The Most Comprehensive Question Bank for ICSE Class 10 Students
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. What is the primary role of the Election Commission in India?
a) Conducting and supervising all aspects of elections
b) Formulating policies for political parties
c) Organizing government functions
d) Drafting laws and regulations
Answer: a) Conducting and supervising all aspects of elections
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for administering and overseeing all aspects of the electoral process, including the conduct of elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
Q2. Which type of election involves voters directly choosing their representatives?
a) Direct election
b) Indirect election
c) Mid-term election
d) By-election
Answer: a) Direct election
Explanation: In a direct election, voters directly cast their votes for the person or political party they wish to elect to a public office. This is in contrast to indirect elections, where an intermediate body elects the representatives.
Q3. What is an indirect election?
a) An election where the public directly votes for their representatives
b) An election where representatives are chosen by elected officials
c) A re-election caused by the dissolution of a legislative body
d) A supplementary election to fill a vacancy
Answer: b) An election where representatives are chosen by elected officials
Explanation: In an indirect election, the representatives are not elected directly by the public but are chosen by a previously constituted body or group of elected officials. This method is often used for higher or more complex offices.
Q4. What is a general election?
a) An election for a specific constituency
b) An election held at irregular intervals
c) A nationwide election to choose members of a legislative body
d) An election to fill a vacant seat in the legislature
Answer: c) A nationwide election to choose members of a legislative body
Explanation: A general election is a regular election for a nation’s primary legislative body and is usually held at regular intervals. In India, it refers to the election where members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament, are chosen.
Q5. What is a mid-term election?
a) An election held at the midpoint of a government’s term
b) An election that occurs when the legislative assembly is dissolved
c) A regularly scheduled general election
d) A by-election to fill a vacant seat
Answer: b) An election that occurs when the legislative assembly is dissolved
Explanation: A mid-term election occurs when the legislative assembly (such as the Lok Sabha or a state assembly) is dissolved prematurely, before the completion of its full term, leading to an unscheduled general election.
Q6. What is the purpose of a by-election?
a) To elect the President of India
b) To choose representatives for a newly formed state
c) To fill a vacancy in a legislative body before the next general election
d) To elect members of the Rajya Sabha
Answer: c) To fill a vacancy in a legislative body before the next general election
Explanation: A by-election (or bye-election) is held to fill political offices that have become vacant between general elections. This usually occurs when an officeholder dies or resigns, or when their election is invalidated.
Q7. What happens in a direct election if no candidate secures a majority of the votes?
a) A by-election is conducted
b) The candidate with the most votes is declared the winner
c) A second round of voting or runoff is held
d) The election is declared void
Answer: c) A second round of voting or runoff is held
Explanation: In many direct election systems, if no candidate secures an outright majority of the votes, a second round of voting, known as a runoff, is held. This runoff typically involves the top two candidates from the first round to ensure that the winner has a majority support.
Q8. Which type of election is commonly used for the election of the President of India?
a) Direct election
b) Indirect election
c) Mid-term election
d) By-election
Answer: b) Indirect election
Explanation: The President of India is elected through an indirect election. Members of the Electoral College, which includes elected members of both houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories, vote in this election.
Q9. In the context of Indian elections, what is the role of the Election Commission regarding political parties?
a) Forming new political parties
b) Funding political parties
c) Registration and recognition of political parties
d) Selecting candidates for political parties
Answer: c) Registration and recognition of political parties
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for the registration of political parties and classifying them as national or state parties based on certain criteria. This recognition is crucial for allotment of symbols and other political benefits.
Q10. How does a by-election differ from a mid-term election?
a) A by-election is held for the entire legislative body, while a mid-term election is for a single seat
b) A by-election is held to fill a single or few vacancies, while a mid-term election is for the entire legislative body
c) A by-election is held for presidential elections, while a mid-term election is for legislative assemblies
d) There is no difference; both terms are interchangeable
Answer: b) A by-election is held to fill a single or few vacancies, while a mid-term election is for the entire legislative body
Explanation: A by-election occurs when a vacancy arises in a legislative body, and it is necessary to fill that specific seat before the next general election. In contrast, a mid-term election refers to an election for the entire legislative body, held when it is dissolved prematurely.
Q11. What is the primary function of the Election Commission during a General Election?
a) To select candidates for various political parties
b) To ensure that the election is conducted in a free and fair manner
c) To count the votes and declare results
d) To provide security during the election process
Answer: b) To ensure that the election is conducted in a free and fair manner
Explanation: The Election Commission’s primary function during a General Election is to oversee the entire process and ensure that it is conducted fairly, transparently, and impartially, without any bias or influence.
Q12. What is an Electoral College in the context of Indian elections?
a) A group of voters selected to vote in the Presidential elections
b) A training institute for aspiring politicians
c) The total number of eligible voters in India
d) A committee that decides election dates
Answer: a) A group of voters selected to vote in the Presidential elections
Explanation: In the context of Indian elections, the Electoral College refers to a group of elected representatives, including members of both houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories, who are designated to vote in the Presidential elections.
Q13. What is the term used for the process of dividing the country into constituencies for the purpose of elections?
a) Apportionment
b) Delimitation
c) Segmentation
d) Demarcation
Answer: b) Delimitation
Explanation: Delimitation is the act of fixing the limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country to represent changes in population. This process ensures that each election constituency is reasonably equal in terms of the number of voters.
Q14. Which of the following is a characteristic of a fair election?
a) Only the ruling party’s candidates are allowed to contest
b) Voters are influenced by certain incentives
c) Media coverage is biased towards one party
d) All political parties have the right to contest
Answer: d) All political parties have the right to contest
Explanation: A hallmark of a fair election is that it allows all political parties and candidates to compete on an equal footing. This includes equal opportunities for campaigning, access to media, and the freedom to express their policies and opinions.
Q15. What is the minimum age requirement to vote in India?
a) 18 years
b) 21 years
c) 25 years
d) 30 years
Answer: a) 18 years
Explanation: As per the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the minimum age for voting in India is 18 years. This is known as the ‘age of majority’ and is considered the age at which a person is eligible to consent to all forms of civil and political responsibilities.
Q16. What does the term ‘Universal Adult Franchise’ mean in the context of elections?
a) Only adults over the age of 30 can vote
b) Every adult citizen has the right to vote regardless of race, gender, or wealth
c) Voting is compulsory for all adult citizens
d) Universal distribution of election-related materials
Answer: b) Every adult citizen has the right to vote regardless of race, gender, or wealth
Explanation: Universal Adult Franchise refers to the right of every adult citizen to vote. This principle is fundamental to democratic societies and ensures that every adult citizen, regardless of race, gender, economic status, or social standing, has the right to participate in the electoral process.
Q17. What is the significance of a ‘Model Code of Conduct’ in Indian elections?
a) It is a legal document that candidates must sign before contesting elections
b) It outlines guidelines for the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections
c) It is a code for the functioning of the Election Commission
d) It dictates the policies and agendas of political parties
Answer: b) It outlines guidelines for the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections
Explanation: The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to regulate the behavior of political parties and candidates during elections. It aims to ensure free and fair elections by preventing practices like misuse of governmental power, bribery, and violence.
Q18. What does a ‘NOTA’ option in Indian elections signify?
a) No Objection To Anyone
b) Next Option To Appoint
c) None Of The Above
d) Notice Of Temporary Absence
Answer: c) None Of The Above
Explanation: ‘NOTA’, which stands for ‘None Of The Above’, is an option on the electronic voting machines and ballot papers in India. It allows voters to officially register a vote of rejection for all candidates standing in the election, if they believe none of the candidates are suitable.
Q19. Which constitutional body is responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India?
a) The Parliament
b) The Supreme Court
c) The Election Commission
d) The Planning Commission
Answer: c) The Election Commission
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. The accurate and up-to-date maintenance of these rolls is crucial for conducting fair elections.
Q20. What is the primary purpose of Voter ID in Indian elections?
a) To provide financial benefits to voters
b) To serve as a proof of citizenship
c) To ensure that each individual votes only once
d) To track the voting pattern of individuals
Answer: c) To ensure that each individual votes only once
Explanation: The Voter ID, also known as the Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC), is primarily used to prevent electoral fraud by ensuring that each individual votes only once. It also serves as an identification tool to confirm that the voter is registered in the electoral roll of that constituency.
Q21. In India, what does the term ‘anti-defection law’ refer to in the context of elections?
a) Law against the misuse of electoral machines
b) Law pertaining to the conduct of election officials
c) Law preventing elected members from changing parties
d) Law against unfair media practices during elections
Answer: c) Law preventing elected members from changing parties
Explanation: The anti-defection law, provided for in the 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, is aimed at preventing political defections which may be due to reward of office or other similar considerations. It disqualifies elected members if they defect from one party to another after the election.
Q22. What mechanism is used in India to ensure the secrecy of the ballot?
a) Public counting of votes
b) Use of electronic voting machines
c) Open ballot system
d) Voting compartments in polling booths
Answer: d) Voting compartments in polling booths
Explanation: Voting compartments in polling booths are used to ensure the secrecy of the ballot. These compartments are designed so that the voter can cast their vote in private, without revealing it to anyone else, thereby maintaining the confidentiality of their choice.
Q23. What is the maximum number of members elected to the Lok Sabha in India?
a) 272
b) 543
c) 552
d) Lok Sabha 800
Answer: b) 543
Explanation: The Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, is composed of a maximum of 543 elected members. These members are elected directly by the public through general elections, based on adult suffrage.
Q24. What is the term for the official announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission?
a) Declaration of Intent
b) Election Proclamation
c) Notification of Election
d) Election Manifesto
Answer: c) Notification of Election
Explanation: The Notification of Election is the official announcement made by the Election Commission that sets the schedule for the electoral process. It includes dates for the filing of nominations, scrutiny of nominations, withdrawal of candidacies, polling, and counting of votes.
Q25. What is the maximum duration for which the Lok Sabha can be dissolved in India?
a) 2 years
b) 3 years
c) 4 years
d) 5 years
Answer: d) 5 years
Explanation: The maximum tenure of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, is five years from the date of its first sitting. However, it can be dissolved earlier by the President of India. After the tenure of five years is completed or if it is dissolved earlier, general elections are held to reconstitute the Lok Sabha.
Q26. In the context of Indian elections, what does the term ‘polling booth’ refer to?
a) A place where political campaigns are held
b) A media center for election coverage
c) A designated place where voters cast their ballots
d) The office of the Election Commission
Answer: c) A designated place where voters cast their ballots
Explanation: A polling booth, also known as a polling station, is a designated place where voters go to cast their votes during an election. It is equipped with voting machines (EVMs), ballot papers (if used), and other necessary facilities to ensure a smooth voting process.
Q27. Which of the following is not a function of the Election Commission of India?
a) Appointment of the Prime Minister
b) Conducting of elections to Parliament and state legislatures
c) Preparation of electoral rolls
d) Giving recognition to political parties
Answer: a) Appointment of the Prime Minister
Explanation: The Election Commission of India does not have the authority to appoint the Prime Minister. Its primary functions include conducting elections to the Parliament and state legislatures, preparing electoral rolls, and giving recognition to political parties. The Prime Minister is generally the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha and is appointed by the President of India.
Q28. What is the primary criterion for the delimitation of constituencies in India?
a) Geographical uniformity
b) Population density
c) Economic status of regions
d) Political considerations
Answer: b) Population density
Explanation: The primary criterion for the delimitation of constituencies in India is population density. The goal is to ensure that each constituency has a roughly equal population, so that each person’s vote has an equal value. Delimitation is based on the latest census and does not take into account political considerations.
Q29. What is the term used for a situation where no single party wins a majority of seats in an election?
a) Coalition
b) Hung parliament
c) Majority rule
d) Electoral alliance
Answer: b) Hung parliament
Explanation: A hung parliament occurs when no single political party or pre-existing coalition wins an absolute majority of seats in the parliament. In such scenarios, parties may form alliances or coalitions to achieve a majority and form a government.
Q30. How is the Vice President of India elected?
a) Directly by the citizens of India
b) By the members of the Lok Sabha only
c) By an Electoral College consisting of members of both houses of Parliament
d) By the members of the Rajya Sabha only
Answer: c) By an Electoral College consisting of members of both houses of Parliament
Explanation: The Vice President of India is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. This election follows the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and the voting is conducted by secret ballot.
Q31. What is a ‘swing’ in the context of election results?
a) The change in the total number of seats won by a party
b) The shift in voter preference from one election to another
c) A political party changing its policies
d) The movement of a candidate from one constituency to another
Answer: b) The shift in voter preference from one election to another
Explanation: A ‘swing’ in elections refers to the shift in voter preference from one party to another, usually measured from one election to another. It is an important indicator of changing political trends and can significantly impact the outcome of an election.
Q32. What is the significance of the ‘first-past-the-post’ system in Indian elections?
a) It ensures proportional representation
b) The candidate with the majority of votes wins
c) It requires a candidate to win more than 50% of votes
d) Voters can cast votes for multiple candidates
Answer: b) The candidate with the majority of votes wins
Explanation: The ‘first-past-the-post’ system, used in Indian general elections, means that the candidate who secures the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner. This system does not require the winning candidate to secure a majority (more than 50%) of the votes.
Q33. What does the ‘right to recall’ refer to in the context of elections?
a) The right of a political party to replace its candidate
b) The right of voters to remove an elected representative before their term ends
c) The ability of the Election Commission to cancel election results
d) The process of recounting votes in a close election
Answer: b) The right of voters to remove an elected representative before their term ends
Explanation: The ‘right to recall’ is a democratic process that allows voters to remove or ‘recall’ an elected representative before the end of their official term if they are not satisfied with the representative’s performance. This concept is still under discussion and not yet implemented in the Indian political system.
Q34. What is meant by ‘cross voting’ in elections?
a) Voting in more than one constituency
b) Members of a party voting against their party’s directives
c) Invalidating the vote by crossing over the name of the candidate
d) Switching party allegiance after being elected
Answer: b) Members of a party voting against their party’s directives
Explanation: Cross voting occurs when members of a political party vote against the party’s prescribed lines or directives. This is often seen in indirect elections like the Presidential elections or Rajya Sabha elections where party members may vote for a candidate from a different party.
Q35. What is an ‘exit poll’ in the context of elections?
a) A poll conducted before the elections to predict voter behavior
b) A poll conducted immediately after voters have exited polling booths
c) A government survey conducted after the elections
d) A technique used to predict the outcome of an election by the Election Commission
Answer: b) A poll conducted immediately after voters have exited polling booths
Explanation: An exit poll is a survey of voters taken immediately after they have exited the polling stations. It aims to predict the outcome of the election based on the information provided by the voters about whom they voted for. These polls are used by media organizations to project election results before the official count is declared.
Q36. Which institution in India is responsible for addressing grievances related to the violation of the Model Code of Conduct during elections?
a) The Supreme Court of India
b) The Election Commission of India
c) The Central Bureau of Investigation
d) The National Human Rights Commission
Answer: b) The Election Commission of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for addressing grievances and complaints related to the violation of the Model Code of Conduct during elections. It has the authority to take appropriate actions and enforce measures to ensure adherence to the code by political parties and candidates.
Q37. What does the term ‘mandate’ refer to in the context of an election?
a) The legal authority to conduct an election
b) The official order to form a government
c) The authority granted by voters to a party or candidate
d) The process of nominating candidates for an election
Answer: c) The authority granted by voters to a party or candidate
Explanation: In electoral politics, a ‘mandate’ refers to the authority granted by the electorate to a party or candidate to act in their interest. Essentially, it is the approval or endorsement of the public, expressed through the electoral process, for the policies and direction proposed by the winning party or candidate.
Q38. What is a ‘proportional representation’ system in elections?
a) A system where each party gets seats in proportion to the number of votes it receives
b) A system where only the candidate with the highest votes wins
c) A method where representation is based on geographic constituencies
d) A voting system based on the age and gender of the electorate
Answer: a) A system where each party gets seats in proportion to the number of votes it receives
Explanation: Proportional representation is an electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them. This system is different from the ‘first-past-the-post’ system, where the highest vote-getter wins regardless of the vote percentage.
Q39. In Indian elections, what is the significance of an ‘Election Manifesto’?
a) It is a document stating the qualifications of candidates
b) It outlines the electoral promises and policies of a political party
c) It is a report published after election results are declared
d) It is a legal document submitted to the Election Commission
Answer: b) It outlines the electoral promises and policies of a political party
Explanation: An Election Manifesto is a published document or declaration by a political party, outlining its intentions, motives, and main electoral promises and policies. It is a crucial tool for parties to communicate their agendas and plans to the electorate and to distinguish themselves from their opponents.
Q40. What is the primary difference between a ‘General Election’ and a ‘By-Election’ in India?
a) General Elections are for the Lok Sabha, By-Elections are for the Rajya Sabha
b) General Elections are national, By-Elections are state-level
c) General Elections are regularly scheduled, By-Elections are held to fill vacancies
d) General Elections elect the President, By-Elections elect the Prime Minister
Answer: c) General Elections are regularly scheduled, By-Elections are held to fill vacancies
Explanation: General Elections in India are regularly scheduled elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. By-Elections, on the other hand, are not scheduled but occur when a seat in the legislature becomes vacant due to reasons like death, resignation, or disqualification of a member.
Q41. What role does the ‘Voter’s List’ play in Indian elections?
a) It is a list of candidates running for election
b) It is a document outlining the voting process
c) It contains the names of all eligible voters in a constituency
d) It records the results of an election
Answer: c) It contains the names of all eligible voters in a constituency
Explanation: The Voter’s List, also known as the electoral roll, is an essential document in the electoral process. It lists the names of all individuals who are eligible to vote in a particular constituency. Being on the Voter’s List is a prerequisite for exercising one’s right to vote in elections.
Q42. What is the process of ‘Voter Verification and Identification’ in Indian elections?
a) A pre-election survey to estimate voter turnout
b) The process of verifying the identity of a voter at the polling station
c) A post-election process to verify the counting of votes
d) The registration of new voters before an election
Answer: b) The process of verifying the identity of a voter at the polling station
Explanation: Voter Verification and Identification is a critical process at the polling station on the day of the election. It involves checking the identity of the voters against their names on the electoral roll and verifying their identity documents, such as Voter ID or other acceptable forms of ID, to ensure that only eligible and registered voters can cast their votes.
Q43. What is a ‘shadow cabinet’ in the context of parliamentary systems?
a) A group of ministers from the ruling party overseeing secret operations
b) A committee that works in secrecy during elections
c) A team of senior members from the opposition party mirroring the cabinet
d) The cabinet formed after an interim government
Answer: c) A team of senior members from the opposition party mirroring the cabinet
Explanation: In parliamentary systems, a ‘shadow cabinet’ is formed by the main opposition party. It consists of senior members or ‘shadow ministers’ who scrutinize and criticize the policies and actions of the government and its ministers, providing an alternative to the government’s programs.
Q44. What does ‘voter apathy’ refer to in the context of elections?
a) The active participation of voters in the electoral process
b) Lack of interest and enthusiasm among voters to participate in elections
c) The process of encouraging people to vote
d) Voters’ resistance to political changes
Answer: b) Lack of interest and enthusiasm among voters to participate in elections
Explanation: Voter apathy refers to a lack of interest and enthusiasm among the electorate to participate in the voting process. This phenomenon is often characterized by low voter turnout and can be due to various factors like disillusionment with political candidates, lack of faith in the electoral process, or a belief that their vote does not make a difference.
Q45. What does the term ‘incumbent’ refer to in elections?
a) A new candidate running for office
b) The current holder of a political office
c) A candidate who has been disqualified
d) An independent candidate without party affiliation
Answer: b) The current holder of a political office
Explanation: In the context of elections, ‘incumbent’ refers to the current holder of an elected office. This term is often used during election campaigns to distinguish the existing office-holder from challengers or new candidates.
Q46. How does the ‘single transferable vote’ system work in elections?
a) Voters rank candidates in order of preference
b) Each voter casts one vote for a single candidate
c) Votes are transferred to a single party regardless of the candidate
d) Only one candidate is elected from each constituency
Answer: a) Voters rank candidates in order of preference
Explanation: The ‘single transferable vote’ (STV) system is a form of proportional representation in voting. Under this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference. If a candidate achieves the required quota of votes, they are elected, and any surplus votes they receive are transferred to other candidates based on voters’ next preferences. This process continues until all positions are filled.
Q47. What is an ‘opinion poll’ in the context of elections?
a) A poll conducted after an election to assess the performance of elected officials
b) A survey conducted before an election to predict its outcome
c) A governmental tool for evaluating public opinion on policies
d) A mandatory poll for all voters before an election
Answer: b) A survey conducted before an election to predict its outcome
Explanation: An opinion poll, in the context of elections, is a survey conducted before the actual voting takes place. It aims to gauge the public’s support for different political parties or candidates and to predict the likely outcome of the election. These polls are used by media, political parties, and researchers to understand voter tendencies and opinions.
Q48. In Indian elections, what is the significance of the ‘electoral bond’ scheme?
a) It is a system for voters to choose their preferred electoral system
b) A financial instrument for funding political parties
c) A bond issued by the government to support election expenses
d) A security measure to prevent electoral fraud
Answer: b) A financial instrument for funding political parties
Explanation: The electoral bond scheme, introduced in India, is a financial instrument for citizens and corporate entities to donate money to political parties. These bonds are meant to ensure transparency in political funding, allowing individuals and organizations to support their preferred party while keeping their identity confidential.