NCERT CLASS 9 Political Science Chapter 4: Electoral Politics

Important questions with answers.

1. Wh do we need elections?
Answers: Elections is very essential for a democratic country. in fact, a country cannot be called a democratic country if it does not conduct elections at regular intervals. We need elections for the following reasons.
          (i) As it is impossible for all the citizens to get together and discuss the different problems of the economy and to steps accordingly, we need elections. When elections were held, the elected leaders discuss the different problems of society and takes necessary steps for the benefit of the citizens.
          (ii) Moreover, if non-elected leaders rule the country, there is every possibility that leaders may not work for the welfare of the citizens. They will work for their personal benefit as they don't have the fear of loosing as no elections were held. But if leaders were elected through elections, the leaders will work for the benefit of the citizens because if they don't, they will be removed from power by the people in the next election.

2. What makes an election democratic?
Answer: Just conducting elections in a country does not mean a democratic country. The elections should be conducted in a democratic way. The following conditions should be fulfilled to make an election democratic.
          (i) Every citizen should have one vote and the value of one vote should be same for all citizens.
          (ii) In elections, people should have the opportunity of selecting a candidate out of a few candidates. If there is only one candidate and people have no option other than electing the single candidate, such elections cannot be called a democratic.
          (iii) Elections should be held after regular intervals. If elections were held after a long duration of time, the ruling party will continue to be in power until the next election is held and may act as autocratic.
          (iv) To make elections democratic, no one should take the help of unfair means to win the election. If anyone does so, we cannot call it democratic.

3. Is it good to have political competition? Why?
Answer: Regular electoral competition creates incentives among the political leaders and parties to work for the people. If the elected leaders fail to live up to the expectations of the people, they will not be able to win the next election. Therefore, although political competition among the different political parties may create some divisions and ugliness, it helps the leaders to work for the welfare of the people.

4. How many Lok Sabha constituencies are there in India?

5. How many Lok Sabha constituencies are reserved for SC and ST(as on 1^st September 2012)

6. How many Lok Sabha constituencies are there in Assam?

7. What is the minimum age required to contest in elections?

8. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner?