MAK LABS — Std 10 Political Science Chapter 2 The Electoral Process

1Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the sentences.

(1) The Election Commissioner is appointed by the ...........

✓ (a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Speaker of Loksabha
(d) Vice President

Answer: The Election Commissioner is appointed by the President.

(2) ........... was appointed as the first Chief Election Commissioner of independent India.

(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(b) T.N. Sheshan
✓ (c) Sukumar Sen
(d) Neela Satyanarayan

Answer: Sukumar Sen was appointed as the first Chief Election Commissioner of independent India.

(3) Constituencies are created by ........... committee of the Election Commission.

(a) Selection
✓ (b) Delimitation
(c) Voting
(d) Timetable

Answer: Constituencies are created by Delimitation committee of the Election Commission.

2State whether the following statements are true or false. Give reasons for your answer.

(1) The Elections Commission lays down the code of conduct during elections.

Answer: True

To ensure free and fair elections in India, the Election Commission has adopted several measures. The Code of Conduct is one of the essential measures adopted by the Election Commission.
The Code of Conduct explains the rules that are to be followed by the Government, political parties, and voters before elections and during elections to control malpractices.

(2) Under special circumstances the Election Commission holds re-elections in a particular constituency for a second time.

Answer: True

The Election Commission has the responsibility of resolving any disputes that may arise regarding elections.
Accordingly, declaring any candidate as disqualified or conducting a re-election in a particular constituency is the direct responsibility of the Election Commission.

(3) The state government decides as to when and in how many stages the elections would be held in a particular State.

Answer: False

Reason: The Election Commission, not the State Government, decides when and in how many stages elections are held in every State.

3Explain the concept.

(1) Reorganising the constituencies

The total number of members in the Lok Sabha is 543. Every elected member represents one constituency, which means there are exactly 543 constituencies of the Lok Sabha.
The task of creating and restructuring these constituencies is the responsibility of the Delimitation Commission, which operates under the Election Commission.
The Delimitation Commission performs this restructuring objectively and does not succumb to any political pressure.

(2) Midterm Elections

Normally, the elected government completes its full term of five years in the Parliament.
However, if the elected government loses its majority before completing its term, or if the parties of a coalition government withdraw their support resulting in the loss of majority support, the government falls.
In such a situation, if no alternative government is possible, then elections are held before the completion of the regular term. These early elections are called midterm elections.

4Complete the following picture.

Role of the Election Commission	Role of the voters	Role of political parties and their candidates
Prepares and finalises the voter's list. Decides the timetable and programme of elections. Scrutinises the nomination forms of candidates. Declares the code of conduct to ensure free and fair elections. Resolves disputes regarding elections.	Ensure their names are registered in the voter's list. Exercise their right to vote as a duty and responsibility. Follow the code of conduct during elections.	Select candidates to contest elections and file nominations. Strictly observe the code of conduct declared by the Election Commission. Conduct the election campaign without misusing money or appealing to caste and religion.

5Answer in brief.

(1) Explain the functions of the Election Commission.

The primary functions of the Election Commission are:

Preparing the voters list: It prepares the list of eligible voters, updates existing lists, includes new voters, and issues identity cards to voters.
Deciding the timetable and programme: It holds the entire responsibility for conducting elections and decides when and in how many stages elections will be held in every state.
Scrutiny of applications: It scrutinises the nomination applications of all candidates (from political parties and independents) and allows eligible candidates to contest.
Giving recognition to political parties: It grants recognition to political parties, has the right to derecognise them, and allots election symbols to them.
Resolving election disputes: It resolves any disputes relating to elections, including disqualifying candidates or conducting re-elections in a constituency if required.

(2) Write some additional information about the post of Election Commissioner.

Article 324 of the Indian Constitution established the Election Commission as an autonomous body, which consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two other commissioners.
The Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
To preserve the independence of the Election Commission, the Chief Election Commissioner cannot be easily removed from his post on account of any political reasons.
There is a separate financial provision made for the expenses of the Election Commission.
Sukumar Sen was the first Chief Election Commissioner of independent India, taking charge in 1950.

(3) Explain the meaning of Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct is a vital measure adopted by the Election Commission to control malpractices and ensure free and fair elections in India.
It clearly explains the rules that are to be followed by the Government, political parties, and the voters both before and during the elections.
These rules are strictly enforced, and even the Government cannot violate them. The strict observance of the code of conduct has made common voters more confident in the electoral process.

Project

Organise a mock poll in the school to understand the process of voting. (This is a practical classroom activity to be conducted under the guidance of your teacher.)

2. The Electoral Process

Exercise