SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS- 8: Exploring Society: India and Beyond
CHAPTER-5
(Universal Franchise and
India’s Electoral System)
1. Why is universal adult franchise important for a healthy democracy?
Universal adult franchise means that every adult citizen has the right to vote regardless of religion, caste, gender, language, wealth, or education. It is important for a healthy democracy because it ensures political equality and allows all citizens to participate in the governance of the country.
This system gives every citizen an equal voice in choosing representatives. It promotes fairness, strengthens democratic values, and ensures that governments remain accountable to the people. Universal adult franchise also helps protect the rights and interests of different sections of society.
2. What is the meaning of ‘secret ballot’? Why is this important in a democracy?
A secret ballot is a voting method in which a voter's choice remains confidential and cannot be known by others. In India, voters cast their votes privately using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Secret ballots are important because they protect voters from pressure, threats, bribery, or influence by powerful individuals or groups. This allows people to vote freely according to their own judgment. As a result, elections become fair, independent, and democratic.
3. Give examples of direct and indirect elections.
Direct Elections: In direct elections, citizens vote directly to elect their representatives.
Examples:
• Elections to the Lok Sabha.
• Elections to State Legislative Assemblies.
• Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities.
Indirect Elections: In indirect elections, representatives are elected by elected members rather than directly by the people.
Examples:
• Election of the President of India.
• Election of Rajya Sabha members.
• Election of the Vice-President of India.
4. How is the election of members to the Lok Sabha different from that to the Rajya Sabha?
The members of the Lok Sabha are elected directly by the people through general elections. Every eligible voter casts a vote to choose a representative from their constituency.
The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using a system of proportional representation. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not dissolved completely. One-third of its members retire every two years.
5. What, in your view, are the advantages of EVM over paper ballots?
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) offer several advantages over paper ballots:
• Faster Counting: Results can be declared quickly.
• Reduced Errors: Invalid or spoiled votes are minimized.
• Environment-Friendly: Less paper is required.
• Better Security: Voting data is stored electronically and securely.
• Cost-Effective: Printing and transportation costs are reduced.
• Efficient Management: Elections can be conducted more smoothly and accurately.
These advantages make the election process faster, more reliable, and more convenient.
6. Voter turnout has been declining in some urban areas of India. What could be the reasons for this, and what steps can be taken to encourage more people to vote?
Several factors contribute to lower voter turnout in urban areas. Many people are busy with work or studies and may not consider voting a priority. Some citizens feel that their vote will not make a difference, while others may face difficulties such as migration, long queues, or lack of awareness about voting procedures.
To improve voter participation, awareness campaigns should be organized through schools, colleges, media, and social platforms. Voter registration should be made easier, and polling stations should be accessible. Encouraging civic responsibility and educating citizens about the importance of voting can help increase turnout and strengthen democracy.
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.
A proportion of seats in the Lok Sabha is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure fair political representation for historically disadvantaged communities. These groups often faced social discrimination and limited opportunities in the past.
Reservation helps them participate effectively in decision-making and ensures that their concerns and interests are represented in Parliament. This arrangement promotes social justice, equality, and inclusive democracy by giving all sections of society a voice 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 it strengthening democracy or confusing it? Discuss in pairs: What are the benefits, what are the challenges, and what might the future of elections be in a digital age?
Social media has become an important part of modern elections. It allows political parties and candidates to communicate directly with voters, especially young people. Information can be shared quickly through videos, live broadcasts, and online discussions.
Benefits:
• Greater political awareness.
• Easy access to information and election updates.
• Increased participation of young voters.
• Faster communication between leaders and citizens.
Challenges:
• Spread of fake news and misinformation.
• Online harassment and hate speech.
• Biased or misleading content.
• Difficulty in verifying information.
In the future, elections may become more digital, with greater use of technology for voter awareness, campaigning, and communication. However, strong safeguards will be needed to ensure transparency, privacy, and accurate information so that democracy remains healthy and informed.
9. Visit the website https://www.indiavotes.com, and choose a parliamentary constituency election from any year and explore its results. Do the same for an assembly election in your state.
Activity-Based Question (Sample Answer)
Parliamentary Constituency: Varanasi Lok Sabha Constituency (2024)
The constituency witnessed a high voter turnout and a closely watched contest involving major national parties. The winning candidate secured a significant number of votes and retained the seat. The results reflected the political preferences of the electorate and the influence of national issues.
Assembly Constituency (Example: Rajasthan): Sanganer Assembly Constituency
The election was contested by major political parties. The winning candidate received the highest number of valid votes and represented the constituency in the State Legislative Assembly. Local development issues, public welfare schemes, and party performance played important roles in influencing voters.
Since this activity depends on the student's state and the latest election data, students should verify the exact results from the official website and include the winning candidate, party name, votes secured, and voter turnout in their project work.