Q1. Why are elections necessary in a democracy?
a) To appoint the heads of government departments
b) To allow citizens to govern directly
c) To choose representatives who make decisions on behalf of the people
d) To fulfill international obligations
Answer: c) To choose representatives who make decisions on behalf of the people
Explanation: In a democracy, direct governance by all citizens is not feasible, especially in large communities. Therefore, elections are necessary to choose representatives who make decisions on behalf of the people.
Q2. What was the key promise made by Devi Lal in the Haryana State Assembly election of 1987?
a) To improve healthcare facilities
b) To waive loans of farmers and small businessmen
c) To implement new educational policies
d) To reduce taxes
Answer: b) To waive loans of farmers and small businessmen
Explanation: During the Haryana State Assembly election campaign in 1987, Devi Lal promised that if his party won, the government would waive the loans of farmers and small businessmen.
Q3. What is the primary role of the Election Commission in India?
a) To participate in election campaigns
b) To ensure free and fair elections
c) To fund political parties
d) To declare the final election results
Answer: b) To ensure free and fair elections
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for ensuring that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. It oversees various aspects of elections, from the announcement to the declaration of results.
Q4. Which method is currently used in India for casting votes?
a) Ballot papers
b) Oral voting
c) Electronic Voting Machines (EVM)
d) Postal voting
Answer: c) Electronic Voting Machines (EVM)
Explanation: India has adopted the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for casting votes. These machines display the names of the candidates and their party symbols, making the voting process simpler and more efficient.
Q5. What is the minimum age requirement to become a candidate in Indian elections?
a) 18 years
b) 21 years
c) 25 years
d) 30 years
Answer: c) 25 years
Explanation: In India, the minimum age requirement to become a candidate in elections is 25 years. This is slightly higher than the voting age, which is 18 years.
Q6. What does a ‘reserved constituency’ in Indian elections imply?
a) A constituency reserved for women candidates
b) A constituency where only certain political parties can contest
c) A constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
d) A constituency reserved for candidates under 30 years of age
Answer: c) A constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Explanation: In India, certain constituencies are reserved for people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure fair representation of these communities in the legislative bodies.
Q7. Which of the following is not a function of political parties during election campaigns in India?
a) Mobilizing support and gathering followers
b) Distributing money to voters
c) Addressing public meetings and rallies
d) Releasing election manifestos
Answer: b) Distributing money to voters
Explanation: Political parties play a crucial role in mobilizing support, addressing public meetings, and releasing manifestos. However, distributing money to voters is considered an unfair practice and is against the code of conduct.
Q8. What principle does the ‘universal adult franchise’ represent in Indian elections?
a) Only educated adults can vote
b) Every adult citizen has the right to vote
c) Voting is compulsory for all adults
d) Only adults paying taxes can vote
Answer: b) Every adult citizen has the right to vote
Explanation: The principle of universal adult franchise states that every adult citizen of the country has the right to vote, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, or education.
Q9. In India, how often are Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) elections held?
a) Every 3 years
b) Every 4 years
c) Every 5 years
d) Every 6 years
Answer: c) Every 5 years
Explanation: In India, Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) elections are held every five years unless the Lok Sabha is dissolved sooner.
Q10. What is the importance of the Model Code of Conduct during Indian elections?
a) It regulates the financial expenditures of political parties.
b) It ensures that the election campaign is conducted in a fair and respectful manner.
c) It provides guidelines for the behavior of elected officials.
d) It sets educational standards for candidates.
Answer: b) It ensures that the election campaign is conducted in a fair and respectful manner.
Explanation: The Model Code of Conduct provides guidelines for the conduct of political parties and candidates during an election. It aims to ensure that the campaign is conducted in a free, fair, and respectful manner.
Q11. What does a ‘by-election’ refer to?
a) An election for the upper house of the Parliament
b) An election held to fill a vacancy caused by death or resignation of a member
c) An election held to test the popularity of the ruling party
d) The first election held after the formation of a new state
Answer: b) An election held to fill a vacancy caused by death or resignation of a member
Explanation: A by-election is an election held to fill a political office that has become vacant between regularly scheduled elections, usually due to the incumbent’s death or resignation.
Q12. What is the role of the voter list in Indian elections?
a) To record the policies of different political parties
b) To enlist all eligible candidates for an election
c) To provide a list of individuals eligible to vote
d) To track the expenditure of political campaigns
Answer: c) To provide a list of individuals eligible to vote
Explanation: The voter list, or electoral roll, is an official list of individuals who are eligible to vote in an election. It is essential for ensuring that the right to vote is exercised correctly and fairly.
Q13. What is the significance of ‘reserved constituencies’ in the context of Indian elections?
a) Constituencies where only women candidates can contest
b) Constituencies where voting is done through postal ballots only
c) Constituencies reserved for candidates from specific professions
d) Constituencies reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure fair representation
Answer: d) Constituencies reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure fair representation
Explanation: Reserved constituencies in Indian elections are those where candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) can contest. This ensures fair representation of these historically marginalized communities.
Q14. What is the primary function of the Election Commission of India?
a) To form new political parties
b) To conduct and supervise elections in India
c) To provide funding to political parties
d) To legislate new election laws
Answer: b) To conduct and supervise elections in India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India at both the national and state levels.
Q15. What is the minimum age for a citizen to be eligible to vote in Indian elections?
a) 16 years
b) 18 years
c) 21 years
d) 25 years
Answer: b) 18 years
Explanation: In India, any citizen who is 18 years of age or older is eligible to vote. This is in line with the principle of universal adult franchise.
Q16. In the context of Indian elections, what is the role of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)?
a) To count the number of registered voters
b) To electronically record the votes cast by voters
c) To verify the identity of voters
d) To distribute election manifestos
Answer: b) To electronically record the votes cast by voters
Explanation: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used in Indian elections to electronically record the votes cast by voters. They have replaced the traditional ballot paper system in most elections.
Q17. What is a ‘general election’ in the context of Indian elections?
a) An election for local government bodies
b) An election for the upper house of Parliament
c) An election held at regular intervals to elect MPs or MLAs
d) A special election for the President of India
Answer: c) An election held at regular intervals to elect MPs or MLAs
Explanation: A general election is a regularly scheduled election where voters elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha (Parliament) or Vidhan Sabha (State Assembly).
Q18. How are electoral constituencies important in Indian elections?
a) They are areas where only certain castes can vote
b) They are the main campaign grounds for political parties
c) They determine the boundaries within which candidates are elected
d) They are used only in Presidential elections
Answer: c) They determine the boundaries within which candidates are elected
Explanation: Electoral constituencies are specific geographical areas in a country. Each constituency elects one representative to the legislative body, thus defining the area from which candidates are elected.
Q19. What is the significance of ‘one vote, one value’ in Indian elections?
a) It means each state has equal representation in Parliament
b) It implies that all votes cast in an election are counted equally
c) It ensures equal campaigning time for all candidates
d) It refers to equal media coverage for all political parties
Answer: b) It implies that all votes cast in an election are counted equally
Explanation: ‘One vote, one value’ is a principle that underlines the equality of each vote in the democratic process, ensuring that every individual’s vote has equal weight in the election outcome.
Q20. What type of system is followed for selecting representatives in Indian elections?
a) Proportional representation system
b) First-past-the-post system
c) Direct democracy system
d) Presidential system
Answer: b) First-past-the-post system
Explanation: India follows the first-past-the-post system, where the candidate who secures the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner.
Q21. Why does the Election Commission of India order a repoll in certain booths?
a) If the voter turnout is low
b) If there is evidence of electoral malpractice
c) If the candidates request it
d) If there is a tie between two candidates
Answer: b) If there is evidence of electoral malpractice
Explanation: The Election Commission may order a repoll in certain polling booths if there are valid concerns or evidence of electoral malpractice, such as rigging or voter intimidation.
Q22. What is the purpose of a legal declaration by candidates in Indian elections?
a) To declare their loyalty to the constitution
b) To disclose their criminal, financial, and educational background
c) To pledge adherence to the party’s ideology
d) To promise to uphold election laws
Answer: b) To disclose their criminal, financial, and educational background
Explanation: Candidates are required to make a legal declaration, providing full details of any serious criminal cases pending against them, their assets and liabilities, and their educational qualifications. This enhances transparency and allows voters to make informed choices.
Q23. Why are some constituencies in Indian elections small in area while others are very large?
a) Due to differences in population density
b) Based on the economic status of the region
c) Depending on the number of political parties in the area
d) Based on historical significance
Answer: a) Due to differences in population density
Explanation: The size of a constituency in terms of area depends on the population density of the region. Densely populated areas have smaller constituencies, while sparsely populated regions cover larger areas.
Q24. What is the role of political parties in Indian elections during the campaign period?
a) To provide security at polling booths
b) To assist in the counting of votes
c) To mobilize support and convince voters to elect their candidates
d) To conduct the polling process
Answer: c) To mobilize support and convince voters to elect their candidates
Explanation: During the election campaign, political parties engage in various activities such as holding rallies, public meetings, and door-to-door campaigns to mobilize support and convince voters to elect their candidates.
Q25. What does NOTA stand for in Indian elections?
a) No One To Appoint
b) None Of The Above
c) Not Open To All
d) None Of These Answers
Answer: b) None Of The Above
Explanation: NOTA, which stands for “None Of The Above,” is an option on Indian voting machines, allowing voters to indicate disapproval of all candidates in the fray.
Q26. In the context of Indian elections, what is a ‘polling booth’?
a) A place where political campaigns are held
b) A location where voters are registered
c) A venue where voters go to cast their votes
d) A center for counting votes
Answer: c) A venue where voters go to cast their votes
Explanation: A polling booth is a designated place, usually a local school or government office, where eligible voters go to cast their votes during an election.
Q27. What is the primary purpose of election manifestos in Indian elections?
a) To announce the dates of elections
b) To outline the policies and programs proposed by political parties
c) To display the wealth of political candidates
d) To provide a biography of political leaders
Answer: b) To outline the policies and programs proposed by political parties
Explanation: Election manifestos are documents released by political parties during the campaign period, outlining their policies, programs, and vision for governance if they are elected.
Q28. Who is eligible to be a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) in India?
a) Any citizen of India who is at least 18 years old
b) Any citizen of India who is at least 21 years old
c) Any citizen of India who is at least 25 years old
d) Any citizen of India who is at least 30 years old
Answer: c) Any citizen of India who is at least 25 years old
Explanation: In India, to be eligible to become a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), a person must be a citizen of India and at least 25 years old.
Q29. What does the term ‘incumbent’ refer to in the context of elections?
a) A new candidate running for office
b) The current holder of a political office
c) A candidate who has lost the previous election
d) The most popular candidate in an election
Answer: b) The current holder of a political office
Explanation: The term ‘incumbent’ refers to the current holder of an elected office who is seeking re-election.
Q30. What is the main reason for having constituencies of roughly equal population size in Indian elections?
a) To ensure easy administration
b) To facilitate election campaigning
c) To ensure fair and equal representation
d) To balance the economic status of areas
Answer: c) To ensure fair and equal representation
Explanation: The principle of having constituencies with roughly equal population sizes is to ensure that each elected representative serves approximately the same number of constituents, thereby ensuring fair and equal representation.
Q31. What is the significance of ‘reserved seats’ for women in local body elections in India?
a) To ensure only women vote in these constituencies
b) To encourage more women to join political parties
c) To guarantee a minimum level of representation for women
d) To focus on women-centric policies
Answer: c) To guarantee a minimum level of representation for women
Explanation: Reserved seats for women in local body elections are intended to guarantee a minimum level of representation for women in governance structures, promoting gender equality in political participation.
Q32. What is the primary function of the Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) in Indian elections?
a) To identify eligible candidates
b) To serve as a voter’s identity proof at the polling booth
c) To track the financial transactions of voters
d) To indicate the voter’s party affiliation
Answer: b) To serve as a voter’s identity proof at the polling booth
Explanation: The Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is issued to eligible voters as an identity proof to prevent electoral fraud. It is used to verify a voter’s identity at the polling booth during elections.
Q33. What is the minimum age required to vote in Indian elections?
a) 16 years
b) 18 years
c) 21 years
d) 25 years
Answer: b) 18 years
Explanation: In India, the minimum age for voting in elections is 18 years, as per the principle of universal adult franchise.
Q34. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
a) The President of India
b) The Prime Minister of India
c) The Supreme Court of India
d) The Parliament of India
Answer: a) The President of India
Explanation: The Chief Election Commissioner of India is appointed by the President of India, ensuring the independence of the Election Commission from the executive branch of the government.
Q35. What is the primary function of political parties in a democracy?
a) To provide social services
b) To contest elections and form the government if they win
c) To enact laws and policies
d) To serve as a watchdog on the government
Answer: b) To contest elections and form the government if they win
Explanation: The primary function of political parties in a democracy is to contest elections. If they win, they form the government and implement their policies.
Q36. What does ‘rigging’ in the context of elections refer to?
a) Setting up of polling booths
b) Fair and transparent counting of votes
c) Fraudulent manipulation of election results
d) Organizing election campaigns
Answer: c) Fraudulent manipulation of election results
Explanation: ‘Rigging’ refers to illegal interference or fraudulent manipulation of the election process, including tampering with voting machines or intimidating voters, to alter the election outcome.
Q37. What is the purpose of having a ‘model code of conduct’ during elections?
a) To limit the government’s power in favor of the opposition
b) To ensure that the election campaign is conducted in a fair and respectful manner
c) To regulate the personal behavior of individual voters
d) To provide financial assistance to political parties
Answer: b) To ensure that the election campaign is conducted in a fair and respectful manner
Explanation: The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate the behavior of political parties and candidates, ensuring that elections are conducted in a fair, impartial, and respectful manner.
Q38. In the Indian election system, what is a ‘by-election’?
a) An election for the entire country
b) An election to fill a vacancy arising in between general elections
c) A practice election before the actual one
d) An election for local government bodies
Answer: b) An election to fill a vacancy arising in between general elections
Explanation: A by-election is conducted to fill a vacancy that arises in a legislative body due to the death, resignation, or disqualification of a member, in between general elections.
Q39. What is the primary aim of reserving constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
a) To provide financial assistance to these communities
b) To ensure adequate representation of these communities in legislatures
c) To segregate electoral competition
d) To offer special privileges in government services
Answer: b) To ensure adequate representation of these communities in legislatures
Explanation: Reserving constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is aimed at ensuring adequate representation of historically marginalized communities in legislative bodies.
Q40. What is the role of the ‘voter turnout’ percentage in an election?
a) It indicates the percentage of total registered voters who actually cast their votes
b) It reflects the success of the winning candidate
c) It determines the allocation of seats in the legislature
d) It measures the efficiency of the Election Commission
Answer: a) It indicates the percentage of total registered voters who actually cast their votes
Explanation: Voter turnout percentage is an important indicator in elections, reflecting the percentage of eligible voters who actually cast their votes. It is a measure of citizens’ participation in the democratic process.