Civics: Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System

Vocabulary flashcards defining key terms, constitutional provisions, institutions, and procedures involved in the Indian electoral process.

Universal Adult Franchise

A constitutional principle ensuring that every Indian citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote in elections, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education, or income.

Article 326

The article of the Indian Constitution under which the universal adult franchise is enshrined as a fundamental right.

Election Commission of India (ECI)

An independent constitutional body formed in 1950 to conduct and oversee free, fair, and transparent elections for national and state legislatures, as well as the offices of President and Vice President.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

A set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election process by restricting ruling government resource misuse, forbidding voter bribes, and promoting ethical campaigning.

First-Past-the-Post System

An electoral system used in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections where the candidate who receives the most votes in a constituency wins, even if it is less than 50% of the total votes.

Proportional Representation

An electoral voting system that allocates legislative seats based on overall vote share, ensuring fairer representation for smaller parties and diverse groups.

Lok Sabha

The national legislative assembly where citizens directly elect Members of Parliament (MPs) across 543 constituencies using the First-Past-the-Post system.

Rajya Sabha

The Permanent House of India's Parliament whose members are indirectly elected by state MLAs using a single transferable vote system and serve six-year terms.

Single Transferable Vote

An indirect proportional voting mechanism used by elected Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to elect members to the Rajya Sabha.

Popular Sovereignty

The democratic principle reflecting that ultimate political power lies with the people, making them active participants in democracy.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

Digital technology deployed by the Election Commission of India to make the voting process faster, safer, clearer, and more accurate.

1951 First General Elections

India's inaugural general elections across 543 constituencies, which faced major logistical and social hurdles due to a vast population, high illiteracy, and limited infrastructure.

History of the Model Code of Conduct

An electoral code introduced in Kerala in 1960 and adopted nationwide by the Election Commission of India by 1991 to maintain campaign integrity.

Inclusive Governance

A core democratic value strengthened by universal franchise that ensures diverse voices, opinions, and marginalized groups (such as Scheduled Castes and Tribes) are represented.