Questions Answer Chapter 5 Class 8 Social Science CBSE Board

Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System

Questions and activities

1. Why is universal adult franchise important for a healthy democracy?
Answer:-

• Universal adult franchise ensures that every adult citizen aged 18 and above can vote.
• It gives everyone an equal voice, regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender, or wealth.
• This equality helps people feel included and valued in the democratic process.
• It allows citizens to choose their leaders and decide the future of their country.
• It makes elected representatives accountable to the people who vote for them.
• It encourages civic engagement, where people actively participate in solving problems.
• It prevents discrimination by giving everyone the same right to vote.
• It strengthens democracy by ensuring all voices are heard and considered.

2. What is the meaning of ‘secret ballot’? Why is this important in a democracy?
Answer:-

• A secret ballot means voters can choose their candidate privately without anyone knowing their choice.
• Voters mark their vote on a ballot paper or electronic voting machine (EVM) in a private booth.
• This ensures that no one can see or influence how a person votes.
• It is important because it allows people to vote freely without fear of pressure or threats.
• It protects voters from being forced or bribed to vote for a particular candidate.
• It ensures fairness in elections by keeping the voting process honest and confidential.
• It builds trust in democracy, as people can express their true opinions without worry.

3. Give examples of direct and indirect elections.
Answer:-

1. Direct Election:

• In a direct election, people vote directly to choose their representatives.
• Example: Election of Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

2. Indirect Election:

• In an indirect election, representatives are chosen by elected members, not by the people directly.
• Example: Election of Members of Rajya Sabha, the President, and the Vice President of India.

4. How is the election of members to the Lok Sabha different from that to the Rajya Sabha?
Answer:-

5. What, in your view, are the advantages of the EVM over paper ballots?
Answer:-

• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are faster than paper ballots for counting votes.
• They reduce errors in vote counting as machines tally votes automatically.
• EVMs are easy to use, with clear buttons for voters to select their candidate.
• They save paper, making elections more environmentally friendly.
• EVMs are paired with VVPAT, which provides a paper record to verify votes.
• They prevent invalid votes, like improperly marked ballots, ensuring accurate results.
• EVMs are secure and hard to tamper with, making elections more reliable.
• They speed up the election process, allowing results to be announced quickly.

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?
Answer:-

Reasons for declining voter turnout:

• Many urban people feel their vote won’t make a difference to the outcome.
• Busy schedules and work pressure make it hard for people to find time to vote.
• Lack of awareness about candidates or issues leads to disinterest in voting.
• Some people don’t trust the political system or think it’s corrupt.
• Inconvenient polling station locations or long queues discourage voters.
• Young voters may not understand the importance of voting in a democracy.

Steps to encourage more people to vote:

• Run awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to educate youth about voting.
• Use social media to share information about candidates and their plans.
• Make polling stations more accessible with shorter queues and better facilities.
• Allow online or postal voting options for busy urban voters.
• Organize voter registration drives in urban areas to make registration easier.
• Encourage celebrities and influencers to promote voting as a civic duty.
• Declare a holiday on election day to give people time to vote.

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.
Answer:-

• In the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 47 for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• These reservations ensure that marginalized communities have representation in Parliament.
• Scheduled Castes and Tribes have faced historical discrimination and social exclusion.
• Reserved seats give them a voice to address their issues and concerns.
• This helps promote equality and fairness in India’s democratic system.
• It ensures their needs, like education and economic opportunities, are considered in law-making.
• Reservations strengthen democracy by including all sections of society 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? What are the benefits, what are the challenges, and what might the future of elections be in a digital age?
Answer: 1.Benefits of social media in elections:

1. It spreads information quickly to many people.
2. Voters can hear speeches, debates, and news directly.
3. Young people become more interested in politics through digital platforms.
4. It allows leaders to connect with citizens easily.

2. Challenges of social media in elections:

1. Sometimes false or misleading news spreads fast.
2. Too much information can confuse voters.
3. Negative comments and fights online may reduce healthy debate.
4. Social media can be misused to influence people unfairly.

3. Future of elections in a digital age:

1. More people will use social media to learn about candidates and parties.
2. Online campaigns will become stronger and more creative.
3. Digital platforms may help in voter awareness and education.
4. Careful rules will be needed to stop fake news and misuse.

The Big Questions (Page 117)

1. What is universal adult franchise?
Answer:-

• Universal adult franchise means every adult citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote.
• It does not matter what their caste, creed, religion, gender, education, or income is.
• All votes have equal value, and everyone’s voice matters in a democracy.
• In India, this right is given under Article 326 of the Constitution.

2. What is an electoral system?
Answer:-

• An electoral system is a set of rules and processes used to conduct elections.
• It decides how votes are cast, counted, and how winners are chosen.
• In India, it includes things like voter registration, polling stations, and electronic voting machines (EVMs).
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) manages this system to ensure free and fair elections.

3. How does India’s electoral system work?
Answer:-

• India’s electoral system is managed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• Every adult citizen aged 18 and above can register to vote in their constituency.
• Elections are held for Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies using universal adult franchise.
• Voters use electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to cast their votes.
• The ECI ensures fair elections by setting rules like the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
• The candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins (First-Past-the-Post system).
• Special measures like postal voting and braille ballots help include elderly, disabled, and remote voters.