NIOS CLASS 10 SOCIAL SCIENCE CHAPTER-22 PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

 

PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

CHAPTER: 22

SOCIAL SCIENCE

TEXT BOOK QUESTIONS WITH THEIR ANSWERS

INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.1

Q. 1. What do you mean by people’s participation in the democratic process? 

Ans: People’s participation includes voting in elections, it is also expressed through public debates, newspaper editorials, protest demonstrations and their active involvement in governmental programmes. Even in respect of election process, it includes participation in campaign, political discussion, working for political parties and standing as candidates.

Q. 2. Are ‘public opinion’ and ‘voice of the people’ synonyms? Give reasons to your answer.

Ans: ‘Voice of the people’ and ‘public opinion’ do not mean the same. Public opinion is not the unanimous opinion of the people, nor is it the opinion of the majority. Pubic opinion is an organized and considered opinion of the people on any issue of public concern. Public opinion can also be defined as the complex collection of opinions of many different people and the sum of all their views.

Q. 3. Explain the importance of Public Opinion in a democracy.

Ans: Public opinion plays an important role in a democracy. A democratic government draws its authority from the people and claims its legitimacy from the consent of the governed. No government can function without the support of the people. The process of development of public opinion generates thinking, promotes awareness and invites people’s views on issue of public. concern. An alert and free public opinion is a check on absolute power and it promotes a process to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people. It also influences. government in making laws in the interest of the people.

Q. 4. List any two agencies which help in the formation of public opinion. Which agency according to you has the most powerful impact on public opinion? 

Ans: Two agencies which help in the formation of public opinion:

1. Print Media. 

2. Electronic Media.

According to us, Electronic Media has the most powerful impact on public opinion. Radio, Television, Cinema, Internet (Social Sites) and mobile phones have emerged as perhaps the most effective tools that contribute to the formulation of public opinion. Their audio-visual mode helps a great deal in assimilating views and opinion expressed even in the remote part of the country. They help in converting views into the most representative public opinion and also in communicating it to all concerned. The impact of their contribution has increased manifold since the beginning of the live telecast of legislature debates.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.2

Q. 1. Examine the importance of elections in India.

Ans: Elections provide opportunities to the people to participate actively in the functioning of the democratic government. These are the most important expression of public opinion, as these enable the people to express their will. Elections also widen the scope of political awakening among the masses and educate them by familiarizing them with issues of public concern. They facilitate peaceful transfer of power from one political party or one group of political parties to another and legitimize the working of the government by justifying the authority of representatives lead people.

Q. 2. What do you mean by direct and indirect elections?

Ans: Direct Elections: Under this people vote directly through their ballot to elect their representative to legislative bodies like Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and the local government institutions.

Indirect Elections: Under this the elected representative of the people vote for electing persons to occupy certain position. The President, Vice President of India and the members of Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly. Moreover, certain percentage of members of the Legislative Councils are indirectly elected by the members of the concerned Legislative Assemblies.

Q. 3. Fill in the Blanks:

1. Elections held after the expiry of the full term of the legislatures are known as __________.

Ans: General Elections.

2. If the elections are held before the completion of the normal term of the legislature owing to the dissolution of legislative bodies, these are called __________.

Ans: Mid Term Elections.

3. An election held in a particular constituency owing to a vacancy caused by resignation or death of the elected member, or when the election of a particular member is set aside by the judiciary is known as __________.

Ans: Bye Elections.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.3

Q. 1. How is the Election Commission constituted?

Ans: The task of conducting free, fair and impartial elections is entrusted to an impartial constitutional authority which is known as the Election Commission. It is not a legal but is a constitutional body. It consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and the number of Election Commissioners as the President of India may fix in accordance with the law. The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India. They have tenure of

six years or upto the age of 65 years, which ever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and service condition as are enjoyed by the judges of the Supreme Court of India.

Q. 2. What according to you are the two most critical functions of the Election Commission? 

Ans: Critical functions of the Election Commission:

1. Ensure free and fair elections in India.

2. Supervise, direct and control the entire election machinery and preparation of electoral roll.

Q. 3. Who are the main election officials from state level to the level of polling booth?

Ans: For the conduct of elections, the Election Commission is assisted by a number of officials. 

The main election officers are the following:

1. Chief Election Officers of the State 

2. District Election Officers

3. Electoral Registration Officers

4. Returning Officers 

5. Assistant Electoral Registration Officers

6. Assistant Returning Officers

7. Polling Officers.

Q. 4. If you are assigned the task of acting as a Returning Officer, what main functions will you perform and how will you ensure free, fair and peaceful poll in the constituency?

Ans: As a Returning Officer, I have to perform the following functions to ensure free, fare and peaceful poll in the constituency:

(i) To receives and scrutinizes the nomination papers of candidates.

contesting elections. 

(ii) On behalf of the Election Commission, allots the election symbols to the parties and independent candidates.

(iii) Conducts smooth elections in the constituency with the help of state police and paramilitary forces.

(iv) Ensures proper and fair counting of votes.

(v) Declares the election results. 

Q. 5. What are the five major stages of electoral process in India?

Ans: Five major steps of electoral process in India are as follows: 

1. Delimitation of constituencies and preparation of voter list.

2. Announcement of election schedule after President or Governor’s Notification of Elections.

3. Allotment of election symbols to parties and independent candidates and give time to candidates for their campaign. 

4. Voting, counting of votes and declaration of election result. 

6. Election petition.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.4 

Q. 1. Universal adult franchise ensures that the votes of very Indian citizen is equally valuable. Do you think that this has been able to reduce inequalities related to class, caste, gender and religion? Justify your view point.

Ans: Universal Adult Franchise means a system in which all adults, men and women, without any discrimination, have a right to vote in the election.

In may ways, Universal Adult Franchise has provided opportunities to people to participate in election processes despite differences of class, caste, gender and religion. It has enriched our democracy by giving equal opportunity to all persons. Today, people of all castes and classes have an opportunity to vote. However, we cannot say that the inequalities in our society have completely gone, person belonging to different castes, classes and gender is still discriminated. Real equality can only be brought in once there is a change in the attitude and behavior of ordinary citizens and they stop discrimination at all levels in their personal lives as well at the societal level.

Q. 2. Mention any three problems that are confronted by the electoral system in India.

Ans: Problems that are confronted by the electoral system in India: 

1. Rigging of the election-fake and bogus voting, impersonation. When some body takes on a false identity and votes instead of the real persons during election, such an illegal act is called impersonation. It can be curtailed by compulsory identification through use of voter’s I card.

2. Violence during elections.

3. Intimidation of voters especially the people of weaker sections.

Q. 3. Mention any two electoral reforms you think are important to improve our electoral system.

Ans: (i) The functioning of political parties to be regulated in order to ensure that they function in a transparent and democratic manner.There is a need to audit their expenditure incurred during the elections.

(ii) Electoral laws to be made more stringent and there must be provisions for harsher punishment.

TERMINAL EXERCISES

Q. 1. What do you mean by people’s participation in the democratic process? Do you think, casting votes in elections is the be-all and and-all of people’s. participation? Give reasons.

Ans: We vote to elect our representative who forms and runs the government. These representatives implement the government’s policies and programmes, People’s participation in the election is what makes our democracy a representative and participatory democracy. But the meaning of people’s participation does not begin and end with their voting in elections. People’s participation is also expressed through public debates, newspaper editorials, protest demonstrations and their active involvement in governmental programmes. Even in respect of election process, it includes participation in campaign, political discussion, working for political parties and standing as candidates. People’s participation may be defined as, “behavior through which people directly express their political opinions.” This conceptualization is broad enough to cover the electoral and non-electoral forms of political participation. In fact, participation comprises all those actions of citizens by which they seek, to influence, support or criticize the government and its policies. They do so to ensure that their representatives respond to their needs and aspirations.

Q. 2. Define public opinion and discuss its importance in a democracy.

Ans: Public opinion is not the unanimous opinion of the people, nor it is the opinion of the majority. Public opinion is an organized and considered opinion of the people on any issues of public concern. Public opinion can also be defined as the complex collection of opinions of different people and the sum of all their views. 

To a great extent, various definitions on public opinion include the following characteristics:

(a) Public opinion is an aggregate of views which are based on reasons. 

(b) These views aim at assuring the welfare of the whole community.

(c) It influences the decisions of government, functioning of political parties and running of administration.

Importance of Public Opinion in a Democracy:

The role of public opinion in a democracy is very important. A democratic government is formed, sustained and controlled by public opinion. 

The following roles of public opinion one especially important:

1. An alert and free public opinion is a check on absolute power of the government. 

2. It ensures a system, in which no organ of the government over rules other.

3. It promotes a process to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

4. It influences government in making laws in the interest of the people. 

5. It strengthens democratic values and norms. 

6. It protects rights, freedom and liberty, external vigilance is lightly called the price of liberty.

Q. 3. Give any four agencies which help to formulate public opinion. Which agency according to you had the most powerful impact on public opinion? 

Ans: Agencies for the formation of public opinion: 

1. Print Media: Newspapers, periodicals, magazines and other print materials or press are very important agencies for the formulation of public opinion. The news items, articles, news stories, letters to editor and several other published items on almost all the critical public issues update the individuals views and opinions. These also assimilate and concentric varied views and opinions and help them evolve as public opinion. These media or press instruments also facilitate communication of public opinion to all concerned.

2. Electronic Media: Radio, Television, Cinema, Internet (social sites) and mobile phones have emerged as perhaps the most effective tools that contribute to the formulation of public opinion. These audio- visual mode helps a great deal in assimilating views and opinions expressed even in the remotest part of the country. They help in converting views into the most representative public opinion and also in communicating it to all concerned.

3. Political Parties: Various political parties organize public meetings, demonstrations and processions to attract the attention of the people towards various problems. They educate the people to understand these problems. This helps in the formation of public opinion. 

4. Legislatures: Legislatures, Parliament and State Legislatures in our country are the most effective institutions that make substantive contribution to the formation of public opinion. The impact of their contribution has increased manifold since the beginning of the live telecast of legislative debates.

5. Educational institutions: Educational institutions organize lectures, debates and declamation skits on various problems being faced by the people and the country. Students learn about them and farm opinion on them.

It is clear from the above discussion that Electronic Media which includes Radio, Television, Cinema, Internet (Social Sites) and Mobile Phones had the most powerful impact on public opinion. Legislature is also plays an important role in it but only through the Electronic media.

Q. 4. Examine the role of elections in Indian democratic system. Discuss the types of elections that are held in the country.

Ans: Election is a contest among candidates in order to seek the membership of a legislative body or a representative institution to again a public position. Election to the legislature and local government bodies are held periodically. The whole country or the entire state or the area of the concerned local body is divided into a number of constituencies. Each constituency elects one representative from a number of candidates who contest elections. The candidate who get the longest number of votes as against the other candidates in the constituency is declared elected.

Election provides opportunities to the people to participate actively in the functioning of the democratic government. These enable the people to express their will. Elections widen the scope of political awakening among the masses and educate them by familiarizing them with issues of public concern. It facilitates peaceful transfer of power from one political party or one group of political parties to another and legitimate the working of the government by justifying the authority of representative to lead people. 

Types of Elections:

1. (a) Direct Election: Under this people vote directly through their ballot to elect their representatives to legislative bodies like Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and the local government institutions.

(b) Indirect Elections: Under this the elected representative of the people vote for electing persons to occupy certain positions. The President, Vice President of India and the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly.

2. (a) General Elections: The general elections are held all over the country, for the Lok Sabha or in all over the state for the State Legislative Assemblies. Such elections are held after the expiry of the full term of the legislature.

(b) Midterm Elections: If the elections are held before the completion of the normal term of the legislature owing to the dissolution of legislative bodies, these are called mid-term elections.

(c) Bye-Elections: Bye-Elections are held in a particular constituency owing to a vacancy caused by resignation or death of the elected member or when the election of a particular member is set aside by the judiciary. In such elections, the member is elected for the remaining period of term of the legislature.

Q. 5. What are the major functions of the Election Commission of India? What are the major stages of election process?

Ans: Major functions of the Election Commission of India:

1. Election Commission ensures free and fair elections in the country.

2. It supervises, direct and control the entire election machinery and preparation of electoral roll.

3. It provides recognition to political parties and register them as national and state parties. 

4. It allots the symbols to political parties and the numerous independent candidates contesting the elections.

5. It issues the guidelines and code of conduct for the election officials, candidates and for the political parties during the elections.

6. It redressal of election complaints received from the voters, the candidates and political parties.

7. It appoints the electoral officials. 

8. It advises the President on matters relating to elections. 

Major stages of Election Process:

1. Delimitation of Constituencies: It is the first step which is undertaken by the Election Commission. The whole country in the case of Lok Sabha elections and of that particular state in the case of Legislative Assembly elections. is directed into as many constituencies as there are seats.

2. Preparation of voters’ list : Preparation and revision of the electoral roll or voters list constitute the next step done under the supervision of the Election Commission. Periodically the voters list of each constituency is prepared and published. 

3. President and Governor’s Notification: Consequent upon the President’s and Governor’s notifications, the Election Commission undertakes the task of conducting elections in the country.

4. Announcement of Election Schedule: The election schedule is announced-indicating the date for filling the nomination papers, their scrutiny, withdrawals, polling, counting of the votes and the declaration of the election results.

5. Allotment of election symbol: Allotment of election symbols to the candidates and the political parties is done by the Election Commission. 

6. Election Campaign: The candidates and the political parties are given time for election campaigns by the Election Commission. The election campaign normally ends 48 hours before the election. 

7. Voting: On the date fixed earlier, voting take place. For voting, election booths are set up. Voters go to the polling booths and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice. Voting is held by secret ballot or now by EVMS.

8. Counting of votes and declaration of result: After the voting is over, the ballot boxes are opened before the candidates or their agents and votes are counted under the supervision of the returning officer. A candidate who gets the highest number of votes is declared elected.

9. Election Petition: If any candidate feels that the election in his constituency has not been held properly or if he has any objection against the result, he can file on election petition in the court. If the objections raised are found to be correct the court can set aside that election. In that constituency the election will be held again.

Q. 6. What is meant by Universal Adult Franchise? Explain its significance?

Ans: Universal Adult Franchise is a system of election in which all the citizens who have reached a certain age are entitled to cast votes, irrespective of their religion, caste, language, sex or place of birth. Only minors, bankrupts, lunatics and foreigners are deprived of the right to vote. The age for being adult has been fixed different in various countries. In England and India, it is 18 years, in Myanmar it is 20 years and in Norway it is 23 years. 

Significance of Universal Adult Franchise:

1. Universal Adult Franchise is based on political equality which is the spirit of democracy. The administration of the country should be run by the representatives of all people and not by a particular class or section of society. 

2. Through adult franchise the liberty of people is secured and their rights are protected. People can remove or change the government, if it work against their interest in the next elections. 

3. Universal Adult Franchise exercised through election gives political education. People participate in the politics of the country and feel involved in the making of laws. Lastly laws are willingly obeyed since they are made by the people’s own representatives.

Q. 7. In India where we see many inequalities related to class, caste, gender, religion how successful do you think is universal adult franchise?

Ans: ‘Universal’ means commonly applicable to all persons, without any discrimination; adult means a person who is a major and not a minor; ‘franchise’ means individual right to cast his/her vote. Universal adult franchise thus means a system in which all adult, men and women, without any discrimination have a right to vote in the elections. But all adults do not include those who are legally banned from voting.

In many ways, Universal Adult Franchise has provided opportunities to people to participate in the election processes despite difference of class, caste, gender and religion. It has enriched our democracy by giving equal opportunity to all persons. Today, people of all castes and classes have an opportunity to vote. However, we cannot say that the inequalities, in one society have completely gone, persons belonging to different classes, caste and gender still discriminated. Real equality can only be brought in once there is a change in the attitude and behavior of ordinary citizens and they stop discrimination at all levels in their personal lives as well as the social level. But in spite of various arguments have been given against Universal Adult Franchise, it is very much successful in the India.

Q. 8. Discuss any four major problems confronted by the electoral system in India. 

Ans: Major problems confronted by he electoral system in India: 

1. Rigging of the elections-fake and bogus voting, impersonation. Impersonation is bogus voting. When some body takes on a false identity and votes instead of the real persons during elections, such an illegal act is called impersonation. It can be curtailed by compulsory identification through use of voters I-cards.

2. Violence during elections.

3. Adverse role of money and muscle power.

4. Intimidation of voters especially the people of weaker sections.

5. Misuse of governmental machinery. 

6. Booth capturing and criminalization in both elections and politics.

Q. 9. Do you think there is an urgent need to effect electoral reforms in India? What are major recommendations for bringing about the elections reforms?

Ans: The electoral system in India based on Universal Adult Franchise has helped the voters not only in choosing their representative, but also in facilitating smooth and peaceful change of governments, replacing one political party or set of political parties by another. Our elections, held so far, have largely been free and fair People have participated in the election processes actively. Accordingly elections have become an important part of our democratic life. And yet, there are certain critical problems that have been adversely affecting not only the quality of electoral process but also the functioning of democratic system. These definitely call for electoral reforms.

Major recommendations for bringing about election reforms:

1. Democratization of electoral system be made from time to time so as to keep the electoral system in pace with changing time.

2. Change from the on-going system (plurality system) to some form of proportional representation system to be introduced to reduce the vote-seats imbalance.

3. The functioning of political parties to be regulated in order to ensure that they function in a transparent and democratic manner. There is a need to audit their expenditure incurred during elections.

4. Electoral laws to be made more stringent and there must be provisions for harsher punishment.

5. State funding of elections to be introduced so as to reduce and curb election expenses.

6. Special provision to be made to ensure at least one third representation of women in Parliament and state legislatures.

7. The role of money and muscle power to be curbed during the elections.

8. Criminalization of politics to be stopped in the elections. 

9. Candidates with any criminal record to be banned from contesting elections.

10. Complete ban to be imposed on the use of caste and religious appeal in election campaign.

Q. 10. Make an Action Plan for the Election Commission, for bringing about reforms in the process of electoral campaigning. The plan should help promote effective dissemination of information among the general public, about political parties and candidates.

Ans: Action Plan for the Election Commission:

1. Democratization of electoral system be made from time to time so as to keep the electoral system in pace with changing times.

2. Regulate the functioning of political parties in order to ensure that they function in a transparent and democratic manner.

3. Regular audit of party expenditure during elections. 

4. Curb the role of money and muscle power during the elections.

5. Criminalization of politics to be stopped in elections and politics. 

6. Candidates with criminal record to be banned from contesting elections.

7. Impose complete ban on the use of caste and religion appeal in election campaign.

SOME OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. The minimum age required for being a voter in India is __________.

(a) 20 years

(b) 18 years

(d) 23 years

(c) 21 years 

Ans: (b) 18 years.

2. __________ does not influence people’s participation.

(a) Education

(b) Inequality

(c) Location (rural/urban)

(d) Economic condition

Ans: (c) Location (rural/urban).

3. The most effective agency of public opinion is

(a) Media

(b) Educational Institutions

(c) Election

(d) Interest/pressure groups 

Ans: (a) Media.

4. Elections provides opportunities for

(a) equality

(b) income

(c) employment 

(d) participation 

Ans: (d) participation.

5. Granting voting rights to all adult citizens without discrimination is:

(a) Adult Franchise 

(b) Franchise

(c) Universal Adult Franchise 

(d) All above

Ans: (c) Universal Adult Franchise. 

6. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

(a) Chief Justice of India

(b) Presiclent

(c) Parliament

(d) Prime Minister

Ans: (b) Presiclent.

7. The Returning Officer is the incharge of entire election process of a

(a) State

(b) District

(c) Country

(d) Constituency

Ans: (d) Constituency.

8. The democracy is of two types:

(a) Direct/Indirect 

(b) Social/Economic

(c) (a) and (b) both

(d) None of them

Ans: (a) Direct/Indirect.

9. Which authority in India is responsible to superintend, direct and control the elections in our country?

(a) Chief Electoral Officer

(b) Chief Election Commission

(c) Election Commission of India

(d) Returning Officer 

Ans: (c) Election Commission of India.

10. The minimum age required for voting in Norway is:

(a) 18 years

(b) 23 years

(c) 20 years 

(d) 21 years

Ans: (b) 23 years.