Class 9 Social Science Electoral Politics Exam Notes

This CBSE Class 9 Social Science exam notes page on Electoral Politics covers why democratic elections are needed, representative governments, what makes an election democratic, the system of elections in India, universal adult franchise, educational qualifications, election campaign techniques, the cost of elections, secret ballot, election manifestos, symbols, the Election Commission of India, the Model Code of Conduct and election petitions, with a glossary and the chapter exercise.

WHY DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS?

Importance of Elections or why do we need elections? Elections are exceptionally important in a democracy for the following reasons:
1. All the citizens in a modern democracy cannot run the administration. Only their representatives can do it for them. In order to choose such representatives, elections are a must.
2. Through elections alone people can get rid of a cruel and unpopular government and, in its place, elect a new popular government.
3. It is through elections alone that effective control can be maintained on the executive.
4. Without elections a democratic government cannot be set up. It has been rightly said, "No elections, no democracy."

WHY DO MODERN DEMOCRACIES HAVE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENTS?

Modern democracies have representative governments for the following reasons:
1. Present states are very big in size. They are not limited to one city. They are spread over vast areas, which makes it impossible for all the residents to take part directly in the administration of their state.
2. The population of modern states is not confined to a few thousands. It runs into several lakhs and crores, so modern democracies are indirect or representative.

WHAT MAKES AN ELECTION DEMOCRATIC?

There are certain conditions which make an election democratic:
1. No person with a dubious record should be allowed to contest the elections.
2. There should be more than one party to contest an election, otherwise it will be a mere farce.
3. Elections must be held regularly after every few years.
4. Elections should be concluded in a free and fair manner, and people should have full freedom to vote for any candidate they like.

POLITICAL COMPETITION: ITS MERITS AND DEMERITS

There is no denying that political competition is essential in elections. If there is no competition, there is no point in having elections. Competition allows voters to judge for themselves which party would serve them better. Without competition, no candidate would ever feel responsible to voters, because he would not have had to ask for their votes.

But political competition has many defects which must be removed to make it a more viable system:
1. It creates factionalism and a sense of disunity.
2. Political parties and candidates often level allegations against each other.
3. They often make false promises and try to deceive the public.
4. Afraid of dirty attacks, many good people do not like to contest elections.

In spite of all the defects in political competition, the Constitution makers preferred it out of necessity. Regular electoral competition gives political parties and leaders an incentive. They know they stand a chance of winning elections only if they serve and satisfy their voters. If they fail in this task, they will not be able to win the next elections. Political competition may cause some ugliness and divisions, yet ultimately it puts pressure on political parties and their leaders to serve the people for their own survival.

SYSTEM OF ELECTIONS IN INDIA

The following steps make up the election process in India.

Demarcation of Electoral Constituencies:
In any election, whether municipal, state or Lok Sabha, the concerned area is divided into many constituencies. For the Lok Sabha, the whole country is divided into 543 constituencies. The number of Lok Sabha seats or constituencies has been fixed for each state according to its population. Delhi is divided into seven Lok Sabha constituencies.

Voters' Lists:
After the demarcation of constituencies, the next step is to prepare the voters' list. For this, the Electoral Roll is prepared. All residents above the age of 18 are included in this list. Only insane persons or those with a criminal record are omitted from it.

Announcement of Election Dates:
The election process begins as soon as the dates for the elections are announced. The Election Commission announces the dates for each and every election.

Selection of Candidates:
Political parties then select their candidates, keeping in mind their prospects of winning. Sometimes parties also support certain independent candidates where they have not fielded their own candidates. Generally, candidates fielded by political parties have a better chance of success than independent candidates.

Filing of Nomination Papers, Scrutiny, Withdrawal of Nomination and Publication of the Final List:
Candidates fill their nomination papers in the election office before the last date. After scrutiny, the nomination papers are either accepted or rejected. Candidates whose nomination papers are accepted are then given a chance to withdraw their names. After that the final list is prepared and ballot papers are printed.

Allotment of Symbols:
National parties have permanent symbols. Other parties and independent candidates are also allotted symbols so that even an ordinary voter can recognise the different parties and candidates easily.

Issuing of Election Manifestos:
Parties print their election manifestos so that voters can easily know their programmes and policies.

Campaigning:
Campaigning begins for different candidates. It includes postering, meetings, speeches, processions and house to house canvassing. It goes on for many days and stops 48 hours before the polling time.

Voting, Counting of Votes and Declaration of Results:
On the specified day, voting is held by secret ballot. After voting is over, the ballot boxes are sealed and taken to the counting centres. The votes are counted and the result is declared soon after.

Filing of Election Petition:
If a candidate is not satisfied with the election results, he can go to a court of law to redress his complaint.

UNIVERSAL ADULT FRANCHISE AND ITS RATIONALE

The right to express one's choice by vote is called franchise. When the right to vote is given to every adult in a state, it is called Universal Adult Franchise.

The rationale behind Universal Adult Franchise, or its merits, is as follows:
1. It is based on political equality: "One person, one vote" is the accepted principle in all democratic countries. Everybody, whether rich or poor, young or old, man or woman, learned or illiterate, should have an equal voice in a democratic country.
2. It establishes a true democratic government: If democracy means the government of the people, then every citizen must have the right to vote.
3. It makes the government responsible to all: Since government affects all, it must be responsible to all. This is possible only if everyone is given a say in choosing the government of the country.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

In some countries, educational qualifications are required for voters and candidates. Those who hold this view argue that if some qualification is necessary for holding any job, it should also be there for voters, especially candidates who hold an important post of responsibility.

Many people, especially in developing countries, do not agree with this view, for the following reasons:
1. The imperialist countries deliberately ignored the education of their subject people, citing lack of finances and other administrative reasons. As a result, a large majority of the people remained illiterate. As they fought for the independence of their country along with educated people, they have an equal right to participate in the political set-up of their country.
2. Educational qualifications are not relevant to all kinds of jobs. A cricket player should be judged by his ability to play cricket and not by his qualifications.
3. Voters are the best judges of who has the ability to understand people's concerns and problems, whether the candidate is educated or an experienced person.
4. If a graduate degree (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com.) were made compulsory for candidates, more than 90 per cent of the voters would become ineligible for contesting an election. Would that be democratic?

TECHNIQUES AND METHODS ADOPTED IN ELECTIONS

A party usually adopts the following techniques or methods in elections to the Lok Sabha or the Vidhan Sabha:
1. Postering: A few days before polling, the campaign begins with postering. Posters, usually showing photographs of the national leaders of the party, appear on the walls of the main bazaars and streets.
2. Meetings: Candidates hold party meetings and corner meetings to win the support of party workers and of local social, religious and cultural bodies.
3. Speeches: Public meetings are held at different places in the constituency to win the support of the common masses. Local and national leaders deliver speeches, which throw light on the policies and programmes of the party the candidate belongs to.
4. Processions: Long processions are taken out across the constituency from one corner to the other. Trucks, cars, tempos, tongas, rickshaws, motorcycles, scooters, cycles, etc. are used to carry the processionists, who shout slogans in favour of their candidate or sometimes against other candidates.
5. House to house canvassing: The candidate and party workers go from house to house to win the support and sympathy of the public. Pamphlets and manifestos are freely distributed to get people's votes.

ARE ELECTIONS EXPENSIVE?

Some people hold the view that elections are a great burden on the government, political parties and candidates, which a developing country like India cannot afford. There is some truth in this. According to an estimate, about Rs. 3,000 crores were spent on the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 by the government, political parties and candidates.

However, such an amount is worth spending, because without elections there is no democracy. A government without elections can become a dictator and corrupt.

If we look closely, the amount spent per voter is small. Rs. 3,000 crores divided by the total number of voters for all Lok Sabha seats gives roughly Rs. 50 per voter. This is a small amount compared with the liberties that people enjoy in a democracy.

Seen from another angle, Rs. 3,000 crores is less than the cost of a single nuclear submarine, for which we have to pay Rs. 3,166 crores.

IMPORTANCE OF SECRET BALLOT

In modern democracies, a voter casts the vote by secret ballot. The main reasons for adopting the secret ballot system are:
1. In a secret ballot, voters can express their choice freely and without fear.
2. The voter is free from pulls and pressures under the secret ballot system.
3. It brings the desired changes without any ill-feeling or wrongful attitude.

ELECTION MANIFESTO AND ITS USE

The pamphlet that tells us about the programme, policies and aims of a political party is called the Election Manifesto. It has the following benefits:
1. People know for certain what the party will do if it comes to power.
2. Manifestos bring out the differences between political parties.
3. Even after the elections are over, people can put pressure on the successful party to act according to its manifesto.

SYMBOLS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

All major or national political parties have been allotted well-known and permanent symbols by the Election Commission. For example, the symbol allotted to the Congress is the hand (palm); to the Janata Dal, a wheel or chakra; to the Bharatiya Janata Party, a lotus; to the Janata Party, a farmer digging with a mamti within a wheel; to the C.P.I.(M), the sickle and star; and to the C.P.I., the sickle and ear of paddy. In 1997, the Bahujan Samaj Party was also recognised as a national party and was allotted the elephant symbol.

Why symbols are allotted to political parties:
1. Even an ordinary and an illiterate man can easily recognise a party by its symbol.
2. Symbols help political parties arrange processions and meetings and carry on their propaganda in the streets.
3. If more than one candidate has the same name in the same constituency, symbols prove all the more useful. Only by recognising the symbol can a voter cast the vote correctly.

WHAT MAKES INDIAN ELECTIONS DEMOCRATIC?

There is no denying that some people indulge in unfair practices during elections in India. The ruling party misuses government facilities. Rich candidates use money and openly distribute clothes and even liquor among poor people to buy their votes. Some unsocial elements capture booths and cast votes on behalf of illiterate rural people. Some influential political parties manage to include false names in the voters' list. Many steps have been taken to ensure free and fair elections in India.

INDEPENDENT ELECTION COMMISSION

Elections play a very important role in a democratic set-up, so there is a great need for an independent body to hold free and fair elections. This body is called the Election Commission.

Functions of the Election Commission of India:
The Election Commission of India performs many functions to hold free and fair elections:
1. Preparation of Electoral Rolls: Electoral Rolls are prepared, in which the name, father's name, age and sex of each voter are clearly mentioned.
2. Delimitation of Constituencies: The whole area where elections are to be held is divided into clear-cut constituencies so that elections are held in an organised way.
3. Fixing the Election Dates: The election date is announced so that voters can cast their votes on that particular date.
4. Scrutiny of Nomination Papers: Candidates who wish to contest must file their nominations up to a particular date. The Election Commission scrutinises the papers and accepts or rejects them as the case may be.
5. Allotment of Election Symbols: Political parties of national standing are allotted permanent election symbols. These symbols help even an ordinary person to understand the different parties instantly.
6. Printing of Ballot Papers: It is the duty of the Election Commission to print ballot papers well in time.
7. Holding of Free and Fair Elections and Declaration of Results: On the fixed date, elections are conducted. The Election Commission sets up polling booths, appoints presiding and polling officers, counts the votes and declares the results.
8. Checking Undue Interference of the Party in Power: The Election Commission ensures that the party in power does not take advantage over other parties or individuals.

Model Code of Conduct:
Political parties have agreed to follow certain principles during an election campaign. These principles, taken together, are known as the Model Code of Conduct. Some of its principles are:
1. No place of worship shall be used for election propaganda.
2. Criticism of opponents should be limited to their policies and programmes and must not stoop to personal attacks and counter-attacks.
3. Government machinery should not be used by any minister or the ruling party.
4. No announcement of reforms or favours shall be made after the elections have been announced.

Ensuring Popular Participation:
Another way to ensure the quality of the election process is to see that more and more people take part in elections. The following measures have been taken for this purpose:
1. Every step is taken so that voters can cast their votes according to their preferences.
2. Every effort is made for the security and safety of voters at polling booths. Sufficient policemen are posted near the booths so that no illegal person can disrupt the election process.
3. Every attempt is made to see that no inducement is given to voters to cast their votes in a particular way.
4. It is seen that no coercion is used to force voters to vote for a particular candidate.
5. During election campaigning, the ruling party must not use government machinery in its favour.
6. Rigging or unfair means in elections must not be allowed in any way. Rigging is to elections what cheating is to examinations.
7. All efforts are made to ensure that nobody uses muscle power or money power.
8. The Election Commission is an institution created in India that is independent of government control. It tries to conduct elections in a free and fair manner.

Acceptance of Election Results:
Most people and candidates contesting elections are satisfied with the results. If elections in India were not free and fair, ruling parties would never have lost. Ruling parties have both won and lost elections at the Centre and in the states. As such, in India, people and political parties are generally satisfied with the results.

Election Petitions:
Even after all the checks and balances, a candidate may be dissatisfied with the result. There is a provision for such a candidate who is not satisfied with the way the election was held in his constituency or a part of it. The cause may be the use of corrupt practices, the use of force by a candidate, or any other cause. A dissatisfied candidate can file a petition in the court questioning the election of another candidate. Such a petition is called an election petition. If the petition is accepted, a by-election is held.

GLOSSARY

1. By-election: An election held to fill a vacancy caused by death, resignation or any other reason.
2. Campaigning: The process by which a candidate tries to persuade voters to vote for him rather than for others.
3. Constituency: An area demarcated for the purpose of election.
4. Electorate: The entire body of people who are qualified to vote in elections for the legislature.
5. Election Commission: A constitutional body constituted to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
6. Election Manifesto: A document published by each political party before an election, containing the policies and programmes of that party.
7. Franchise: The right of people to vote and elect their representatives to make laws.
8. Opposition parties: The parties which are defeated in the election do not form the government but form the opposition and keep the government in check.
9. Public opinion: The opinion of the electorate on all major social, political, economic and other important issues.
10. General Election: When an election is held in all constituencies and people from all parts of the country participate to choose their representatives for Parliament or the state Legislative Assembly, it is called a general election.
11. Secret Ballot: A system of casting one's vote in secrecy, so that the choice of the voter is not known to others.
12. Print Media: Means of public information consisting of newspapers, periodicals and magazines.
13. Electronic Media: Means of public information that runs on electronics, such as radio, television and computers.
14. Universal Adult Franchise: Every Indian citizen of 18 years and above has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, creed or sex.
15. One Person One Vote: Every person has the right to cast one vote, and everyone's vote is of equal importance.
16. Seats: The number of positions in any legislature.
17. Election: A contest of power between different candidates and parties.
18. Electoral Participation: Taking part in the election procedure through voting, contesting elections and campaigning.
19. Electoral Roll: The voters' list prepared by a door to door survey to include only bona fide voters and minimise the role of bogus voters.
20. Rigging: Any unfair practice indulged in during an election.
21. Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who cast their votes in an election.
22. Incumbent: The current holder of a political office.
23. Code of Conduct: A set of norms and guidelines to be followed by political parties and contesting candidates during election time.

EXERCISE

A. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Explain the principle of one 'person one vote' and universal Adult franchise.
Q.2 Define secret ballot and constituency.
Q.3 What are the compaigning techniques which are used by the contestants?
Q.4 What is an election manifesto? What is its use?
Q.5 State two main features of the election system in India.
Q.6 Why is it important for political parties to campaign before election?
Q.7 What is the role and importance of mass media in a democracy?
Q.8 What is a political party? What is its role in a democracy?
Q.9 "Elections are the barometers of Democracy". Explain.
Q.10 What is the importance of public opinion in a representative democracy?
Q.11 What are the advantages of contesting the election as a party candidate?
Q.12 Mention any two measures that ensure that elections are free and fair in India.
Q.13 How can the chief election commissioner be removed from his office?
Q.14 Mention any two stages in the election process before the election campaign begins.
Q.15 What is the composition of the election commission?
Q.16 State two weaknesses of the electoral system in India.
Q.17 Why is the muscle power used in the elections? What is it used for?
Q.18 Differentiate between by-elections, mid-term elections and general elections.
Q.19 What are reserved constituencies?
Q.20 When can a person be denied the right to vote?
Q.21 What details does a candidate have to declare before he stands for election?
Q.22 What is meant by election day and ballot paper?
Q.23 How do voters cast their vote?
Q.24 What are the advantages of EVM's?
Q.25 What is called a 'Party Ticket'?

B. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1 What are the functions of the election commission?
Q.2 What are the different measures taken to ensure free and fair elections?
Q.3 What choices do voters make during election?
Q.4 What are the various forms of political competition?
Q.5 What are the negative effects of electoral competition?
Q.6 What are the conditions which make an election democratic?
Q.7 What is the relationship between seat, constituency and representatives?
Q.8 Differentiate between 'parliamentary constituency' and 'assembly constituency'?
Q.9 Why have some constituencies been reserved?
Q.10 (A) What is a 'voters list'?
(B) What is the importance of a Photo Identity Card?
Q.11 Why are there no educational qualifications level down for contesting elections?
Q.12 Mention four successful strongs given by different political parties in various elections.
Q.13 What are the restrictions placed on political parties during elections.
Q.14 State the features of the Model code of conduct which all political parties have agreed to adhere to during elections.
Q.15 Are elections too expensive for our country? Give reason for your answer.
Q.16 State the major trends regarding voting pattern in India?
Q.17 What are the challenges which prevent free and fair elections from being held?

C. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1 What measures have been taken to ensure that the election commission can conduct elections in a free and fair manner?
Q.2 Briefly explain the election procedure of India.
Q.3 Discuss the importance of election in a democracy.
Q.4 Mention any five minimum conditions of a democratic election.
Q.5 What makes elections in India democratic?

D. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 What was voter turn out in India in 1991?
(A) 50% (B) 56% (C) 60% (D) 62%

Q.2 Which class in India has the highest turnout?
(A) SC (B) OBC (C) BC (D) ST

Q.3 India is divided into ............... constituencies.
(A) 543 (B) 550 (C) 540 (D) 545

Q.4 EVM refer for -
(A) Electronic Photo Machine
(B) Electronic Voting Machine
(C) Electronic Voting Module
(D) All of them

Q.5 EPIC refer for -
(A) Electronic public issue
(B) Electronic Photo Identity Card
(C) Electronic Proposal
(D) None of these

Q.6 Any unfair practice in elections to increase one's vote is called -
(A) Booth capturing (B) Rigging (C) Robbery (D) None of these

Q.7 If any candidate vacates his seat by death, resignation etc., then the election held for filling his seat is called -
(A) By-election (B) Mid-term election (C) General election (D) All of these

Q.8 The current holder of a political office is called -
(A) Turn out (B) Election Commission (C) Incumbent (D) None of these

Q.9 An area delimited for the purpose of election is called -
(A) Electoral (B) Franchisee (C) Constituencies (D) All of these

Q.10 ........... is the term which refers to number of positions in any legislature.
(A) Campaigning (B) Seat (C) Media (D) Election

ANSWER KEY

Q.1 B, Q.2 D, Q.3 A, Q.4 B, Q.5 B, Q.6 B, Q.7 A, Q.8 C, Q.9 C, Q.10 B