NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Civics Chapter 3 Electoral Politics
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Political Science Chapter 3 covers Why Elections?, System of Elections in India, Electoral Roll, Campaigning, Code of Conduct, and Independent Election Commission.
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. Why Elections & Political Competition
Short Note:
• Need for Elections: In modern democracies, citizens choose representatives to make laws, form government, and decide major policies.
• Democracies Minimum Conditions: Everyone should have one vote with equal value; real choices must be available; elections at regular intervals; chosen candidate must be elected.
• Political Competition: Though electoral rivalry creates disunity and party-politics, it forces political parties and leaders to serve the people to remain in power.
2. System of Elections in India
Short Note:
• Electoral Constituencies: The country is divided into different areas for purposes of elections (543 Lok Sabha constituencies).
• Reserved Constituencies: Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure fair representation of weaker sections.
• Voter's List (Electoral Roll): List of eligible voters (citizens aged 18 and above) prepared and updated before elections.
• Nomination of Candidates: Anyone eligible to vote (minimum age 25 for contesting) can file nomination papers with a security deposit.
• Model Code of Conduct: Rules regulating campaign activities (e.g., no religious places for propaganda, no government resources for electioneering).
3. What Makes Elections in India Democratic?
Short Note:
• Independent Election Commission (EC): Headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC); enjoys structural independence like the Judiciary to conduct free and fair elections.
• Popular Participation: High voter turnout in India, especially among poor, illiterate, and underprivileged citizens compared to Western democracies.
• Acceptance of Outcome: Election results are generally accepted as "people's verdict" by defeated ruling parties.
• Challenges: Use of money power, candidates with criminal antecedents, family dominance (dynastic politics), and lack of meaningful choices.
Intext & Conceptual Questions
| General Elections | By-Elections |
|---|---|
| Held in all constituencies at the same time, either on the same day or within a few days. | Held only for one constituency to fill the vacancy caused by death or resignation of a member. |
| Occurs regularly every 5 years to elect a new Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha. | Occurs mid-term whenever a seat falls vacant unexpectedly. |
1. Representation of Weaker Sections: The Constitution makers feared that in open electoral competition, certain weaker sections (SC and ST) might not get elected to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
2. Preventing Marginalization: Ensure that influential groups with resources and contacts do not dominate all political positions.
3. Inclusive Democracy: Gives historically disadvantaged communities an equal voice in national decision-making.
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
(b) People select the representative of their choice in an election.
(c) Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary.
(d) People can indicate which policies they prefer.
Answer: (c) Elections enable people to evaluate the performance of the judiciary. (Judiciary is independent and not subject to electoral evaluation).
(b) Conduct the election of the Prime Minister.
(c) Allot election symbols to political parties.
(d) Implement the Model Code of Conduct.
Answer: (b) Conduct the election of the Prime Minister. (The EC conducts MP/MLA elections; the Prime Minister is appointed by the President from among elected leaders).
1. Money Power: Candidates and parties with deep pockets enjoy an unfair advantage over smaller parties.
2. Criminal Backgrounds: Candidates with criminal connections often secure party tickets and muscle their way into politics.
3. Dynastic Politics: Top party positions and tickets are frequently dominated by families, limiting opportunities for ordinary citizens.
4. Lack of Meaningful Choice: Major political parties often have similar policies and ideological positions.
Read More & Chapter Resources
These short notes are designed for quick revision. Read the main points once, then use the related material below to practise the same chapter. Revising a concept and checking it with questions can make your preparation more focused.