electoral politics

Question 1

what are elections?

Answer 1

mechanism, representatives, regular intervals, change if they wish

Question 2

why do we need elections?

Answer 2

1. laws 2. govt. and major decisions 3. opposition

Question 3

what makes an election democratic?

Answer 3

1. one vote one value 2. multiparty 3. equal chance of losing 4. regular intervals

Question 4

disadvantages of election

Answer 4

1. names 2. govt. resources 3. rich parties 4. rigging

Question 5

advantages of election

Answer 5

system of reward and punishment. regular intervals give incentive. hv to deliver on promise to be re-elected

Question 6

why do we need reserved constituencies?

Answer 6

some ppl may not hv required resources, education, and contacts to contest. protect rights of minorities

Question 7

how many constituencies are there in Lok sabha? how are they divided?

Answer 7

543- 412 general- 84 sc- 47 st

divided according to proportion in population

Question 8

what is a voter’s list?

Answer 8

each const, eligible to vote (18+), revised every 5 years(pass, come to age, move)

Question 9

restrictions for the nomination of candidates?

Answer 9

25+, security deposit, public declaration of crime, assets and liabilities, education

Question 10

why/ when/ what - election campaign

Answer 10

chance to choose/ 2 weeks btw announcement of the final list and polling day/ contact voters, address meetings, media, slogans

Question 11

restrictions and model code of conduct

Answer 11

1. bribe/threaten 2. appeal in the name of caste/religion 3. use govt. resources 4. spend >25L in LS and >10L in assembly
2. place of worship 2. govt. resources 3. once elections are announced minister cannot lay any foundation stones

Question 12

what is the EC? what are their powers?

Answer 12

apt by the president but independent 1. conduct and control of election 2. model code of conduct 3. can order govt to follow guidelines 4. control govt officials

Question 13

what is voter turnout? how is it in India vs USA and poor vs rich

Answer 13

indicates the % of eligible voters who vote. India is stable and rising. 1 in 7 is a member. 2004- 1/3 pop. poor>rich in India. africa/usa rich and white>

Question 14

disadvantages of free and fair el

Answer 14

independant and minor parties
rich parties
criminal contacts
family members
similar parties