Electoral Politics Class 9 Notes help students understand the importance of elections in a democratic system. This chapter explains how representatives are elected, why elections are necessary, and what makes an election free and fair.
It also covers key topics such as electoral constituencies, political competition, reservations, voter eligibility, election campaigns, and the role of the Election Commission.
These notes are designed to make learning easy and support effective exam preparation for Class 9 students.
Electoral Politics Class 9 Notes
CBSE Class 9 Political Science Electoral Politics Notes: A fundamental aspect of democracy. Understanding elections is crucial for students as it explains how citizens choose their representatives and participate in shaping the government.
What is Electoral Politics?
Electoral Politics refers to the system through which people select their representatives at regular intervals. Elections are the foundation of a democratic government, allowing citizens to express their choice and participate in governance. The process ensures that leaders are accountable to the people and policies reflect public opinion.
Example: Assembly Election in Haryana
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Chaudhary Devi Lal, an opposition leader, led a movement called Nyaya Yudh (struggle for justice) and formed a new party, Lok Dal.
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In the election, Lok Dal and its allies won 76 out of 90 seats.
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Despite this victory, the party’s rule lasted only four years, demonstrating that electoral success does not always guarantee long-term governance.
Need for Elections
Elections are essential for a democracy for several reasons:
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They allow citizens to choose their representatives.
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They enable people to rule indirectly through elected leaders.
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Elections help select representatives based on experience, knowledge, and leadership qualities.
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They serve as a feedback mechanism to see if people are satisfied with their leaders.
Features of a Democratic Election
A truly democratic election must have the following features:
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Universal adult suffrage: Every citizen above 18 has the right to vote, and every vote has equal value.
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Free contest: Political parties and independent candidates must have the freedom to contest.
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Regular intervals: Elections should be held periodically to ensure accountability.
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Fair representation: Candidates elected must reflect the preference of the people.
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Free and fair process: The election should be conducted without coercion, fraud, or manipulation.
Political Competition
Political competition occurs when different parties vie for voter confidence and votes. They make promises to motivate voters.
Demerits of Electoral Competition
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It can create disunity and factionalism within communities.
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Parties might use unfair tactics like booth capturing.
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The pressure to win can hinder long-term policy-making.
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It can lead to unhealthy competition.
Merits of Electoral Competition
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Regular competition motivates parties and leaders to perform better.
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It reveals the true intentions of political parties seeking power.
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Voters get choices among different candidates.
System of Elections in India
India holds Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) elections every five years. The term of elected representatives ends after five years.
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General Elections: Elections held simultaneously in all constituencies, on the same day or within a few days.
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By-election: Held for a single constituency when a representative dies or resigns.
Electoral Constituencies
A group of voters in a specific area elects one representative to a legislative body.
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For the Lok Sabha elections, India is divided into 543 constituencies. The elected representative is a Member of Parliament (MP).
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For Vidhan Sabha elections, each state has specific assembly constituencies. The elected representative is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
Reservation for SC and ST
Some constituencies are reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
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In an SC-reserved constituency, only an SC person can contest.
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Similarly, only an ST person can contest from an ST-reserved constituency.
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In 2012, 84 Lok Sabha seats were reserved for SCs and 47 for STs.
Reservation in District/Local Level
This system extends to weaker sections at the local levels. Many states reserve seats in rural (Panchayat) and urban (municipal) bodies for Other Backwards Classes (OBC). One-third of seats in these local bodies are reserved for women.
Voters List
The list of eligible voters is prepared officially as the Electoral Roll, commonly called the Voters’ List.
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Universal Adult Franchise: All citizens aged 18 and above can vote, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
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EPIC: The Election Photo Identity Card is introduced, but other proofs like Aadhaar or a driving license are also accepted.
Nomination Of Candidates
Anyone who can vote can also be a candidate. The minimum age to be a candidate is 25 years.
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Political parties nominate candidates, giving them a 'party ticket'.
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Candidates must fill out a nomination form and pay a security deposit.
Legal Declaration for Nomination
Candidates must declare:
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Their educational qualifications.
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Details of assets and liabilities.
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Serious criminal cases are pending against them.
Election Campaign
An election campaign involves candidates promoting their policies and promises to voters. These activities are crucial for electoral politics.
Code of Conduct and Laws
No party or candidate can:
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Bribe or threaten voters.
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Appeal using caste or religion.
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Use government resources for campaigns.
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Spend more than Rs. 70 lakh for a Lok Sabha constituency or Rs. 28-40 lakh for an Assembly constituency (depending on states).
Violation can lead to election rejection by the court.
Polling
The day when voters cast their votes is Election Day.
Independent Election Commission
Elections are conducted by an independent and powerful Election Commission (EC).
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The EC enjoys independence similar to the judiciary.
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The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President. Once appointed, the CEC is not answerable to the President or government.
Role of the Election Commission
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It enforces the Code of Conduct and punishes violators.
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The EC can order the government to follow guidelines to prevent misuse of power.
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Government officers work under the EC’s control during election duty.
CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 3 PDF Download
CBSE Class 9 Electoral Politics Notes are designed to help students understand how elections are conducted in India, the need for elections, and the democratic processes involved.
These notes cover important topics like the system of elections, electoral constituencies, reservation for SC/ST and women, nomination of candidates, election campaigns, and the role of the Election Commission. Students can easily refer to these notes to prepare for exams and revise key concepts quickly. For convenience, the Electoral Politics Notes Class 9 PDF is available for download below.
Download Electoral Politics Class 9 Notes PDF
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CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes |
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CBSE Class 9 Civics Chapter 1: What Is Democracy? Why Democracy? |