Class 9 Elections Notes

Class 9 Elections Notes

Class 9 Social Science Notes

Chapter 7: Elections

Chapter at a Glance

Election is the process through which citizens choose their representatives by voting. Elections are the foundation of democracy because they allow people to participate in government.

1. Why are Elections Important?

Elections help in:

  • Giving people the right to choose their leaders.
  • Making leaders answerable to the public.
  • Ensuring equal political rights for every citizen.
  • Providing legitimacy to the government.
  • Allowing peaceful change of government.

Key Words

Democracy: Government chosen by the people.

Direct Election: Citizens directly vote for their representatives.

  • Example: Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, Panchayats.

Indirect Election: Representatives elect important leaders.

  • Example: President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha.

2. Importance of Elections

Elections ensure:

✅ Representation

✅ Accountability

✅ Equality

✅ Legitimacy

✅ Public Participation

3. Electoral System in India

India mainly follows the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system.

First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)

  • Each voter votes for one candidate.
  • Candidate with the highest number of votes wins.
  • Winning candidate does not need more than 50% votes.

Used in:

  • Lok Sabha
  • Vidhan Sabha

Proportional Representation (PR)

  • Seats are distributed according to the percentage of votes received.
  • Used for indirect elections.

Used in:

  • Rajya Sabha
  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Vidhan Parishad

4. Laws Related to Elections

Representation of the People Act, 1950

Deals with:

  • Electoral rolls
  • Delimitation of constituencies
  • Allocation of seats
  • Right to vote

Representation of the People Act, 1951

Deals with:

  • Election procedure
  • Nomination of candidates
  • Election campaigns
  • Voting
  • Election disputes
  • Electoral offences

5. Electoral Offences

The following are illegal:

  • Giving money or gifts to influence voters.
  • Asking people to vote on the basis of religion, caste, race or language.
  • Misusing government officials for election campaigns.

6. Delimitation Commission

Meaning

Delimitation means fixing or changing the boundaries of constituencies according to population.

Purpose

  • Equal representation for all citizens.
  • Balanced number of voters in every constituency.

7. Election Commission of India (ECI)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional body.

Established

25 January 1950

Constitutional Provision

Articles 324–329

Main Functions

  • Prepares electoral rolls.
  • Conducts elections.
  • Registers political parties.
  • Allots election symbols.
  • Announces election dates.
  • Ensures free and fair elections.
  • Counts votes and declares results.
  • Enforces election rules.

8. Electoral Roll

An electoral roll is the official list of eligible voters.

Only those whose names are included can vote.

9. Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

Purpose:

  • Add new voters (18+).
  • Remove names of deceased or shifted voters.
  • Correct mistakes.
  • Prevent duplicate entries.

10. Political Parties

Political parties are groups of people with similar ideas who contest elections.

Importance

  • Present policies and programmes.
  • Represent public opinion.
  • Form government.
  • Offer choices to voters.
  • Ensure accountability.

11. Multi-Party System

India follows a multi-party system, where many political parties compete in elections.

Advantages

  • More choices for voters.
  • Better representation of diversity.
  • Healthy competition.

12. Defection

Defection means leaving the political party after being elected.

Anti-Defection Law

Passed in 1985.

Purpose:

  • Prevent political instability.
  • Stop elected members from changing parties for personal gain.

13. Types of Political Parties

National Party

Works across several states.

State Party

Works mainly within one state.

Registered Unrecognised Political Party

Registered with the Election Commission but has not yet fulfilled recognition conditions.

14. Technology Used in Elections

The Election Commission uses technology to improve elections.

Examples:

  • EVM (Electronic Voting Machine)
  • VVPAT
  • Voter Helpline App
  • cVIGIL App
  • Saksham App
  • Suvidha App
  • ERONET
  • ETPBS

15. Inclusive Elections

The Election Commission provides special facilities for:

  • Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
  • Senior citizens
  • Service voters
  • Remote area voters
  • Tribal communities

Goal:

“No Voter Left Behind.”

16. Challenges to Free and Fair Elections

Major challenges include:

  • Fake news
  • Misinformation
  • Money power
  • Intimidation
  • Hate speech
  • Misuse of social media
  • Vote buying

17. How Elections Become Fair

Free and fair elections are ensured by:

  • Independent Election Commission
  • Electoral laws
  • Model Code of Conduct
  • EVM and VVPAT
  • Security arrangements
  • Voter awareness programmes

Important Terms

TermMeaning
ElectionProcess of choosing representatives
DemocracyGovernment by the people
Electoral RollList of eligible voters
ConstituencyArea represented by one elected member
FPTPCandidate with highest votes wins
PR SystemSeats according to vote share
DelimitationRedrawing constituency boundaries
DefectionLeaving one’s political party after election
EVMElectronic Voting Machine
VVPATPaper verification of vote

Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)

  1. What is an election?
  2. What is democracy?
  3. Define FPTP.
  4. What is an electoral roll?
  5. What is defection?
  6. Name the constitutional body that conducts elections.
  7. What is the voting age in India?
  8. What is VVPAT?

Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)

  • Why are elections important?
  • Explain FPTP.
  • State three functions of the Election Commission.
  • What is delimitation?
  • Write three functions of political parties.
  • What is the purpose of SIR?
  • Explain the Anti-Defection Law.

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

  1. Explain the role of the Election Commission of India.
  2. Describe the importance of elections in a democracy.
  3. Explain the role of political parties.
  4. Discuss the challenges to free and fair elections.
  5. Compare the FPTP and Proportional Representation systems.

Quick Revision Points

  • Elections are the backbone of democracy.
  • India follows the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections.
  • The Election Commission of India conducts free and fair elections.
  • Voting age in India is 18 years.
  • Electoral rolls contain the names of eligible voters.
  • Political parties help people choose representatives.
  • India has a multi-party system.
  • The Anti-Defection Law (1985) discourages party switching.
  • Technology like EVM and VVPAT improves transparency.
  • Free and fair elections strengthen democracy.

Complete Question Bank (MCQs, Fill in the Blanks, True/False, Match the Following, Very Short, Short & Long Answer Questions)

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Elections are important because they:

A. End democracy
B. Allow citizens to choose representatives
C. Remove all political parties
D. Stop public participation

Answer: B. Allow citizens to choose representatives

2. The right to vote is a means by which citizens:

A. Avoid government decisions
B. Choose and hold representatives accountable
C. Select judges only
D. Appoint government officers

Answer: B. Choose and hold representatives accountable

3. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected through:

A. Indirect elections
B. Nomination
C. Direct elections
D. Selection by judges

Answer: C. Direct elections

4. The President of India is elected through:

A. Direct election
B. Indirect election
C. Public voting only
D. Lottery system

Answer: B. Indirect election

5. The Election Commission of India was established on:

A. 15 August 1947
B. 26 January 1950
C. 25 January 1950
D. 2 October 1950

Answer: C. 25 January 1950

6. Which body conducts elections in India?

A. Parliament
B. Supreme Court
C. Election Commission of India
D. President’s Office

Answer: C. Election Commission of India

7. Articles related to the Election Commission are:

A. 1–10
B. 324–329
C. 370–375
D. 50–60

Answer: B. 324–329

8. India uses which electoral system for Lok Sabha elections?

A. Proportional Representation
B. First-Past-The-Post
C. Presidential System
D. Two-round system

Answer: B. First-Past-The-Post

9. In the FPTP system, the winner is the candidate who:

A. Gets exactly 50% votes
B. Gets the highest number of votes
C. Is selected by the government
D. Gets the least votes

Answer: B. Gets the highest number of votes

10. Rajya Sabha elections use:

A. FPTP system
B. Proportional Representation
C. Direct voting
D. Nomination only

Answer: B. Proportional Representation

11. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 deals mainly with:

A. Election campaigns
B. Electoral rolls and delimitation
C. Political speeches
D. Party meetings

Answer: B. Electoral rolls and delimitation

12. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with:

A. Conduct of elections
B. Population census
C. Formation of states
D. Fundamental Rights

Answer: A. Conduct of elections

13. Delimitation means:

A. Cancelling elections
B. Changing party symbols
C. Fixing constituency boundaries
D. Removing voters

Answer: C. Fixing constituency boundaries

14. The main aim of delimitation is:

A. Increase political parties
B. Ensure equal representation
C. Stop elections
D. Reduce voters

Answer: B. Ensure equal representation

15. The official list of voters is called:

A. Manifesto
B. Electoral Roll
C. Constitution
D. Census

Answer: B. Electoral Roll

16. Minimum voting age in India is:

A. 16 years
B. 17 years
C. 18 years
D. 21 years

Answer: C. 18 years

17. SIR stands for:

A. Special Intensive Revision
B. State Indian Reform
C. Social Information Report
D. Special Indian Rule

Answer: A. Special Intensive Revision

18. Political parties contest elections to:

A. Avoid public opinion
B. Form government and implement policies
C. Stop voting
D. Remove democracy

Answer: B. Form government and implement policies

19. India follows a:

A. One-party system
B. Two-party system
C. Multi-party system
D. No-party system

Answer: C. Multi-party system

20. Defection means:

A. Joining elections
B. Leaving one’s political party after election
C. Voting for a candidate
D. Creating a manifesto

Answer: B. Leaving one’s political party after election

21. Anti-Defection Law was passed in:

A. 1975
B. 1985
C. 1995
D. 2005

Answer: B. 1985

22. EVM stands for:

A. Electronic Voting Machine
B. Election Voting Method
C. Electronic Voter Map
D. Election Verification Machine

Answer: A. Electronic Voting Machine

23. VVPAT helps voters to:

A. Register parties
B. Verify their vote
C. Select candidates
D. Count population

Answer: B. Verify their vote

24. cVIGIL App is used for:

A. Reporting election violations
B. Applying for jobs
C. Making laws
D. Paying taxes

Answer: A. Reporting election violations

25. “No Voter Left Behind” focuses on:

A. Removing voters
B. Inclusive voting
C. Reducing elections
D. Party campaigns

Answer: B. Inclusive voting

B. Fill in the Blanks

  1. Elections are the foundation of ________.
    Answer: democracy
  2. Citizens exercise their right to vote through the process of ________.
    Answer: elections
  3. Lok Sabha elections use the ________ system.
    Answer: First-Past-The-Post
  4. FPTP is also called the ________ system.
    Answer: plurality
  5. The Election Commission of India is an ________ constitutional body.
    Answer: autonomous
  6. The voting age in India is ________ years.
    Answer: 18
  7. The official list of voters is called the ________.
    Answer: electoral roll
  8. The Election Commission was established on ________.
    Answer: 25 January 1950
  9. The Anti-Defection Law was passed through the ______ Constitutional Amendment Act.
    Answer: 52nd
  10. EVM stands for ________.
    Answer: Electronic Voting Machine
  11. VVPAT stands for ________.
    Answer: Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail
  12. The process of changing constituency boundaries is called ________.
    Answer: delimitation
  13. India has a ______ party system.
    Answer: multi
  14. Political parties prepare election ________.
    Answer: manifestos
  15. Elections must be free, fair and ________.
    Answer: transparent

C. True or False

  1. Elections are unnecessary in democracy.
    False
  2. Lok Sabha elections are direct elections.
    True
  3. President of India is directly elected by citizens.
    False
  4. Election Commission conducts elections in India.
    True
  5. Electoral rolls contain names of eligible voters.
    True
  6. FPTP requires a candidate to get more than 50% votes.
    False
  7. India follows a multi-party system.
    True
  8. Defection means changing political parties after election.
    True
  9. Money and gifts to influence voters are legal.
    False
  10. VVPAT improves election transparency.
    True

D. Match the Following

Column AColumn B
Election CommissionConducts elections
Electoral RollList of voters
FPTPHighest votes winner
DelimitationBoundary fixing
EVMVoting machine
VVPATVote verification
Political PartyContest elections

E. One Word / One Sentence Answers

1. Who conducts elections in India?

Election Commission of India

2. What is the minimum voting age?

18 years

3. Name the system used for Lok Sabha elections.

FPTP system

4. What is the list of voters called?

Electoral Roll

5. Name the law preventing party switching.

Anti-Defection Law

6. What does EVM stand for?

Electronic Voting Machine

F. Short Answer Questions

1. Why are elections necessary in democracy?

Answer:
Elections allow citizens to choose representatives, make governments accountable, and ensure people’s participation in decision-making.

2. Explain direct and indirect elections.

Answer:
Direct elections are those where citizens directly choose representatives. Indirect elections are those where elected representatives choose leaders.

3. What is FPTP system?

Answer:
It is an electoral system where the candidate receiving the highest number of votes wins.

4. Write three functions of the Election Commission.

Answer:

  • Conduct elections.
  • Prepare electoral rolls.
  • Ensure free and fair elections.

5. What is delimitation?

Answer:
Delimitation is the process of fixing constituency boundaries according to population.

6. Why are political parties important?

Answer:
They provide choices to voters, represent public opinion, and form governments.

7. What are electoral challenges?

Answer:
Fake news, misinformation, money power, intimidation and misuse of influence are major challenges.

G. Long Answer Questions

1. Explain the importance of elections in democracy.

Answer Points:

  • Gives citizens the power to choose leaders.
  • Ensures accountability.
  • Allows peaceful change of government.
  • Provides representation.
  • Strengthens democracy.

2. Explain the functions of Election Commission of India.

Answer Points:

  • Conducts elections.
  • Maintains voter lists.
  • Registers political parties.
  • Provides symbols.
  • Enforces election rules.
  • Announces results.

3. Explain the role of political parties.

Answer Points:

  • Contest elections.
  • Prepare policies.
  • Form governments.
  • Represent citizens.
  • Create awareness among voters.

4. Explain challenges to free and fair elections.

Answer Points:

  • Fake news.
  • Vote buying.
  • Threats to voters.
  • Misuse of power.
  • Lack of awareness.

H. Assertion and Reason Questions

1. Assertion: Elections are important in democracy.

Reason: They allow citizens to choose representatives.

Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason correctly explains Assertion.

2. Assertion: India uses FPTP for Lok Sabha elections.

Reason: The candidate with maximum votes wins.

Answer: Both are true and Reason explains Assertion.

3. Assertion: Political parties are important in democracy.

Reason: They provide choices to voters.

Answer: Both are true and Reason explains Assertion.

4. Assertion: Delimitation is necessary.

Reason: Population changes over time.

Answer: Both are true and Reason explains Assertion.