Chapter 5 – Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System

Notes

1. Universal Adult Franchise

 The makers of the Cons tu on decided to adopt universal adult franchise from the very
beginning of independent India.
 This means that every adult ci zen of India (18 years and above) has the right to vote.
 All votes have equal value, irrespec ve of caste, creed, race, religion, gender, educa on,
income, or social status.
 The term ‘universal’ highlights that no discrimina on is made on any grounds.
 In 1988, the minimum vo ng age was lowered from 21 years to 18 years.
 Universal franchise is regarded as the cornerstone of Indian democracy.
 Elec ons to the Lok Sabha, the Legisla ve Assemblies of states and union territories, and
even local government elec ons are all based on this principle.
 However, a ci zen cannot vote if he/she has been convicted of certain serious crimes.
 No one can vote on behalf of another person.
Examples from the PDF:
 In the 2024 General Elec ons, about 980 million voters were eligible to vote in 543
cons tuencies of the Lok Sabha.
 India has about 3.1 million elected representa ves across 250,000+ local bodies
(Panchayats, municipali es), including 1.3 million women representa ves.
 Before Independence, only 13% of Indians had vo ng rights. Franchise was not universal.
 India was among the earliest countries to grant women vo ng rights. For instance, women in
Switzerland got vo ng rights only in 1971, whereas Indian women had the right from the
beginning (1950).

2. Importance of Universal Franchise

 It ensures that everyone is equal and that every person’s voice ma ers.
 Voters get the power to decide their future by choosing representa ves.
 Elected representa ves are answerable to the electorate.
 It promotes civic engagement by encouraging par cipa on in problem-solving and
community issues.
 It removes discrimina on based on caste, gender, wealth, or educa on.
 Every ci zen becomes part of the decision-making process of the na on’s future.

3. Challenges of Elec ons in India

 India’s voter popula on is 15 mes larger than the United Kingdom’s, and geographically,
India is six mes bigger than France.
 Conduc ng elec ons in such a diverse and complex country requires careful organisa on.
Elec on Commission’s Accessibility Measures:
 Officials travel to remote regions so that every ci zen can vote.
 In 2024, elderly and differently-abled voters were given the op on to vote from home.
 Postal vo ng was introduced for specific categories.
 Assis ve technologies:
o Braille-enabled voter ID cards.
 o Wheelchair and ramp facili es at polling booths.
o App-based requests for assistance.

4. Case Study – Class Representa ve Elec on

 A Class Representa ve elec on was conducted in Grade 8 at Suryodaya School.
 Candidates: Ahmed, Gurmat, and Ravi.
o Ahmed promised to improve cleanliness.
o Gurmat proposed peer coaching for be er learning.
o Ravi wanted more focus on arts in the metable.
 Campaigning:
o Ahmed used posters.
o Gurmat used no ceboards and speeches.
o Ravi performed music at lunch me.
 Secret Ballot Vo ng was conducted:
o Students marked ‘X’ on ballot papers.
o A braille ballot paper was provided for Neha, a student with visual impairment.
o Ballots were sealed and later counted.
 Results:
o Ahmed: 8 votes
o Gurmat: 12 votes
o Ravi: 10 votes
o Gurmat was elected as Class Representa ve.
 Lesson:
o Importance of fair elec ons, secret ballot, and responsibility of elected members.
o Introduc on of NOTA (None of the Above) op on in real elec ons — if voters are
dissa sfied with all candidates, they can reject all without abstaining.

5. Elec on Commission of India (ECI)

 The ECI is an independent cons tu onal body, set up in 1950.
 It conducts elec ons to:
o Lok Sabha
o Rajya Sabha
o State Legisla ve Assemblies
o President & Vice President of India
 The first general elec on was held in 1951–52.
Structure of ECI (as per PDF):
 Chief Elec on Commissioner (Na onal Level).
 Two Elec on Commissioners.
 Chief Electoral Officer (State/UT Level).
 District Elec on Officer (District Level).
 Returning Officer (RO) – Conducts elec ons in a cons tuency.
 Electoral Registra on Officer (ERO) – Maintains voter lists.
Tasks of ECI:
1. Decides elec on dates.
2. Enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
 3. Registers poli cal par es.
4. Oversees the en re electoral process.

6. Managing Elec ons – Lok Sabha Example

 In 2024 Lok Sabha elec ons:
o 980 million voters.
o 543 cons tuencies.
o 1 million polling sta ons.
 Teachers and other staff are also deployed as elec on officials.
Vo ng Procedure:
1. 1st Polling Officer – Checks voter’s name and ID.
2. 2nd Polling Officer – Applies indelible ink on finger, takes signature.
3. 3rd Polling Officer – Collects slip and checks inked finger.
4. Voter casts vote on EVM → hears beep → checks VVPAT slip.
5. NOTA op on available.
Reserved Seats:
 84 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes.
 47 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes.

7. Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

 Ensures free and fair elec ons.
 Rules:
o Ruling party cannot announce new schemes or projects.
o No misuse of government resources.
o No gi s, bribes, or inducements to voters.
o Candidates must avoid abusive language.
Examples from PDF:
 Candidates distribu ng sarees or appliances.
 Abusive speeches.
 Government officials campaigning for ruling party.
 Cash found in candidates’ vehicles.
History of MCC:
 First adopted in Kerala, 1960.
 Circulated na onwide in 1962 elec ons.
 From 1991 onwards, strictly enforced by ECI.
Reform Example:
 T.N. Seshan (1990s) → Introduced strict monitoring, voter ID cards, curbed misuse of money.

8. Lok Sabha and State Assembly Elec ons

 India follows the parliamentary system of government.
 Lok Sabha Elec ons:
o Based on First-Past-the-Post system → candidate with most votes wins (even without
majority).
o Members elected are called MPs.
 State Assembly Elec ons:
 Members elected are called MLAs.
o
Government Forma on:
 Party/coali on with majority in Lok Sabha forms government.
 Leader becomes Prime Minister.
 Similarly, in state assemblies, leader becomes Chief Minister.

9. Rajya Sabha Elec ons

 Members elected indirectly by MLAs through single transferable vote system.
 Total members: 245
o 233 elected.
o 12 nominated by President (eminent personali es).
 Rajya Sabha is a Permanent House → never dissolved.
 One-third of members re re every 2 years.
10. President and Vice President Elec ons
 President:
o Elected by an Electoral College consis ng of MPs and MLAs.
o Uses single transferable vote.
o Nominated members and Legisla ve Councils do not par cipate.
 Vice President:
o Elected by MPs of both Houses.
o Uses single transferable vote.
o Acts as Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.
11. Challenges Ahead
 Influence of money power.
 Criminaliza on of poli cs.
 Voter apathy – 34% of voters did not cast their vote in 2024 elec ons.
 Need for awareness and responsible vo ng.
 Role of media and educa on in strengthening democracy.
EXTRA QUETIONS
Q1. What is universal adult franchise?
Ans. Universal adult franchise means that every Indian citizen who is 18 years and above has the right to vote, irrespective of
caste, creed, religion, gender, education, wealth, or social status. It ensures that every vote has equal value and no citizen is
discriminated against in exercising their democratic right. (Article 326, Indian Constitution)
Q2. When was the minimum voting age changed in India? Why is it significant?
Ans. The minimum voting age was reduced from 21 years to 18 years in 1988. This was important because it gave young citizens the
opportunity to participate in shaping the nation and acknowledged their role in democracy.
Q3. Why is universal adult franchise called the cornerstone of Indian democracy?
Ans.
 It ensures equality as every citizen’s vote carries the same weight.
 It gives citizens the power to decide their future by electing representatives.
 It removes barriers of caste, religion, or wealth.
 It makes representatives accountable to the people.
 It encourages civic participation in problem-solving.
Q4. Before Independence only 13% of Indians had the right to vote. What does this show?
Ans. It shows that voting was a privilege for a few, not a right for all. Independent India chose universal franchise from the very
beginning to uphold democratic values of equality and justice.
Q5. Compare voting rights of women in India and Switzerland.
Ans. Women in India got the right to vote from 1950 onwards due to progressive constitutional values. In contrast, women in
Switzerland got voting rights much later, in 1971. This highlights India’s commitment to gender equality from the start of its
democracy.
Q6. Why did the Constitution makers grant universal franchise despite low literacy in 1947?
Ans. The literacy rate in 1947 was only 14% overall and about 8% among women. Some argued that only literate people should vote.
However, the Constitution makers believed that political equality should not be denied on the basis of education. They trusted the
wisdom of ordinary people and wanted democracy to include every citizen from the very beginning.
Q7. How does universal franchise ensure equality?
Ans. It treats every citizen as equal in the political process. Each person gets one vote of equal value, whether rich or poor,
educated or uneducated, male or female. No discrimination is made based on caste, creed, or religion.
Q8. What are two reasons why universal franchise is important in a democracy?
Ans.
1. It makes elected representatives answerable to the electorate.
2. It enables citizens to decide their future by choosing who can best represent them.
Q9. Why are elections in India difficult to organise?
Ans.
 India is a large and diverse country with 980 million voters (2024).
 Its voter population is 15 times larger than the United Kingdom’s.
 Geographically, India is six times larger than France.
 Vast cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity make elections a mammoth exercise.
Q10. What steps has the Election Commission taken to ensure inclusive voting?
Ans.
 Electoral officials travel to remote areas to reach every voter.
 In 2024, elderly and differently-abled citizens could vote from home.
 Postal voting was provided to specific categories of voters.
 Use of assistive technology such as braille-enabled voter cards, ramps, and app-based assistance for wheelchairs.
Q11. What promises did Ahmed, Gurmat, and Ravi make in the election?
Ans.
 Ahmed: Cleanliness in classrooms and playground.
 Gurmat: Peer coaching and support for classmates.
 Ravi: More focus on arts like music, theatre, and visual arts.
Q12. Why was a secret ballot used in the class election?
Ans. A secret ballot ensures that no one knows whom a person voted for. This protects the voter’s choice, prevents pressure or
influence, and ensures fair and private decision-making.
Q13. Why was a braille ballot prepared for Neha?
Ans. To ensure inclusivity and equal participation for visually impaired students. This highlights the importance of accessibility in a
democracy.
Q14. What was the result of the election?
Ans. Out of 33 votes, Ahmed got 8, Ravi got 10, and Gurmat got 12. One vote was invalid. Gurmat was declared winner and became
the Class Representative.
Q15. What is NOTA? Why is it important?
Ans. NOTA means None of the Above. It allows voters to reject all candidates if they are unsatisfied. It does not change the result
but sends a message that voters want better candidates.
Q16. What is the Election Commission of India? When was it established?
Ans. The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body established in 1950 to conduct free and fair elections in
India.
Q17. What elections does the ECI conduct?
Ans. The ECI conducts elections to the:
 Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
 State Legislative Assemblies
 Offices of the President and Vice President of India
Q18. Explain the structure of the ECI.
Ans.
 At National Level → Chief Election Commissioner + Two Election Commissioners.
  At State Level → Chief Electoral Officer.
 At District Level → District Election Officer.
 Constituency Level → Returning Officer (RO) (conducts elections), Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) (manages voter list).
Q19. Mention any three tasks of the ECI.
Ans.
1. Setting election dates.
2. Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
3. Registering political parties and monitoring campaigns.
Q20. How many voters and constituencies were there in the 2024 General Elections?
Ans. Around 980 million voters and 543 constituencies participated in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Q21. Write step-by-step the voting process in Lok Sabha elections.
Ans.
1. First Polling Officer: Checks name and ID in the voter list.
2. Second Polling Officer: Applies ink on finger, takes signature, issues chit.
3. Third Polling Officer: Collects chit, checks finger.
4. Voter presses button on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
5. A beep sound is heard and the VVPAT slip shows the vote.
6. Voters can also choose NOTA (None of the Above) option.
Q22. How many seats are reserved for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha?
Ans. 84 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 47 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Q23. What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Ans. It is a set of rules and guidelines issued by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections. It applies to political
parties, candidates, and ruling governments during elections.
Q24. Mention any three provisions of the MCC.
Ans.
1. Ruling government cannot announce new schemes during elections.
2. Candidates cannot distribute gifts, cash, or inducements.
3. Candidates must avoid hate speeches or abusive language.
Q25. Give two examples of MCC violations.
Ans.
 A candidate distributing sarees and household items.
 ₹500 notes found in a candidate’s car to bribe voters.
Q26. Who was T.N. Seshan? What reforms did he bring?
Ans. T.N. Seshan was the Chief Election Commissioner in 1990. He introduced reforms like:
 Strict monitoring of campaigns.
 Voter ID cards to prevent proxy voting.
 Control of election expenditure.
He made Indian elections more fair, transparent, and fearless.
Q27. How are members of Rajya Sabha elected?
Ans. 233 members are elected indirectly by MLAs of state assemblies using the single transferable vote system. The President
nominates 12 members from eminent fields.
Q28. Why is the Rajya Sabha called a Permanent House?
Ans. Because it is never dissolved. One-third of its members retire every 2 years, and new members are elected, ensuring
continuity.
Q29. Who elects the President of India?
Ans. The President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of:
 Elected MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
 Elected MLAs of states and UTs (Delhi, Puducherry).
Q30. Who does not participate in the Presidential elections?
Ans.
 Nominated MPs (12 of Rajya Sabha).
 Nominated MLAs.
 Members of State Legislative Councils (both elected and nominated).
  Nominated members of UT assemblies.
Q31. Who elects the Vice President of India?
Ans. The Vice President is elected by both elected and nominated MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha through the single
transferable vote system.
Q32. What challenges are faced in India’s electoral system?
Ans.
 Growing influence of money in elections.
 Many candidates with criminal records.
 Declining voter turnout, especially in urban areas.
 Spread of misinformation through social media.
 Logistical difficulties in conducting elections in remote areas.
Q33. Why is voter awareness important?
Ans. Because an aware and vigilant voter is the strongest safeguard of democracy. Awareness helps people make responsible
choices, resist influence of money or propaganda, and protect the health of democracy.

QUETIONS

1. Universal Adult Franchise -What is meant by franchise and suffrage?

 Define universal adult franchise.

 Which Article of the Constitution provides for universal adult franchise?
 What is the minimum age for voting in India? When was it changed and why?
 Before Independence, how many Indians had the right to vote?
 Why is universal adult franchise called the cornerstone of Indian democracy?
 What condition can bar a citizen from voting?
 Why was giving the right to vote to women from the beginning a progressive step in India?
 Compare women’s voting rights in India with Switzerland.

2. Importance of Universal Franchise - Why did the Constitution makers decide to grant voting rights to
all adults, even when literacy was very low in 1947?

 How does universal adult franchise ensure equality among citizens?

 Write two reasons why universal adult franchise is important in a democracy.
 How does universal franchise make elected representatives accountable?
 In what ways does voting encourage civic engagement?
 How does universal adult franchise bridge barriers of caste, wealth, or gender?

3. Challenges of Elections in IndiA - Why are elections in India considered difficult to manage?

 Compare India’s voter population with that of the United Kingdom.

 Why does the Election Commission take accessibility measures? Give two examples.
 How did the Election Commission make elections more inclusive in 2024 for elderly and differently-
abled voters?
 What role does technology (like braille cards, ramps, apps) play in voting?

4. Case Study – Class Representative Election (Suryodaya School) - What promises did Ahmed,
Gurmat, and Ravi make in their class representative election?

 How did each student campaign for the election?

 Why was a secret ballot used in the class election?
 Why was a braille ballot paper prepared for Neha?
 What were the results of the election?
 What is the importance of NOTA in elections?
 Why is it important for students to remain responsible even after electing their class representative?
5. Election Commission of India (ECI)

 What is the Election Commission of India?

 When was it established?
 What types of elections does it conduct?
 Explain the structure of the Election Commission of India.
 What are the main tasks performed by the ECI?
 What role do Returning Officers (RO) and Electoral Registration Officers (ERO) play?
 Who manages elections at the state and district level?
 Why is the Election Commission called an independent body?

6. Lok Sabha Elections and Voting Process

 How many Lok Sabha constituencies are there in India?

 How many voters were eligible in the 2024 General Elections?
 Describe step-by-step how a voter casts their vote in an election.
 What is the role of the three polling officers?
 What is VVPAT and how does it help voters?
 What does the NOTA option mean?
 How many Lok Sabha seats are reserved for SCs and STs? Why?
 Why is the Lok Sabha election called the “festival of democracy”?

7. Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

 What is the Model Code of Conduct?

 Why is it important in elections?
 Mention three important rules under the MCC.
 Give examples of violations of the MCC mentioned in the chapter.
 When and where was the MCC first adopted?
 How did T.N. Seshan make Indian elections fairer?

8. Rajya Sabha Elections

 How many members are there in the Rajya Sabha?

 How many are elected and how many are nominated?
 Who elects the members of the Rajya Sabha?
 What is meant by “single transferable vote system”?
 Why is the Rajya Sabha called a “Permanent House”?
 How is representation in the Rajya Sabha decided for states like Uttar Pradesh and Arunachal
Pradesh?

9. Election of President and Vice President

 Who elects the President of India?

 Which groups do not participate in the election of the President?
 Why are nominated members not allowed to vote in the Presidential election?
 What system of voting is used in Presidential elections?
 Who elects the Vice President of India?
 What is the role of the Vice President in Parliament?

10. Challenges and the Road Ahead

 What are the major challenges faced by Indian democracy in elections?

 Why is money power a problem in elections?
 How does criminalization of politics affect democracy?
 Why do many urban voters not participate in elections?
 What percentage of eligible voters did not vote in the 2024 elections?
 What is the role of media and awareness campaigns in strengthening democracy?
 Why is a vigilant and aware voter called the strongest safeguard of democracy?