MP Board Solutions for Class 9 Civics Chapter 3 – Electoral Politics

What is an election?
Answer: An election is a democratic process where people vote to choose their representatives. It ensures that government is accountable and based on popular support.

Why are elections important in a democracy?
Answer: Elections allow people to choose their leaders, change governments peacefully, and make governments accountable to citizens for their decisions and actions.

What is the significance of free and fair elections?
Answer: Free and fair elections ensure every citizen can vote freely, without fear or pressure, and that results truly reflect the will of the people.

What is a constituency?
Answer: A constituency is a specific geographical area from which a candidate is elected. Each voter in that area casts their vote for one representative.

Who can vote in India?
Answer: Every Indian citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, gender, religion, or economic background.

What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Answer: Universal Adult Franchise means all adults have the right to vote. It promotes equality, allowing everyone to participate in the electoral process.

What are reserved constituencies?
Answer: Reserved constituencies are set aside for SCs and STs to ensure fair representation of marginalized communities in legislative bodies.

Who conducts elections in India?
Answer: The Election Commission of India, an independent body, conducts and supervises elections to ensure they are free and fair.

What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Answer: It is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate the behavior of political parties and candidates during elections.

What is an electoral roll?
Answer: The electoral roll is a list of registered voters in a constituency who are eligible to vote in an election.

What is the role of a political party in elections?
Answer: Political parties nominate candidates, campaign, and contest elections with the goal of forming a government based on their policies and ideology.

What is the nomination of candidates?
Answer: It is the process where parties or individuals file their candidature with the Election Commission to officially contest an election.

What is meant by campaigning in elections?
Answer: Campaigning is the period before elections when candidates and parties promote their views, rally for support, and try to influence voters.

What is NOTA in elections?
Answer: NOTA stands for “None of the Above“. It gives voters the right to reject all candidates if they are dissatisfied.

How are votes counted in India?
Answer: Votes are counted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Counting is done under strict supervision to ensure transparency and accuracy.

What is the importance of opinion polls?
Answer: Opinion polls predict election trends and give a general idea of public opinion. However, they are not always accurate or reliable.

What is an election manifesto?
Answer: A manifesto is a document by political parties stating their promises, plans, and policies if they are elected to power.

What is meant by rigging in elections?
Answer: Rigging refers to unfair practices like fake voting, tampering with machines, or threatening voters, which violate the principles of democracy.

What is a by-election?
Answer: A by-election is held when a seat in the legislature becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or disqualification of a sitting member.

What are the qualifications to contest elections in India?
Answer: A candidate must be an Indian citizen, meet the minimum age requirement, and not be disqualified under any law or court.

Why is secrecy of voting important?
Answer: Secrecy ensures voters are free to choose without fear, pressure, or influence, which is crucial for maintaining democratic integrity.

How do elections ensure accountability?
Answer: Regular elections force governments to perform well, as poor governance may lead to defeat in the next election cycle.

What is a multi-party system?
Answer: A multi-party system is where more than two parties compete in elections and have the potential to form governments either independently or in coalition.

How does election campaigning affect voters?
Answer: Campaigns inform voters about candidates, policies, and help them make informed choices, though misleading propaganda can sometimes cause confusion.

How can citizens ensure clean elections?
Answer: Citizens must vote responsibly, avoid vote selling, report malpractices, and support ethical candidates to strengthen democratic values.