from holding positions in the central or state assemblies.
Question 8: Here are some reports of electoral malpractices from different parts of the world. Is there anything that these countries can learn from India to improve their elections? What would you suggest in each case?
(a) India's practice of having representatives present during vote counting could be adopted to ensure fairness.
(b) The Indian election commission should conduct an inquiry into the case and debar the involved party or candidate.
(c) India's model of a single election commission free from political influence could be a valuable lesson for the US.
Question 9: Here are some reports of malpractices in Indian elections. Identify the problem in each case. What should be done to correct the situation?
(a) The minister making policy promises after the election announcement is incorrect. The minister should not be allowed to contest the elections.
(b) Not giving due attention to opposition parties in media is unfair. The opposition should be given sufficient time on national media.
(c) Presence of fake voters indicates rigging. The election commission should supervise the preparation of fresh electoral rolls.
(d) Using hoodlums to terrorize rivals is against fair competition. The election commission should order the arrest of the hoodlums and bar the party from the elections.
Question 10: Ramesh was not in class when this chapter was being taught. He came the next day and repeated what he had heard from his father. Can you tell Ramesh what is wrong with these statements?
(a) The statement is wrong because the policy of secret ballot ensures that individuals can vote for whoever they want. Women are fully capable of making independent decisions.
(b) While party politics may create tension, competition in elections is essential for accountability and fulfilling promises.
(c) Educational qualification is not necessary to understand people’s needs and represent their interests. It is not required for politicians to be graduates.