9th social science 21th chapter

CHAPTER – 21: THE ELECTION SYSTEM

I. Fill up the blanks:

1. The public election campaign comes to an end 48 hours before the election day.

2. The recognition to political parties is accorded by the Election Commission of India.

3. The independence of journalism is protected by the Press Council of India.

II. Discussion in group and answer the following questions:

4. Write a note on ‘Electoral Roll’.

• The voters' list, which contains the names and specific details of eligible voters, is known as the Electoral Roll.
• The Election Commission is responsible for preparing this roll well in advance of any election.
• The Electoral Roll undergoes revision every year to ensure accuracy.
• During these revisions, the names of individuals who have reached the age of 18 are added, while the names of those who have passed away are removed.
• This roll serves as a vital tool for polling officials to identify and verify eligible voters at the polling station.

5. What are the steps in the election process?

• Election Notification: The formal announcement of the election schedule.
• Nomination of the Candidates: Filing of papers by aspiring candidates.
• Scrutiny of Nomination: Checking the validity of the filed nomination papers.
• Withdrawal of Nomination papers: The period during which a candidate can opt out of the contest.
• Election Campaign: The phase where parties and candidates reach out to voters.
• Polling Day: The day set for casting votes.
• Counting of Votes: The final stage where the ballots are tabulated to determine the winner.

6. Explain the role of political parties as a ‘bridge between political parties, people’s representatives, the government, and the community’.

• Political parties are essential components of a democratic system.
• They act as the vital link between elected representatives, the government, and the general public.
• Parties play a significant role in formulating policies that drive social and economic progress.
• They serve as a training ground for citizens, helping to identify and develop leadership qualities.

7. Write a note on Coalition Governments.

• In a democracy, numerous political parties compete in elections to secure power.
• A single party forms the government if it achieves a clear majority; however, when no single party secures this majority, a coalition becomes necessary.
• A government formed through the cooperation and alliance of different political parties is known as a ‘Coalition Government’.
• The parties involved in a coalition often share power by having their members join the Council of Ministers.
• In some instances, smaller parties may provide external support to a coalition government without formally joining the cabinet.

8. What are the national political parties currently existing in India?

Currently, there are six major National Political Parties in India:

• Indian National Congress (INC)
• Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)
• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
• National People’s Party (NPP)
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)