electoral politics

What is an electoral constituency?

A specific area where voters elect one representative

What is the minimum age to vote in India?

18 years

What is a reserved constituency?

A seat where only SC or ST candidates can contest

What is rigging in elections?

Unfair practices like vote-stuffing or threats to influence results

Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner?

The President of India

What is the full form of EVM?

Electronic Voting Machine

What is the purpose of EPIC?

To verify voter identity and avoid impersonation

Why is a by-election held?

To fill a seat left vacant due to death or resignation

What is the Election Commission?

An independent body that conducts elections in India

Who is called the incumbent?

The current holder of a political office

Why do we need elections in a democracy?

So people can choose representatives and change the government

Mention two problems of political competition.

It creates division and may lead to unfair means

What makes elections democratic?

Equal vote value and free and fair process

Difference between general and by-elections?

General means all seats; By-election means one seat

What is a voters’ list?

An official list of eligible voters

What info must candidates give during nomination?

Details of criminal cases; assets and educational qualifications

Give two famous election slogans.

Garibi Hatao (1971) and Save Democracy (1977)

Why is education not required to contest elections?

It would exclude many and go against democracy

What are two campaign rules candidates must follow?

No bribery and no appeal to caste or religion

How does political competition help people?

It makes leaders work for the public to win support

What is the purpose of reserved constituencies?

To ensure fair representation for SCs and STs

Why are election campaigns regulated?

To ensure fairness and stop misuse of power

Name three powers of the Election Commission.

Conducts elections; enforces rules; can order repoll

How are voters identified on polling day?

Through voter ID like EPIC or other ID proof

Name three reasons why Indian elections are democratic.

Universal franchise; strong Election Commission; high public participation

What is the Model Code of Conduct?

Rules agreed by political parties for fair campaigning

How is “One vote one value” ensured?

Each constituency has roughly equal population

Why is popular participation important?

It shows people’s trust and keeps leaders accountable

What are the 5 conditions of democratic elections?

Equal vote; real choice; regular; majority wins; free and fair

Explain full election process in India.

Voter list → Nomination → Campaign → Voting → Counting → Results

Mention 4 challenges to fair elections in India.

Money power; criminal candidates; dynastic politics; limited choice

How does EC ensure fair elections?

Monitors campaigns; punishes violations; orders repolls

How does political competition improve democracy?

Makes leaders perform and be accountable to voters

How do voters strengthen democracy?

By voting; campaigning; and choosing the right leaders

What are electoral constituencies?

Areas where voters elect one representative

What is required during nomination?

Candidate must file a form and declare assets, crimes, education

Give four reasons why Indian elections are democratic.

Strong Election Commission; regular voting; active voters; fair results

How is universal franchise shown in voter list?

Every citizen 18 plus is included and list is updated regularly