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Elections – Class 9 Social Science notes, important questions and MCQs

NCERT Class 9 Social Science, chapter 7. Notes, key terms, important questions with answers and MCQs.

Chapter overview

Elections allow people to choose their representatives and change governments peacefully. In India, the independent Election Commission conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and other bodies. A democratic election must be free and fair, with universal adult franchise, a choice of candidates and parties, and regular timing.

Why elections

Elections let voters choose representatives, form the government and decide policies indirectly.
They make governments accountable, because voters can remove them in the next election.
Elections are held regularly, usually every five years for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The election process in India

The country is divided into constituencies; India has 543 elected Lok Sabha constituencies.
Some constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Every citizen aged 18 or above can vote; names are listed in the voters' list (electoral roll).
Candidates file nominations; parties campaign; voting is done by secret ballot using EVMs with VVPAT; votes are counted and results declared.

Free and fair elections

The Election Commission of India is an independent body that enforces the Model Code of Conduct.
Problems include use of money and muscle power, fake news and booth capturing.
Voters, media and courts help keep elections fair; the NOTA option lets voters reject all candidates.

Key terms

Constituency: an area whose voters elect one representative
Electoral roll: the official list of people eligible to vote
Election Commission: the independent body that conducts elections in India
Model Code of Conduct: guidelines that parties and candidates must follow during elections
EVM: electronic voting machine used to record votes

Important questions with answers

What is a constituency?2 marks

A constituency is a geographical area whose voters elect one representative. For Lok Sabha elections India is divided into 543 constituencies, and each elects one Member of Parliament.

Why is the Election Commission of India called independent?3 marks

The Election Commission is independent because the Chief Election Commissioner cannot be easily removed and is not under the control of the government. It decides election dates, enforces the Model Code of Conduct, can order re-polls, and controls officials on election duty, so it can act fairly towards all parties.

Describe the election process in India and explain what makes elections free and fair.5 marks

Elections in India are held regularly, usually every five years for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The country is divided into constituencies, 543 for the Lok Sabha, and some are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure their representation. Every citizen aged 18 or above is listed in the electoral roll and can vote. Candidates aged 25 or above file nominations and declare their assets and criminal cases. Parties release manifestos and campaign, but must follow the Model Code of Conduct. On polling day, voters cast their votes secretly using EVMs, with VVPAT slips for verification, and votes are counted to declare the winners. Elections are free and fair when they are conducted by an independent body such as the Election Commission, every adult has the right to vote, voters have a real choice between candidates, there is no use of money or force to influence voters, and results reflect the people's will. Problems such as money power, criminal candidates and fake news remain, but the Election Commission, courts, media and alert voters help keep elections fair. The NOTA option also allows voters to reject all candidates.

Quick revision

Elections: choose, change, hold accountable.
543 Lok Sabha constituencies; reserved seats for SC and ST.
Voting age 18; secret ballot; EVM and VVPAT.
Election Commission ensures free and fair elections.

Exam tips

Write the election process as steps: delimitation → voters' list → nomination → campaign → polling → counting.
Remember the minimum ages: 18 to vote, 25 to contest the Lok Sabha or assembly elections.

Practice MCQs

In India the voting age is
1. 16 years
2. 18 years
3. 21 years
4. 25 years
Show answer
Answer: (b) 18 years. It was reduced from 21 in 1989.
Elections in India are conducted by the
1. Supreme Court
2. Prime Minister
3. Parliament
4. Election Commission
Show answer
Answer: (d) Election Commission. It is an independent body.
The list of people eligible to vote is called
1. a census
2. an electoral roll
3. a budget
4. a manifesto
Show answer
Answer: (b) an electoral roll. It is updated before elections.
How many elected constituencies does the Lok Sabha have
1. 245
2. 543
3. 250
4. 790
Show answer
Answer: (b) 543. Each elects one member.
The minimum age to contest Lok Sabha elections is
1. 18 years
2. 21 years
3. 25 years
4. 30 years
Show answer
Answer: (c) 25 years. For the Rajya Sabha it is 30 years.
The guidelines that parties must follow during elections are called
1. Directive Principles
2. Model Code of Conduct
3. Fundamental Duties
4. Preamble
Show answer
Answer: (b) Model Code of Conduct. The Election Commission enforces them.
Why are some constituencies reserved for SC and ST candidates
1. to ensure fair representation of groups that faced discrimination
2. to stop others from voting
3. to reduce the number of voters
4. to cancel elections
Show answer
Answer: (a) to ensure fair representation of groups that faced discrimination. All voters in that constituency still vote.
Which of these is a sign of an unfair election
1. secret ballot
2. booth capturing and buying votes
3. an independent Election Commission
4. regular elections
Show answer
Answer: (b) booth capturing and buying votes. It denies people a free choice.

All chapters of Class 9 Social Science

Written by Kundali IQ from standard, well-established facts to help with revision. This is not an official NCERT publication; always read your textbook too.