NCERT Class 9 Solutions of Social Science (Political Science) Democratic Politics Chapter – 3 Electoral Politics
Q. 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.
Answer:-
Identifying False Statements About Elections 🗳️✨
🚫 False Statement:
❌ (c) Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.
🔹 The judiciary is independent and is not elected by the people.
🔹 Judges are appointed based on qualifications, not through elections.
Additional Explanation to Enhance the Topic Knowledge.
✅ True Statements:
✔️ (a) Elections enable people to judge the performance of the government.
🔹 Elections give citizens a chance to evaluate how well the government has performed and whether they want to re-elect it.
✔️ (b) People select the representative of their choice in an election.
🔹 Elections allow voters to choose their leaders by casting their votes for candidates they believe will serve them best.
✔️ (d) People can indicate which policies they prefer.
🔹 By voting for parties or candidates with specific agendas, people show their preference for certain policies and governance styles.
Conclusion:
Elections are crucial for judging the government’s performance, choosing representatives, and supporting preferred policies, but they do not evaluate the judiciary. 📜⚖️
Q. 2. 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.
Answer:-
Identifying the Incorrect Reason for India’s Democratic Elections 🗳️🇮🇳
✅ Correct Answer: (a) India has the largest number of voters in the world.
Explanation:
🔹 India having the largest number of voters 🌍 does not necessarily prove that elections are democratic.
🔹 A country could have many voters, but democracy depends on free and fair elections, equal voting rights, and transparent governance. ⚖️
Additional Explanation to Enhance the Topic Knowledge.
✅ Reasons That Prove Indian Elections Are Democratic:
✔️ (b) India’s Election Commission is very powerful ⚡
- Ensures free and fair elections by monitoring the voting process.
✔️ (c) Everyone above 18 has the right to vote 🗳️ - Guarantees universal adult franchise, making the system inclusive and fair.
✔️ (d) Losing parties accept the electoral verdict 🤝 - Shows respect for democratic principles and ensures peaceful transitions of power.
Conclusion:
While India’s large voter base is impressive, true democracy is ensured through fair elections, equal voting rights, and an independent Election Commission. 🚀✨
Q. 3. Match the following:
| (a) It is necessary to keep the voters list up to date because | I. there is a fair representation of all sections of our society. |
| (b) Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that | II. everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representative. |
| (c) Everyone has one and only one vote so that | III. all candidates must have a fair change of competing in elections. |
| (d) Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles because | IV. Some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last. |
Answer:-
Correctly Matched Pairs: Electoral Provisions in Democracy 🗳️🇮🇳
| Statement | Correct Match ✅ |
|---|---|
| 🗂️ (a) It is necessary to keep the voters list up to date because | IV. Some people may have moved away from the area where they voted last. |
| ⚖️ (b) Some constituencies are reserved for SCs and STs so that | I. There is a fair representation of all sections of our society. |
| 🗳️ (c) Everyone has one and only one vote so that | II. Everyone has equal opportunity to elect their representative. |
| 🚗 (d) Party in power is not allowed to use government vehicles because | III. All candidates must have a fair chance of competing in elections. |
Explanation:
🔹 Voter List Updates 🗂️ ensure that all eligible voters are included, preventing irregularities caused by people moving to different locations.
🔹 Reserved Constituencies ⚖️ promote fair representation, ensuring that Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have proper political representation.
🔹 One Person, One Vote 🗳️ guarantees equal opportunity, making sure every citizen has an equal say in elections.
🔹 Fair Election Rules 🚗 prevent misuse of government resources, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
Conclusion:
These provisions help maintain free and fair elections in India, strengthening democracy. 🚀✨
Q. 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.
Answer:-
Q. 5. 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
Answer:-
Ensuring Free and Fair Elections: Responsibilities of Surekha 🏛️🗳️
As the officer in charge, Surekha must focus on different aspects at each stage of the election process to uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity.
(a) Election Campaign 📢
✅ Key Responsibilities:
🔹 Monitor Campaign Conduct: Ensure that political parties and candidates follow the Model Code of Conduct and do not use unfair means. ⚖️
🔹 Prevent Misuse of Government Resources: Ensure the ruling party does not use public funds or vehicles for campaigning. 🚗🚫
🔹 Regulate Hate Speech & Misinformation: Keep a check on speeches, posters, and social media to prevent false propaganda. ❌🗞️
🔹 Oversee Campaign Funding: Verify that political parties disclose their funding sources and follow spending limits. 💰✅
(b) Polling Day 🗳️
✅ Key Responsibilities:
🔹 Ensure Security at Polling Booths: Deploy police personnel to prevent violence, bribery, or voter intimidation. 🚔👮♂️
🔹 Verify Voter Identity: Ensure only eligible voters cast their votes by checking voter ID documents. 🏷️📜
🔹 Prevent Booth Capturing: Make sure no group forcibly takes control of polling stations. ⚠️❌
🔹 Guarantee Secret Ballot: Ensure voters cast their votes privately without outside influence. 🤫✔️
🔹 Monitor Fair Voting Procedures: Ensure polling staff follow proper guidelines for handling voting machines (EVMs) or ballot papers. 🖥️📮
(c) Counting Day 📊
✅ Key Responsibilities:
🔹 Maintain Transparency: Supervise the counting process to prevent tampering with votes or wrongful declarations. ⚖️🔍
🔹 Secure the Counting Area: Restrict entry to authorized personnel only and deploy security forces. 🚓🛑
🔹 Report Any Discrepancies: Ensure counting staff immediately address complaints regarding vote tallying. ✍️📑
🔹 Announce Results Fairly: Once counting is completed, declare results without bias, ensuring democracy prevails. 🎙️🏆
Conclusion 💡
By handling each stage responsibly, Surekha ensures a free, fair, and impartial election process, strengthening India’s democracy! 🇮🇳✨
Q. 6. 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?
Proportion of the Community (in percent) in the
| House of representatives | Population of US | |
| Blacks | 8 | 13 |
| Hispanics | 5 | 13 |
| Whites | 86 | 70 |
Answer:-
Representation in the US Congress vs. Population Proportions 🇺🇸📊
Analyzing the data, it is evident that Blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented, while Whites are overrepresented in the House of Representatives compared to their proportion in the US population.
| Community | House of Representatives (%) 🏛️ | Population of US (%) 🌍 |
|---|---|---|
| 🏾 Blacks | 8% | 13% |
| 🌎 Hispanics | 5% | 13% |
| ⚪ Whites | 86% | 70% |
Would a System of Reservations Be Necessary?
✅ Yes, a system of reservations could be beneficial to ensure fair representation for Blacks and Hispanics, as their presence in Congress does not match their population share.
Why Could Reservations Be Justified?
🔹 Promotes Equal Representation: Ensures minorities have a stronger voice in policymaking. 🗣️
🔹 Addresses Systemic Barriers: Helps overcome historical disadvantages faced by marginalized communities. ⚖️
🔹 Encourages Inclusive Governance: Strengthens diversity in leadership and decision-making. 🤝
⚖️ However, reservations should be carefully structured to balance merit and fair representation without disrupting democratic processes.
Conclusion
While reservations may not be the only solution, policies ensuring equitable participation of all communities in governance can strengthen democracy. 🚀🏛️
Q. 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.
Answer:-
Evaluating Conclusions About Indian Elections 🗳️🇮🇳
(a) Election Commission of India does not have enough powers to conduct free and fair elections. ❌ Not True
✅ Facts Supporting This:
🔹 Election Commission (ECI) is an independent body that ensures free and fair elections across India. ⚖️🏛️
🔹 ECI enforces the Model Code of Conduct, monitors campaign spending, and has the authority to disqualify candidates who violate election norms. 🚫📜
(b) There is a high level of popular participation in elections in India. ✅ True
✅ Facts Supporting This:
🔹 India has one of the highest voter turnouts, with millions actively participating in general and state elections. 🗳️📊
🔹 Massive election campaigns, door-to-door outreach, and awareness drives encourage voters to engage in the democratic process. 📢🚀
(c) It is very easy for the party in power to win an election. ❌ Not True
✅ Facts Supporting This:
🔹 India follows a multi-party system, making elections highly competitive. No ruling party is guaranteed victory. ⚖️🏆
🔹 Many ruling parties have lost elections, proving that public dissatisfaction can result in leadership change. 🔄🗳️
(d) Many reforms are needed to make Indian elections completely free and fair. ✅ True
✅ Facts Supporting This:
🔹 Electoral reforms like curbing money power, preventing voter intimidation, and ensuring better monitoring of fake news are necessary. 💰⚠️
🔹 Stronger laws against electoral fraud, including misuse of social media and unfair campaign tactics, can improve democratic transparency. 📜🔍
Conclusion:
Indian elections are largely free and fair, but continuous reforms can strengthen democracy further! 🚀✨
Q. 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?
Answer:-
Does the Court’s Decision Go Against Democratic Principles? 🏛️⚖️
✅ No, the court’s decision does not go against the principles of democratic elections. Instead, it upholds the integrity of the electoral process and ensures that only responsible citizens can hold public office.
Reasons Why This Decision Is Justified:
🔹 Upholding the Rule of Law 📜⚖️
- Democracy is based on justice and equality, meaning individuals guilty of criminal offenses cannot contest elections.
- Chinappa was convicted of torturing his wife for dowry, a serious crime under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. 🚫👎
🔹 Preventing Social Discrimination 🚷🏛️
- Satbir was held guilty of practicing untouchability, which violates Article 17 of the Indian Constitution that abolishes untouchability and promotes equality. 💙🔄
- Such actions go against fundamental rights, so the court ensures offenders do not hold positions of power.
🔹 Protecting Electoral Integrity 🗳️
- Allowing convicted criminals to contest elections would harm democracy, as leaders should set examples of justice and fairness. 🌍🤝
Conclusion: ✅
The court’s decision strengthens democracy by ensuring that only law-abiding citizens can contest elections. 🌟🏆 This rule protects citizens’ rights, ensuring a fair and just governance system.
Q. 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.
Answer:-
Lessons from India to Improve Elections Worldwide 🗳️🌍
India has a well-structured electoral process that ensures transparency, fairness, and voter protection. Here’s how each country can improve its elections based on India’s democratic practices:
(a) Nigeria: Preventing Vote Manipulation 🏛️🚫
✅ Lessons from India:
🔹 Use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) 🖥️ prevents manual tampering and ensures accurate vote counting.
🔹 Independent Election Commission ⚖️ should have strict monitoring of vote counting to prevent manipulation.
🔹 Immediate action on complaints 📜🚔 should be taken, ensuring legal consequences for electoral fraud.
📌 Suggestion: Nigeria must implement rigorous monitoring, transparent counting systems, and severe penalties for election malpractice to prevent fraud.
(b) Fiji: Preventing Threats & Electoral Intimidation ⚠️❌
✅ Lessons from India:
🔹 Strict laws against electoral intimidation 📜 ensure voters can cast their votes fearlessly.
🔹 Election Commission monitors campaigns closely 🏛️ to prevent misleading or threatening propaganda.
🔹 Strict punishment for hate speech & threats 🚓 discourages political parties from unfair tactics.
📌 Suggestion: Fiji must enforce strict laws against voter intimidation, penalize fear-based propaganda, and ensure a safe voting environment for all communities.
(c) US: Standardizing Voting & Strengthening Oversight 🇺🇸📊
✅ Lessons from India:
🔹 Central Election Authority 🏛️ ensures uniformity in voting and counting procedures across all regions.
🔹 Election results can be challenged legally ⚖️ to prevent biased decisions by state authorities.
🔹 Transparent electoral system 📜 ensures impartial decision-making without political favoritism.
📌 Suggestion: The US can standardize voting methods, establish stronger federal oversight, and ensure judicial review of controversial decisions for greater electoral fairness.
Conclusion: ✅
Nigeria, Fiji, and the US can learn from India’s election practices to ensure free, fair, and unbiased electoral processes worldwide! 🚀✨
Q. 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.
Answer:-
Identifying Electoral Malpractices & Solutions 🗳️⚖️
(a) Misuse of Government Resources 📜🚫
🛑 Problem: The minister’s announcement of financial aid after elections were declared violates the Model Code of Conduct, as it unfairly influences voters.
✅ Solution:
🔹 The Election Commission (ECI) should impose penalties on the minister for violating election rules. 🚔⚖️
🔹 Any new policy decisions must be approved before elections to prevent electoral manipulation. 🏛️
(b) Unfair Media Coverage 🎥📻
🛑 Problem: Opposition parties were denied fair coverage on Doordarshan & All India Radio, preventing voters from hearing diverse opinions.
✅ Solution:
🔹 ECI must ensure equal airtime 📢 for all political parties on government media channels.
🔹 Strict guidelines should be enforced to prevent biased media coverage in elections. 🏛️⚖️
(c) Fake Voters in Electoral Rolls 📜🚷
🛑 Problem: 20 lakh fake voters were found in the electoral rolls, leading to fraudulent voting and undermining democracy.
✅ Solution:
🔹 ECI must verify voter lists regularly using Aadhaar linking & biometric authentication. 🏷️
🔹 Strict action against officials involved in electoral fraud must be taken. 🚔⚖️
(d) Violence & Voter Intimidation 🔫🚨
🛑 Problem: Armed political party hoodlums threatened voters and attacked rival party meetings, violating free & fair elections.
✅ Solution:
🔹 Police & Election Commission must deploy forces to ensure a violence-free electoral process. 🚔👮♂️
🔹 Strict punishment for political goons involved in intimidation must be enforced. 🚫⚖️
Conclusion: 🏛️✅
India has strong election laws, but strict implementation of reforms is necessary to uphold free and fair elections! 🚀✨
Q. 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.
Answer:-
Correcting Misconceptions About Elections 🗳️⚖️
Ramesh’s statements contain misconceptions about democracy and elections. Let’s correct them based on constitutional principles and democratic values!
(a) Women always vote the way men tell them to. So what is the point of giving them the right to vote? ❌
✅ Correction:
👩⚖️ Women have independent voting rights and can make their own political choices.
🔹 The Indian Constitution guarantees equal voting rights to all citizens, irrespective of gender. ⚖️🌍
🔹 Studies show that women actively participate in elections and vote based on personal opinion, not male influence. 🗳️✨
(b) Party politics creates tension in society. Elections should be decided by consensus, not by competition. ❌
✅ Correction:
🔹 Competitive elections are the foundation of democracy 🏛️—allowing people to choose their leaders through free choice.
🔹 Consensus alone can limit diverse viewpoints 🗣️, whereas multiparty systems encourage different ideas and social progress.
🔹 Healthy political competition ensures accountability, pushing governments to serve the people efficiently. 🚀📜
(c) Only graduates should be allowed to stand as candidates for elections. ❌
✅ Correction:
📌 Educational qualifications do not determine leadership ability.
🔹 Democracy ensures equal political opportunity for all citizens, regardless of formal education. 📜⚖️
🔹 Many great leaders without degrees have contributed significantly to the nation’s progress. 🌍🏆
🔹 What truly matters is a candidate’s commitment to public service, honesty, and leadership skills. ✊✨
Conclusion: ✅
Democracy is based on equal rights, free choice, fair competition, and leadership qualities—not gender, education, or forced consensus! 🇮🇳🚀