Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
How is democracy defined in the context of government power?
Answer
It is a form of government where the people have a say in who holds power and how it is used.
Question
In a democracy, how do citizens choose their representatives?
Answer
They choose representatives either directly or indirectly.
Question
What is the procedure called where persons are chosen by voting to represent voters in government?
Answer
Election
Question
What defines a political party in modern societies?
Answer
A group of people holding similar views or beliefs.
Question
Which constitutional body is responsible for holding free and fair elections in India?
Answer
The Election Commission of India.
Question
Which part of the Indian Constitution contains Articles 324 to 329 regarding the conduct of elections?
Answer
Part XV
Question
Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the composition of the Election Commission?
Answer
Article 324
Question
Who stands at the top of the hierarchy in the Election Commission of India?
Answer
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
Question
During what years was the Election Commission a single-member body?
Answer
From 1950 to 1989.
Question
How many members currently make up the Election Commission of India?
Answer
Three members.
Question
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners?
Answer
The President of India.
Question
Which officials comprise the Selection Committee that recommends Election Commissioners?
Answer
The Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Question
Whom does the President consult before appointing Regional Election Commissioners?
Answer
The Election Commission.
Question
What is the term of office for Election Commissioners?
Answer
Six years.
Question
At what age must an Election Commissioner vacate their office if it occurs before their six-year term ends?
Answer
65 years.
Question
The salary of the Chief Election Commissioner is equal to the salary of a _____.
Answer
Supreme Court judge
Question
How is a difference of opinion between the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners settled?
Answer
It is decided in favour of the majority opinion.
Question
Which Act empowers the Election Commission with wide-ranging powers for conducting elections?
Answer
Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 1996.
Question
What details are typically contained in an Electoral Roll?
Answer
The name, father's name, age, and gender of the voter.
Question
What is the purpose of issuing a Photo Identity Card to every voter?
Answer
To prevent fraudulent voting by impersonators.
Question
What is the difference between a 'reserved' symbol and a 'free' symbol in elections?
Answer
Reserved symbols are for recognised political parties, while free symbols are for independent candidates or non-registered parties.
Question
In the event of a split in a political party, what action can the Election Commission take regarding its reserved symbol?
Answer
The Commission may freeze the reserved symbol and ask factions to choose other symbols.
Question
Who holds the final authority to fix the exact dates for elections in India?
Answer
The Election Commission.
Question
What is the name of the guidelines prescribed by the Election Commission for candidates during elections?
Answer
The Code of Conduct.
Question
What action can the Election Commission take if it suspects malpractices have occurred at a polling station?
Answer
It can countermand the polling.
Question
Which officer is responsible for the overall supervision of an election constituency?
Answer
The Returning Officer.
Question
Who is the officer in charge of a specific polling booth on election day?
Answer
The Presiding Officer.
Question
Which official is responsible for scrutinising the applications of candidates to verify election symbols and deposits?
Answer
The Returning Officer.
Question
Why does the Election Commission scrutinise the accounts of election expenses submitted by contestants?
Answer
To downplay the role of money influencing elections.
Question
To whom does the Election Commission provide advisory functions regarding the disqualification of members?
Answer
The President of India or the Governors of the States.
Question
What is a 'Direct Election'?
Answer
An election where people directly elect their representatives, such as for the Lok Sabha.
Question
What is an 'Indirect Election'?
Answer
An election where representatives are elected by already elected members, such as for the Rajya Sabha.
Question
What is the collective term for the large body of voters in a direct election?
Answer
The electorate.
Question
Which house at the State level is also known as the Legislative Council?
Answer
Vidhan Parishad
Question
How many members of the Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President of India?
Answer
12 members.
Question
What are the total maximum number of members in the Rajya Sabha?
Answer
250 members.
Question
Who constitutes the Electoral College for the election of the President of India?
Answer
Elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
Question
Which system of voting is used for the election of the President of India?
Answer
Proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
Question
How are the President and Vice-President's elections similar in terms of voter type?
Answer
Both are indirect elections.
Question
What defines a 'General Election' in India?
Answer
An election held to elect members of the Lok Sabha after the expiry of the normal five-year term.
Question
Under what condition is a 'Mid-term Election' held?
Answer
When the Lok Sabha or a State Legislative Assembly is dissolved before completing its full five-year term.
Question
What is the purpose of a 'By-election'?
Answer
To fill a seat that falls vacant due to the death or resignation of a member before their term is complete.
Question
How long does a member elected in a by-election serve?
Answer
For the unexpired term of the House.
Question
In the context of electoral rolls, what does 'SIR' stand for?
Answer
Special Intensive Revision.
Question
Which official conducts door-to-door verification during a Special Intensive Revision?
Answer
Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
Question
What is 'Franchise'?
Answer
The right to vote.
Question
Who was independent India's first voter?
Answer
Mr Shyam Saran Negi.
Question
What is the primary objective of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
Answer
To thoroughly verify and update voter lists in a particular area to ensure no eligible citizen is left out.
Question
How are the members of the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) elected?
Answer
They are elected by members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Question
Which body decides on the exact timing of elections when the government suggests they should be held?
Answer
The Election Commission.