Class 9 (Civics) Chapter 3 (Electoral Politics )

 

Class 9 (Civics)

Chapter 3 (Electoral Politics )

 

Notes

 

 

1. Why are Elections Necessary?

• Elections essential for democratic societies
• Enable selection of representatives
• Over 100 countries conduct regular elections

1.1 Alternative Methods for Selecting Representatives

• Scenario: Collaborative decision-making
• Not suitable, may lead to repercussions
• Scenario: Selection based on expertise, experience, age
• Not democratic, lacks assurance of adherence to citizen preferences

1.2 Key Points

• Voters choose representatives for lawmaking
• Determine government composition
• Align with party principles for effective governance

2. Attributes of Democratic Elections

• Elections vary across democratic and non-democratic nations
• Distinction between democratic and non-democratic practices
• Characteristics:
• Universal adult franchise
• Provision of diverse choices
• Regular conduct of elections
• Elected representatives possess supreme authority
• Conduct of free and fair elections

3. Benefits of Political Competition

• Inherent in elections
• Incentivizes political parties and leaders
• Benefits:
• Addressing public concerns
• Aligning with serving the populace
• Fostering accountability

4. System of Elections in India

• Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections every five years
• General elections: Dissolution of incumbent terms
• By-elections for specific constituencies due to leadership changes
• Electoral constituencies: Regions where elections occur

4.1 Reserved Constituencies

• Reserved for marginalized communities
• Only eligible candidates can contest
• Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes
• Additional reservation for Other Backward Classes, women candidates

5. Voters List and Nomination

• Prepared before elections
• Contains eligible voters' names
• Requirement of Election Photo Identity Cards
• Eligible voter can become candidate
• Nomination process details

6. Election Campaign

• Platform for open discourse
• Prohibited activities:
• Bribing voters
• Exploiting caste, religious sentiments
• Spending limits for campaigns
• Adherence to Model Code of Conduct

7. Polling and Vote Counting

• Polling day process
• Utilization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
• Vote counting after polling concludes
• Declaration of winner based on highest vote count

8. Democratic Characteristics of Indian Elections

• Oversight by independent Election Commission
• Popular participation reflected in high voter turnout
• Acceptance of election outcomes as people's verdict

8.1 Election Commission's Role

• Independent body overseeing elections
• Authority includes:
• Decision-making
• Implementation of regulations
• Ensuring fairness

8.2 Popular Participation

• High voter turnout, particularly among marginalized communities
• Reflects belief in influencing policy through elections

8.3 Acceptance of Election Outcomes

• Defeated parties acknowledge results as people's verdict
• Demonstrates electoral fairness and freedom

 

Important Question Answers

 

Question 1: What information must candidates provide to contest elections?

Answer: Candidates intending to contest elections must furnish a legal declaration, inclusive of the following details:

• Disclosure of any serious pending criminal cases against the candidate.
• Assets and liabilities information for both the candidate and their family.
• Educational qualifications of the candidate.

Question 2: What are the advantages of electoral competition?

Answer: Electoral competition offers two key advantages:

• Political leaders worldwide, akin to other professionals, are driven by aspirations to advance their political careers.
• They strive to attain and maintain power, making efforts to garner public support.

Question 3: What are the options available to voters in an election?

 Answer: During elections, voters have the following choices:

• Selection of representatives responsible for legislation.
• Determination of the governing body and major decision-makers.
• Endorsement of a political party whose policies will shape governance and legislative processes.

Question 4: What are the essential requirements of a democratic election?

Answer: The fundamental conditions for a democratic election include:

• Universal suffrage ensuring every individual has an equal vote.
• Availability of diverse choices with parties and candidates participating freely.
• Regular intervals for elections, ensuring periodic representation.
• Election outcomes reflecting the people's preferences.
• Conducting elections freely and fairly, allowing voters to make independent choices.

Question 5: Why is it necessary to regulate election campaigns?

 Answer: Regulating campaigns is essential to ensure fair competition among political parties and candidates. According to electoral laws:

• Prohibition of bribery or intimidation of voters.
• Restriction on appealing to voters based on caste or religion.
• Prevention of utilizing government resources for campaigns.
• Imposition of spending limits during elections.

Question 6: What does the 'Model Code of Conduct' entail for election campaigns?

Answer: The Model Code of Conduct stipulates that:

• Places of worship cannot be used for election propaganda.
• Government vehicles, aircraft, and officials are prohibited for election purposes.
• Ministers are restricted from initiating projects, making significant policy decisions, or promising public facilities after election announcements.

Question 7: Why should elections be held periodically?

Answer: Regular elections incentivize political parties and leaders by:

• Encouraging the prioritization of public concerns to gain popularity and enhance electoral prospects.
• Holding elected representatives accountable for their performance, thereby influencing re-election possibilities.

Question 8: What are the drawbacks of electoral competition?

Answer: Electoral competition entails several disadvantages including:

• Fostering disunity and factionalism within communities.
• Provoking allegations among political parties and leaders.
• Encouraging unethical tactics to secure electoral victory.

Question 9: What is the rationale behind reserving seats in legislatures?

 Answer: Reserved seats in legislatures aim to address concerns that certain marginalized sections might struggle to compete effectively in open electoral contests due to limited resources, education, and networks. These reservations ensure equitable representation for disadvantaged groups.

Question 10: How can the expense of elections in our country be characterized? Answer: Elections in India incur substantial expenses, as evidenced by the significant funds allocated. For instance, the 2014 Lok Sabha elections cost the government around ₹3,500 crores. This financial burden, combined with expenditures by parties and candidates, underscores the perception that elections impose a heavy economic toll on the nation.

Question 11: What election system does India adopt?

Answer: India employs two election systems: general elections, held every five years, and by-elections, conducted to fill vacancies in a single constituency resulting from a member's death or resignation. Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) elections occur regularly every five years, marking the end of the term for all elected representatives.

Question 12: How is polling conducted during elections?

 Answer: Polling, the final stage of elections, involves voters casting their votes on election day at designated polling booths, typically located in local schools or government offices. Election officials verify voters' identities, mark their fingers, and permit them to vote, while candidate representatives ensure fair proceedings within the polling booths.

Question 13: What are Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)?

 Answer: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) serve as voting devices, displaying candidate names and party symbols. Voters simply press the button corresponding to their preferred candidate to cast their vote, with independent candidates also having designated symbols assigned by election authorities.

Question 14: What unfair tactics are commonly employed by election candidates? Answer: Election candidates frequently resort to unfair practices including:

• Manipulating the voters' list by including false names and excluding genuine ones.
• Misusing governmental resources and personnel by the ruling party.
• Excessive spending by affluent candidates and major parties.
• Voter intimidation and rigging on election day.

Question 15: How does the independence of the Election Commission compare to that of the judiciary?

Answer: The Election Commission enjoys a level of independence akin to the judiciary, evidenced by:

• The Chief Election Commissioner's appointment by the President, followed by autonomy from the government.
• Protection from removal by the ruling party or government, ensuring functional autonomy even in instances of disagreement.

Question 16: What constitutes rigging in elections?

Answer: Rigging in elections refers to fraudulent activities and malpractices perpetrated by a party or candidate to bolster their vote count. Such practices include:

• Utilizing others' votes.
• Casting multiple votes by a single individual.
• Bribing polling officials to favor a particular candidate.

Question 17: What are electoral constituencies?

Answer: Electoral constituencies designate distinct areas within a country for electoral purposes. In India, these constituencies facilitate area-based representation, with each constituency electing a single representative to serve in legislative bodies.

Question 18: How many constituencies exist in India?

Answer: India comprises 543 constituencies for Lok Sabha elections, each represented by a Member of Parliament. Additionally, each state features multiple Assembly constituencies, with the number determined by population and size. Elected representatives from Assembly constituencies are referred to as Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

Question 19: What are Reserved Constituencies?

Answer: Reserved Constituencies are electoral constituencies specifically allocated for disadvantaged segments of society. These constituencies aim to address the barriers faced by marginalized groups, ensuring equitable representation in legislative bodies amidst challenges related to resources, education, and political influence.

Long Question Answers

Question 1: What are the obstacles to ensuring free and fair elections in India?

Answer: While elections in India are generally considered free and fair, certain challenges persist, as observed in many established democracies. These challenges are of concern to advocates of democracy and include the following:

• Instances where candidates secure victories through the influence of wealth and unfair means.
• The prevalence of candidates with criminal ties in certain regions, which can obstruct fair electoral competition.
• Familial dominance within political parties, resulting in the preferential distribution of tickets to relatives.
• Limited electoral choices for citizens, with major parties often sharing similar policies and practices.
• Significant disadvantages faced by smaller parties and independent candidates compared to larger political entities.

Question 2: What is the significance of the Voter's List?

Answer: In democratic elections, the Voter's List, officially known as the Electoral Roll, plays a crucial role. It encompasses the following significance:

• Ensuring equal opportunity for all eligible individuals to participate in the electoral process, aligning with the democratic principle of universal suffrage.
• In India, every citizen aged 18 and above, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, has the right to vote.
• The government is responsible for maintaining an accurate Voter's List, periodically updating it to include new eligible voters and remove those who have moved or passed away.
• The Voter's List undergoes a comprehensive revision every five years to ensure its currency. Additionally, the introduction of the Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) aims to further streamline the electoral process, although it is not yet mandatory for voting.

Question 3: Describe the Election Commission's role in ensuring free and fair elections.

Answer: The Election Commission plays a pivotal role in facilitating free and fair elections through various responsibilities:

• Making decisions on all aspects of election conduct, from announcing elections to declaring results.
• Enforcing the Code of Conduct and penalizing any violations by candidates or parties.
• Allocating election symbols to both parties and independent candidates.
• During the election period, issuing guidelines to prevent the misuse of governmental power for electoral advantage and facilitating the transfer of government officials if necessary.
• Government officers on election duty operate under the Election Commission's authority rather than the government's.

Question 4: What are the evolving patterns of people's engagement in Indian elections?

Answer: The changing dynamics of people's participation in Indian elections are characterized by the following trends:

• Voter turnout, a key measure of participation, has either remained stable or increased over the past few decades.
• In contrast to Western democracies, a higher proportion of poor, illiterate, and underprivileged individuals participate in elections in India.
• Common citizens attribute significant importance to elections, viewing them as a means to influence political parties to adopt favorable policies.
• Interest in election-related activities has grown, with a notable portion of voters engaging in campaign-related activities during elections.
• A considerable percentage of the population identifies with political parties, with a significant number being party members.