3.4-Exercises (Electoral Politics)
3.4-Exercises (Electoral Politics) Important Formulae
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Solved Example: 3-4-01
1. Which of the following statements about the reasons for conducting elections are false?
a Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government.
b People select the representative of their choice in an election.
c Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.
d People can indicate which policies they prefer.
Solution:
Statements About Reasons for Conducting Elections
a. This statement is true. Elections provide a platform for citizens to assess and judge the government's performance.
b. This statement is true. Elections allow people to choose their representatives based on preferences and beliefs.
c. This statement is false. Elections do not evaluate the performance of the judiciary, as it operates independently from electoral processes.
d. This statement is true. Elections give citizens an opportunity to express their preferences regarding various policies and issues.
Solved Example: 3-4-02
Which of these is not a good reason to say that Indian elections are democratic?
a India has the largest number of voters in the world.
b India’s Election Commission is very powerful.
c In India, everyone above the age of 18 has a right to vote.
d In India, the losing parties accept the electoral verdict.
Solution:
Not a Good Reason for Indian Elections Being Democratic
The statement that is not a good reason to claim that Indian elections are democratic is option b: India's Election Commission is very powerful. While a strong Election Commission is essential for conducting free and fair elections, it does not in itself define the democratic nature of elections. Democracy is primarily characterized by the participation of citizens, their right to vote, and the acceptance of electoral outcomes by all parties. The other options highlight aspects that contribute to the democratic framework of elections in India.
Solved Example: 3-4-03
3. Match the following :
a It is necessary to keep the voters list up to date because
b Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that
c Everyone has one and only one vote so that
d Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles because
i There is a fair representation of all sections of our society
ii Everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representative
iii All candidates must have a fair chance of competing in elections
iv Some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last
Solution:
Match the Following
a - iv: It is necessary to keep the voters list up to date because some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last.
b - i: Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that there is a fair representation of all sections of our society.
c - ii: Everyone has one and only one vote so that everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representative.
d - iii: Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles because all candidates must have a fair chance of competing in elections.
Solved Example: 3-4-04
4. List all the different election related activities mentioned in the chapter and arrange them in a time sequence, beginning with the first activity and ending with the last. Some of these activities are given below:
releasing election manifestos; counting of votes; making of voters’ list; election campaign; declaration of election results; casting of votes; ordering of re-poll; announcing election schedule; filing nomination.
Solution:
Election Related Activities in Sequence
- Announcing election schedule
- Making of voters’ list
- Filing nomination
- Election campaign
- Releasing election manifestos
- Casting of votes
- Counting of votes
- Declaring election results
- Ordering of re-poll (if necessary)
Solved Example: 3-4-05
Surekha is an officer in-charge of ensuring free and fair elections in an assembly constituency in a state. Describe what should she focus on for each of the following stages of election:
a Election campaign
b Polling day
c Counting day
Solution:
Responsibilities of Surekha During Elections
- Election Campaign: Ensure that candidates follow election rules, monitor campaign finance, and prevent the use of hate speech or misinformation.
- Polling Day: Oversee the polling process, ensure the safety and accessibility of polling booths, and address any issues or complaints from voters.
- Counting Day: Supervise the counting process to ensure transparency, verify the results accurately, and handle any disputes or irregularities promptly.
Solved Example: 3-4-06
The table below gives the proportion of different communities among the candidates who won elections to the US Congress. Compare these to the proportion of these communities in the population of the US. Based on this, would you suggest a system of reservations in the US Congress? If yes, why and for which communities? If no, why not?
Blacks
Hispanics
Whites
Proportion of the community (in per cent) in the
House of representatives
8
5
86
Population of US
13
13
70
Solution:
Analysis of Community Representation in the US Congress
The representation of communities in the US Congress shows a significant disparity when compared to their population proportions. Blacks constitute 8% of the House of Representatives, while they make up 13% of the population. Hispanics are represented at 5%, whereas their population is also 13%. In contrast, Whites, who represent 86% of Congress, only account for 70% of the population. This underrepresentation of Blacks and Hispanics suggests a need for a reservation system to ensure fair representation, particularly for these communities, to promote equity in governance and address historical imbalances.
Solved Example: 3-4-07
7. Can we draw the following conclusions from the information given in this chapter? Give two facts to support your position for each of these.
a Election Commission of India does not have enough powers to
conduct free and fair elections in the country.
b There is a high level of popular participation in the elections in
our country.
c It is very easy for the party in power to win an election.
d Many reforms are needed to make our elections completely free
and fair.
Solution:
Conclusions on Elections in India
a. The Election Commission of India lacks sufficient powers as it cannot enforce laws against electoral malpractices effectively. Additionally, it relies on the government for resources, which may compromise its independence.
b. Popular participation is evident, with voter turnout often exceeding 60%. Moreover, citizens engage actively in election campaigns, showcasing their interest in the democratic process.
c. The party in power often has advantages like greater financial resources and control over state machinery, which can influence electoral outcomes.
d. Reforms such as stricter campaign financing laws and transparent electoral processes are essential to enhance fairness and reduce corruption.
Solved Example: 3-4-08
8. Chinappa was convicted for torturing his wife for dowry. Satbir was held guilty of practicing untouchability. The court did not allow either of them to contest elections. Does this decision go against the principles of democratic elections?
Solution:
Impact of Conviction on Democratic Elections
In a democracy, the right to contest elections is fundamental. However, individuals convicted of serious crimes like dowry torture and untouchability may face restrictions to uphold social justice and public morality. These convictions reflect a breach of societal norms and values essential for a democratic society. Excluding such individuals from elections serves to protect the integrity of the democratic process. It aims to prevent those who violate human rights and social equity from holding positions of power. This decision can be seen as a measure to ensure that elected representatives align with democratic principles.
Solved Example: 3-4-09
9. Here are some reports of electoral malpractices from different parts of the world. Is there anything that these countries can learn from India to improve their elections? What would you suggest in each case?
a During an election in Nigeria, the officer in charge of counting
votes deliberately increased the votes of one candidate and declared him elected. The court later found out that more than five lakh votes cast for one candidate were counted in favour of another.
b Just before elections in Fiji, a pamphlet was distributed warning voters that a vote for former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry will lead to bloodshed. This was a threat to voters of Indian origin.
c In the US, each state has its own method of voting, its own procedure of counting and its own authority for conducting elections. Authorities in the state of Florida took many controversial decisions that favoured Mr. Bush in the presidential elections in 2000. But no one could change those decisions.
Solution:
Learning from India's Electoral Practices
In Nigeria, implementing an independent electoral commission like India’s could enhance transparency and trust in the vote counting process. This body can ensure fair counting and reduce tampering. In Fiji, enforcing strict regulations against hate speech and voter intimidation can protect the rights of all citizens, ensuring a peaceful election environment. In the US, adopting a standardized national voting procedure could minimize discrepancies between states, enhancing consistency and fairness in elections. Such reforms can help maintain the integrity of the electoral process and build public confidence in democratic systems.
Solved Example: 3-4-10
10. Here are some reports of malpractices in Indian elections. Identify what the problem in each case is. What should be done to correct the situation?
a Following the announcement of elections, the minister promised
to provide financial aid to reopen the closed sugar mill.
b Opposition parties alleged that their statements and campaign was not given due attention in Doordarshan and All India Radio.
c An inquiry by the Election Commission showed that electoral rolls
of a state contain name of 20 lakh fake voters.
d The hoodlums of a political party were moving with guns, physically preventing supporters of other political parties to meet the voters and attacking meetings of other parties.
Solution:
Malpractices in Indian Elections
a) The minister's promise to provide financial aid constitutes bribery, influencing voters through monetary benefits. To correct this, strict regulations against such promises should be enforced.
b) The lack of media coverage for opposition parties highlights media bias. A fair media policy should be established to ensure equal airtime for all parties.
c) The presence of 20 lakh fake voters in electoral rolls indicates serious fraud. Regular audits and verification of voter lists must be implemented to ensure authenticity.
d) The use of intimidation and violence by party hoodlums threatens free and fair elections. Law enforcement should be strengthened to prevent such actions and protect all candidates.
Solved Example: 3-4-11
11. Ramesh was not in class when this chapter was being taught. He came the next day and repeated what he had heard from his father. Can you tell Ramesh what is wrong with these statements?
a Women always vote the way men tell them to. So what is the point of giving them the right to vote?
b Party politics creates tension in society. Elections should be decided by consensus not by competition.
c Only graduates should be allowed to stand as candidates for elections.
Solution:
Misconceptions About Voting and Elections
a) The statement implies that women lack agency and independence, which undermines their right to make personal choices in voting. Voting is a fundamental democratic right.
b) While consensus is ideal, competition in elections encourages accountability and representation. Party politics is a necessary aspect of democracy, allowing diverse opinions.
c) Restricting candidates to only graduates excludes many capable individuals. Democracy should be inclusive, allowing all citizens, regardless of education, to participate in governance.