Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System
Class 8 · Social Science · 28 Questions
What is universal adult franchise?
What is an electoral system?
How does India's electoral system work?
India changed the minimum age for voting from 21 to 18 in 1988. Discuss whether this was a good move.
Can you calculate how long you have to wait before you can vote?
In 1947, our literacy rate was about 14 per cent, only about 8 per cent among women. Some argued that the right to vote should be given only to literate people. Discuss in your group why the Constitution makers may have decided on universal franchise from the time of Independence itself.
Discuss in groups — What role do such measures play in a democracy? Do you know of anyone who benefited from these improved accessibility measures? How might they increase voter participation in your neighbourhood? How can technology assist?
If you have access to the internet, visit the ECI website (https://www.eci.gov.in/persons-with-disabilities). Read and identify the various interventions that the ECI has taken to facilitate voting by people with disabilities.
What are the most important aspects of the election process in this caselet?
Why was it important to have a secret ballot?
What considerations might the students have had while exercising their choice?
Do you think the students have any responsibility after Gurmat was elected as the class rep? If yes, what are they?
What was the role that Ms. Usha played? Why was it important?
Why was it important for Ms. Usha to organise a braille ballot paper for Neha?
What would happen if many students in the class chose not to mark a preference?
When is the next election in the region where you are located? Is it to the state, urban local body or panchayat?
Who are the MP and MLA / MLAs of the constituency you are located in? (A Lok Sabha constituency may have two or more assembly constituencies.)
Which party does each of them belong to?
What are the concerns of the MP and MLA, respectively?
Why do you think the above group of people is not involved in electing the President of India? Why are the common people not involved in the election of the president?