CHAPTER -15
A. Short Answer Questions:
What is election?
An election is a formal process by which a group of people choose a person
or group of people to hold public office.
Why do we need elections?
Elections are essential for democratic governance. They ensure:
Representation of the people's will.
Accountability of elected officials.
Peaceful transfer of power.
Competition among political parties.
What do you understand by direct election? Give an example.
In direct elections, voters directly cast their votes for a candidate.
Example: Elections for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.
Mention any one benefit of indirect election.
Indirect elections can be more efficient and less prone to corruption. This
is because the electorate is usually a smaller group of experienced individuals.
By which method of election are the elections to Lok Sabha held?
Lok Sabha elections are held through direct elections.
How can we say that the election of the President is an indirect
election?
In presidential elections, voters do not directly vote for the president.
Instead, they elect representatives (MPs and MLAs) who then vote for the
president. This makes it an indirect election.
What is a General Election?
A general election is an election in which all or most members of a given
political body are chosen.
How are mid-term elections different from General Elections?
Mid-term elections are held before the end of a fixed term of a legislature.
They are often used to fill vacancies or for specific issues.
General elections are held at the end of a fixed term to elect all members
of a legislature.
Define by-election.
A by-election is held to fill a vacant seat in a legislature, usually caused by
the death, resignation, or disqualification of a member.
Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with elections?
Part XV of the Indian Constitution deals with elections.
What is the Election Commission?
The Election Commission is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for
conducting free and fair elections in India.
Who appoints the Election Commissioner?
The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other
Election Commissioners.
What is the tenure of Election Commissioners?
Election Commissioners have a tenure of six years or until they reach the age of 65,
whichever is earlier.
What is voter's list?
A voter's list is a register of eligible voters who can cast their votes in an election
Mention two ways in which the Election Commission ensures free and fair elections.
Impartiality: The Election Commission maintains political neutrality and ensures
equal opportunities for all political parties.
Model Code of Conduct: The Commission enforces a strict code of conduct for
political parties and candidates to prevent unethical practices.
1. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner?
The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner.
17. What is meant by 'code of conduct'?
The 'code of conduct' refers to a set of guidelines and rules established to ensure
ethical behavior and fair practices. In the context of elections, it is known as the
Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which is issued by the Election Commission of India
to regulate the actions of political parties and candidates during elections. It aims to:
Ensure free and fair elections.
Prevent misuse of government machinery and resources.
Promote equality among political parties and candidates.
Key provisions include:
1. Prohibiting hate speech and inflammatory statements.
2. Banning the use of public funds for campaigning purposes.
3. Restricting any form of bribery or inducements to voters.
18. What is the composition of the Election Commission?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional authority
responsible for administering elections in India. Its composition includes:
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC):
o Head of the Election Commission.
o Oversees the functioning of the commission.
Election Commissioners (ECs):
o Two other commissioners assist the CEC.
o The number of Election Commissioners can vary as determined by the President.
Support Staff:
o Includes regional commissioners and other administrative staff to assist in
conducting elections.
Appointment:
The President of India appoints the CEC and ECs based on the recommendations of the
Council of Ministers.
Tenure:
The CEC and ECs have a tenure of 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
19. Who is a Returning Officer?
A Returning Officer (RO) is an official appointed by the Election Commission of India
for each constituency to oversee the election process. Their responsibilities include:
Accepting and scrutinizing nominations from candidates.
Publishing the list of contesting candidates.
Supervising polling and counting of votes.
Declaring the election results for their constituency.
Eligibility:
Typically, an RO is a senior government officer such as a District Magistrate or Collector.
20. What is the procedure for removal of the Chief Election
Commissioner?
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can only be removed in a manner similar to
that of a judge of the Supreme Court, ensuring the independence of the Election
Commission. The procedure is as follows:
Initiation of Removal:
o A motion for removal must be introduced in either House of Parliament.
Grounds for Removal:
o Proven incapacity or misbehavior.
Approval Process:
o The motion must be supported by a special majority:
Two-thirds of the members present and voting.
A majority of the total membership of the House.
President’s Action:
o Upon passing the motion in both Houses, the President can formally remove the
CEC from office.
Election Commissioners, however, can be removed by the President on the
recommendation of the CEC.
(STRUCTURED QUESTIONS )
1. With reference to the types of elections, explain the following:
a. Difference between the method of Direct and Indirect Elections
- **Direct Elections**:
Voters directly cast their votes to elect their representatives. Example: Elections
for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- Advantage: Ensures direct representation of people's will.
- Example: Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha).
- **Indirect Elections**:
Representatives are elected by an intermediary body, such as elected members
of Parliament or State Assemblies.
- Advantage: Practical for large-scale representation.
- Example: Election of the President of India.
---
#### b. **Situations in which By-Election and Mid-Term Election are held**
- **By-Election**:
Held when a seat becomes vacant due to resignation, death, or disqualification
of a sitting member.
- Example: A Lok Sabha seat is vacated mid-term.
- **Mid-Term Election**:
Held when the legislature is dissolved before completing its tenure.
- Example: Dissolution of a state assembly due to loss of majority.
---
#### c. **General Elections**
General Elections are regular elections conducted after the completion of the
legislative term, usually every five years.
- Purpose: To elect members for the Lok Sabha or State Assemblies.
- Key Feature: All constituencies go to polls simultaneously or in phases.
---
### **2. The Election Commission of India is very powerful and independent.
In this context, answer the following:**
#### a. **When and why was the Election Commission established?**
- **When**: The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on
**January 25, 1950**.
- **Why**:
- To ensure free and fair elections in India.
- To maintain the democratic structure of governance.
---
#### b. **How are Election Commissioners appointed and removed?**
- **Appointment**:
- Appointed by the President of India based on the advice of the Council of
Ministers.
- **Removal**:
- The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can be removed like a Supreme Court
judge, by a **special majority** in Parliament.
- Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the
recommendation of the CEC.
---
#### c. **Mention any four functions of the Election Commission.**
1. Conducting elections for the President, Vice President, Lok Sabha, and State
Assemblies.
2. Supervising and monitoring the preparation of electoral rolls.
3. Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
4. Allotting symbols to political parties and candidates.
---
### **3. With reference to the process of elections, explain the following:**
#### a. **Meaning of General Election**
General elections refer to elections conducted across all constituencies
simultaneously to elect members of legislative bodies like the Lok Sabha or State
Assemblies.
---
#### b. **Preparation of Voter's List or Electoral Roll**
The **electoral roll** is a list of eligible voters prepared and updated by the
Election Commission.
- Includes: Names, ages, and other details of voters.
- Steps in preparation:
1. Enrolment of new voters.
2. Deletion of deceased voters or those who moved out.
3. Updating addresses or personal details.
---
#### c. **Model Code of Conduct**
The **Model Code of Conduct (MCC)** is a set of guidelines issued by the
Election Commission to regulate political parties and candidates during elections.
- Ensures fair play and prevents misuse of power.
- Prohibits activities such as:
- Use of public funds for campaigning.
- Hate speeches or personal attacks.
---
### **4. Elections are the most visible aspect of the democratic process.
Explain the following in this context:**
#### a. **Meaning of Elections**
Elections are a formal process through which citizens choose their
representatives to govern on their behalf.
- Central to the democratic system.
---
#### b. **Importance of Elections**
1. **Democratic Participation**: Provides citizens a voice in governance.
2. **Accountability**: Ensures representatives are answerable to the people.
3. **Equality**: Grants equal voting rights to all citizens.
---
#### c. **Features of Democratic Elections**
1. **Universal Adult Suffrage**: All adults have the right to vote.
2. **Periodic Elections**: Held regularly to ensure accountability.
3. **Free and Fair**: Conducted under the supervision of an impartial authority
like the Election Commission.
4. **Secret Ballot**: Ensures privacy and prevents coercion.
---
### **5. With reference to the methods of election, explain the following:**
#### a. **Meaning of Direct Election**
In direct elections, voters directly choose their representatives.
- Example: Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- Advantage: Represents the direct will of the people.
---
#### b. **Meaning of Indirect Election**
In indirect elections, representatives are elected by an intermediary body.
- Example: President of India elected by MPs and MLAs.
- Advantage: Suitable for positions requiring broader representation.
---
#### c. **Method of Electing the President and Vice President**
- **President**:
- Elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of elected MPs and MLAs.
- Uses a proportional representation system with a single transferable vote.
- **Vice President**:
- Elected by both the Houses of Parliament.
- Election is conducted by secret ballot.
(PICTURE BASED QUESTION)
### **1. Who heads the Election Commission? How is he/she appointed? Who
is the present Election Commissioner?**
#### **Who heads the Election Commission?**
The **Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)** heads the Election Commission of
India.
#### **How is the Chief Election Commissioner appointed?**
- The CEC is appointed by the **President of India** based on the
recommendation of the Union Council of Ministers.
- The appointment process ensures the independence and neutrality of the
Election Commission.
#### **Who is the present Election Commissioner?**
As of now (November 2024), the current Chief Election Commissioner can be
looked up if required, as the information may have changed over time. Please let me
know if you’d like me to confirm the current CEC using real-time browsing.
---
### **2. How does the Election Commission control the election process?**
The Election Commission controls the election process through the following
measures:
1. **Supervising and Conducting Elections**:
- Ensures free and fair elections for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, President, and
Vice-President.
2. **Model Code of Conduct (MCC)**:
- Issues and enforces rules to maintain fairness during the election period.
- Prohibits use of government machinery and funds for campaign purposes.
3. **Scrutinizing Nominations**:
- Examines and approves or rejects the nomination papers of candidates.
4. **Maintaining Electoral Rolls**:
- Ensures that voter lists are accurate and updated, and eligible voters can
exercise their rights.
5. **Monitoring Election Expenses**:
- Sets limits on campaign expenses and checks accounts submitted by
candidates.
6. **Allotting Election Symbols**:
- Assigns symbols to political parties and independent candidates to ensure
clarity for voters.
---
### **3. What are the functions of the Election Commission? (Any Four)**
#### **Four Key Functions of the Election Commission**:
1. **Conducting Elections**:
- Organizes elections for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, and key
constitutional positions like President and Vice-President.
2. **Enforcing Electoral Laws**:
- Ensures compliance with rules under the Representation of the People Act.
3. **Dispute Resolution**:
- Resolves disputes related to elections, political parties, and their symbols.
4. **Education and Awareness**:
- Promotes voter awareness and participation through campaigns like SVEEP
(Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation).
