NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 5 Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System

Page 117

The Big Questions

1. What is universal adult franchise?
See AnswerUniversal adult franchise means that every adult citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote in elections. This right is given to all citizens regardless of their caste, religion, gender, education level, or income. The word universal means it applies to everyone equally. In India, this means that every vote has equal value and no one can vote on behalf of another person. This system ensures that all adult citizens can participate in choosing their representatives in a democracy.

2. What is an electoral system?
See AnswerAn electoral system is an organized method used to conduct elections and choose representatives for government positions. It includes all the rules, procedures, and institutions that manage the voting process. In India, the electoral system involves the Election Commission of India which organizes elections, manages voter registration, sets election dates, and ensures fair voting. The system includes polling stations, electronic voting machines, ballot counting, and declaring results. It covers elections for different levels like Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies.

3. How does India’s electoral system work?
See AnswerIndia’s electoral system works through a well-organized process managed by the Election Commission of India. Citizens register as voters in their constituencies and vote using electronic voting machines at polling stations. India follows the First Past the Post system where the candidate with the most votes wins. The country is divided into 543 constituencies for Lok Sabha elections. After voting, votes are counted and the political party or coalition with majority seats forms the government. The system ensures free and fair elections through secret ballot voting, Model Code of Conduct, and various accessibility measures for all voters.

Page 137

Questions and activities

1. Why is universal adult franchise important for a healthy democracy?
See AnswerUniversal adult franchise is the foundation of a healthy democracy because it ensures that every adult citizen has an equal voice in choosing their representatives. It means that all citizens aged 18 and above can vote regardless of their caste, religion, gender, education, or income. This system promotes equality by giving everyone the same voting power and prevents discrimination. It allows people to participate in deciding their future and holds elected representatives accountable to all citizens. Universal franchise also fosters civic engagement and ensures that the government represents the will of all people, not just a privileged few.

2. What is the meaning of ‘secret ballot’? Why is this important in a democracy?
See AnswerSecret ballot means that voting is done privately and no one can know who a person voted for. When people vote, they mark their choice on the ballot paper or electronic voting machine without anyone watching or knowing their decision. This is important in democracy because it protects voters from pressure, threats, or bribes from others. It ensures that people can vote according to their true beliefs without fear of punishment or reward. Secret ballot also prevents vote buying and ensures that elections are fair and free. It gives voters the confidence to make honest choices without worrying about consequences.

3. Give examples of direct and indirect elections.
See AnswerDirect elections are when people directly choose their representatives by voting. Examples include elections to the Lok Sabha where citizens directly vote for their Members of Parliament, and elections to State Legislative Assemblies where people directly vote for their MLAs. Local body elections like gram panchayat and municipal corporation elections are also direct elections. Indirect elections are when elected representatives choose other representatives on behalf of the people. Examples include Rajya Sabha elections where MLAs elect Rajya Sabha members, and Presidential elections where an electoral college consisting of MPs and MLAs elects the President of India.

4. How is the election of members to the Lok Sabha different from that to the Rajya Sabha?
See AnswerLok Sabha elections are direct elections where citizens directly vote to choose their representatives. There are 543 constituencies and people use the First-Past-the-Post system where the candidate with the most votes wins. Lok Sabha members serve for 5 years. Rajya Sabha elections are indirect elections where MLAs from state assemblies elect the members using a single transferable vote system. The Rajya Sabha has 245 members with 233 elected by MLAs and 12 nominated by the President. Rajya Sabha members serve for 6 years, and one-third retire every 2 years. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house that is never dissolved, unlike the Lok Sabha.

5. What, in your view, are the advantages of the EVM over paper ballots?
See AnswerElectronic Voting Machines have several advantages over paper ballots. EVMs are faster and more efficient as they can quickly record votes and provide instant results after counting. They are more accurate and reduce human errors that can happen during manual counting of paper ballots. EVMs are environmentally friendly as they save paper and printing costs. They are also more secure as they cannot be easily tampered with and reduce the chances of ballot stuffing or fake voting. EVMs make the voting process simpler for voters as they just need to press a button. The VVPAT system with EVMs also provides a paper trail for verification, combining the benefits of both electronic and paper systems.

6. Voter turnout has been declining in some urban areas of India. What could be the reasons for this trend, and what steps can be taken to encourage more people to vote?
See AnswerUrban voter turnout is declining due to several reasons. Many urban residents are busy with work and may not find time to vote. Some people feel disconnected from local issues and think their vote does not matter. Migration is another factor as people move to cities but remain registered in their home villages. Lack of awareness about candidates and issues also reduces participation. To encourage voting, the Election Commission can provide more convenient voting options like postal ballots for certain categories. Awareness campaigns through social media and workplaces can educate people about the importance of voting. Making voting easier by having more polling stations and better facilities can help. Companies can give voting holidays to employees, and educational institutions can organize voter awareness programs.

7. Why do you think a proportion of seats in the Lok Sabha is reserved for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes? Write a short note.
See AnswerReservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha ensures their representation in Parliament. Historically, these communities faced discrimination and were excluded from political participation. The Constitution makers recognized that without special provisions, these communities might not get adequate representation in the legislature. Out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, 84 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 47 for Scheduled Tribes. This reservation system ensures that their voices are heard in Parliament and their specific problems and needs are addressed. It promotes social justice and helps in the political empowerment of marginalized communities. This affirmative action helps in building an inclusive democracy where all sections of society have a stake in governance.

8. Social media is changing the way we experience elections — from catchy campaign reels and live speeches to political debates on Instagram and Twitter. But is this strengthening democracy or confusing it? Discuss in pairs: What are the benefits, what are the challenges, and what might the future of elections be in a digital age?
See AnswerSocial media has both positive and negative effects on democracy. Benefits include easier access to information about candidates and their policies, direct communication between politicians and voters, and increased participation especially among young people. It allows real-time discussions and helps voters make informed choices. However, challenges include the spread of fake news and misinformation, echo chambers where people only hear similar opinions, and the manipulation of public opinion through targeted advertisements. Social media can also increase polarization and hate speech. In the future, elections will likely become more digital with online campaigning, fact-checking systems, and digital literacy becoming crucial. The key is to harness the benefits while addressing the challenges through better regulation, education, and technology solutions.

1. What is universal adult franchise?
See AnswerEvery adult citizen aged 18+ has the right to vote regardless of caste, religion, gender, education or income.

2. Who manages elections in India?
See AnswerThe Election Commission of India.

3. What system does India follow for Lok Sabha elections?
See AnswerFirst Past the Post system.

4. Why is secret ballot important?
See AnswerIt protects voters from pressure and ensures fair elections.

5. Give an example of direct election.
See AnswerLok Sabha elections.

6. Give an example of indirect election.
See AnswerRajya Sabha elections.

7. How are Lok Sabha members elected?
See AnswerCitizens directly vote for them.

8. How are Rajya Sabha members elected?
See AnswerMLAs elect them.

9. What is the term of Lok Sabha members?
See Answer5 years.

10. What is the term of Rajya Sabha members?
See Answer6 years.

11. Name one advantage of EVMs over paper ballots.
See AnswerFaster and more efficient.

12. Why is urban voter turnout declining?
See AnswerBusy schedules and disconnection from local issues.

13. How many Lok Sabha seats are reserved for SCs?
See Answer84 seats.

14. How many Lok Sabha seats are reserved for STs?
See Answer47 seats.

15. What is a challenge of social media in elections?
See AnswerSpread of fake news and misinformation.

1. What is universal adult franchise?
See AnswerUniversal adult franchise grants all citizens aged 18 and above the right to vote without discrimination based on caste religion gender or income ensuring equal participation in democracy.

2. How does India’s electoral system work?
See AnswerIndia’s electoral system involves the Election Commission managing voter registration elections via EVMs in constituencies using FPTP system where the candidate with most votes wins.

3. Why is secret ballot important in elections?
See AnswerSecret ballot ensures privacy in voting preventing coercion or bribery allowing voters to choose freely without fear maintaining fairness and integrity in democratic elections.

4. Differentiate between direct and indirect elections.
See AnswerDirect elections involve voters choosing representatives like MPs or MLAs while indirect elections involve elected representatives selecting others like Rajya Sabha members or the President.

5. How are Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections different?
See AnswerLok Sabha members are directly elected by voters for 5 years while Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by MLAs for 6 years with staggered terms.

6. What are the advantages of EVMs over paper ballots?
See AnswerEVMs are faster more accurate secure and eco-friendly reducing errors and fraud while simplifying voting with instant results and VVPAT verification.

7. Why is urban voter turnout declining in India?
See AnswerUrban voter turnout declines due to work commitments migration lack of awareness about candidates and disconnection from local issues reducing electoral participation.

8. Why are seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha?
See AnswerReservation ensures representation for historically marginalized communities promoting social justice and inclusive governance by addressing their specific needs in Parliament.

9. How does social media impact elections?
See AnswerSocial media increases voter engagement and information access but also spreads misinformation and polarization requiring regulation and digital literacy for balanced democratic discourse.

10. What steps can increase voter turnout in urban areas?
See AnswerMeasures like awareness campaigns convenient voting options workplace holidays and better polling facilities can encourage urban voters to participate in elections actively.

1. Explain the significance of universal adult franchise in a democracy.
See Answer– Ensures every adult citizen has equal voting rights regardless of background.
– Promotes equality by giving all voters the same political power.
– Strengthens democracy by encouraging inclusive participation.
– Holds leaders accountable to all sections of society.
– Empowers marginalized groups to influence governance.

2. Describe the process of elections in India.
See Answer– Managed by the Election Commission of India.
– Voters register in their respective constituencies.
– Elections conducted using EVMs at polling stations.
– Follows First Past the Post system for Lok Sabha.
– Results declared after counting votes to form government.

3. Compare direct and indirect elections with examples.
See Answer– Direct elections involve voters choosing representatives directly.
Example: Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
– Indirect elections involve elected representatives choosing others.
Example: Rajya Sabha and Presidential elections.
– Direct elections ensure people’s direct participation.
– Indirect elections streamline representation for specific roles.

4. Discuss the advantages of EVMs over traditional paper ballots.
See Answer– Faster vote recording and result declaration.
– Reduces human errors in vote counting.
– Environmentally friendly by saving paper.
– Enhances security with tamper-proof design.
– Simplifies voting process with user-friendly interface.

5. Analyze the impact of social media on elections.
See Answer– Provides easy access to candidate information and policies.
– Encourages youth participation through digital campaigns.
– Risks include spread of fake news and misinformation.
– Can create echo chambers reinforcing biases.
– Requires regulation to ensure fair and transparent elections.