Question

1. Which of the following resembles most a direct democracy? (a) Discussions in a family meeting. (b) Election of the class monitor. (c) Choice of a candidate by a political party. (d) Decisions taken by the Gram Sabha. (e) Opinion polls conducted by the media 2. Which of the following tasks are not performed by the Election Commission? (a) Preparing the Electoral Rolls. (b) Nominating the candidates. (c) Setting up polling booths. (id) Implementing the model code of conduct. (e) Supervising the Panchayat elections. 3. Indian electoral system aims at ensuring representation of socially disadvantaged sections. However, we are yet to have even 10 per cent women members in our legislatures. What measures would you suggest to improve the situation? 4. A former Chief Election Commissioner joined a political party and contested elections. There are various views on this issue. One view is that a former Election Commissioner is an independent citizen and has a right to join any political party and to contest election. According to the other view, leaving this possibility open can affect the impartiality of the Election Commission. So, former Election Commissioners must not be allowed to contest any elections. Which position do you agree with and why? Select the correct answer from above options

Answer 1

1. Correct option is (d) Decisions taken by the Gram Sabha. 2. Correct option is (e) Supervising the Panchayat elections. 3. The Indian Constitution provides the reservation for SC’s and ST’s in our legislative’s. But it lacks the similar reservation for disadvantaged groups. As there should be some more reservation for women through the constitutional amendment, which should not only be a proposal, but also be passed. 4. Election Commission of India is a constitutional independent body set for conducting elections of the Union Parliament, the state Legislative Assembly, President and Vice President under the Article 324(i) of India Constitution. The Election Commission is an impartial agency to conduct free and fair elections in country. Hence, Election Commissioner must not be allowed to contest any election because it can affect the impartiality of the Commission.