Chapter 7 Solutions — Elections

Questions and activities

1. 1.
   What reforms have been introduced by the ECI to make voting more inclusive for the following groups? a. People with Disabilities b. Service Voters c. Senior Citizens—above 85 years of age d. Prisoners e. Persons in preventive detention
2. 2.
   What are the various functions of the Election Commission of India? Which of these functions is most important for the conduct of free and fair elections? Explain.
3. 3.
   Elections are the soul of a democracy. Do you agree? Why or why not?
4. 4.
   Explain at least three differences between the national and state/regional political parties.
5. 5.
   Why should you vote? Arrange the following in the descending order of your choice. Discuss the reasons for your choice. a. Opportunity to choose my representative b. Makes me a responsible person c. Opportunity to change the non-performing representative d. Strengthens democracy
6. 6.
   What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative of the ECI? Explain the objectives and the necessity of conducting SIR.
7. 7.
   Match the political party name with its symbol. Political Parties Name | Symbol Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI (M)] Indian National Congress (INC) National People's Party (NPP)
8. 8.
   Read the case study below and answer the following questions. Ishani and her mother were in the local market, day before the state assembly elections. She noticed wall writing and campaign posters pasted everywhere. Large groups of campaigners were distributing pamphlets and raising slogans in support of the respective candidates. Ishani has turned 18 and will be voting for the first time. She…
9. 9.
   A comparative chart of three countries is given below. Based on the information given in the chart, answer the questions. Country A: Written constitution, periodic elections, voting rights, party system varies from two-party to multi-party; Average standard of living. Country B: Written constitution, periodic elections, voting rights, one political party; Above-average standard of living…
10. 10.
    What are the challenges to conducting free and fair elections?
11. 11.
    On the Stage. Elections are to be held in your school for the posts of Head Girl, Head Boy, and Sports Captain. Assume the roles of an Election Commissioner, Returning Officer, Polling Agent, Candidate, Campaigner, Polling Officer, Police Personnel, and a Journalist, and perform their roles while ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
12. 12.
    Try and make videos or audios on topics like: My Vote My Nation; No Voter to Be Left Behind; How to Eliminate the Ill of Money Power, etc.
13. 13.
    Select one national or state political party. Using authentic and reliable sources such as the Election Commission of India (ECI) website, the official website of the selected political party, and newspapers. Prepare a comparative chart of the last two State Legislative Assembly elections. The chart should include the following details for the chosen party: a. Some promises made in the Election…
14. 14.
    Do you think 'One Nation, One Election' can improve the efficiency of the electoral process? Divide the class and discuss into two groups—one to examine its potential advantages and the other to analyse its limitations.