Q.1 Which body is primarily responsible for conducting free and fair elections in most democratic countries?
Supreme Court
Election Commission
Parliament
Cabinet
Explanation - The Election Commission is an independent body that supervises and conducts elections to ensure fairness and transparency.
Correct answer is: Election Commission
Q.2 What is 'universal adult suffrage'?
Right to vote for all adults regardless of status
Voting only for wealthy citizens
Right to vote for males only
Right to vote based on literacy
Explanation - Universal adult suffrage means every adult citizen has the right to vote without discrimination.
Correct answer is: Right to vote for all adults regardless of status
Q.3 Which term refers to the illegal practice of influencing voters by offering money or gifts?
Gerrymandering
Bribery
Impersonation
Proxy voting
Explanation - Bribery during elections undermines democratic principles and is a punishable offense.
Correct answer is: Bribery
Q.4 What does 'first-past-the-post' electoral system mean?
Candidate with most votes wins, even without majority
Run-off between top two candidates
Proportional seat allocation
Election by lottery
Explanation - In first-past-the-post, the candidate securing the highest votes wins regardless of absolute majority.
Correct answer is: Candidate with most votes wins, even without majority
Q.5 Which Article in many constitutions guarantees the right to vote?
Article on Equality
Article on Liberty
Article on Elections
Article on Freedom of Speech
Explanation - The right to vote is enshrined in constitutional provisions dealing with elections.
Correct answer is: Article on Elections
Q.6 What is the minimum age for voting in most democratic nations?
16 years
18 years
21 years
25 years
Explanation - Most democracies have fixed 18 years as the minimum age to exercise voting rights.
Correct answer is: 18 years
Q.7 Which of the following is NOT a method of voting?
Electronic voting
Postal voting
Voice voting
Ballot paper voting
Explanation - Voice voting is not a recognized method as it compromises secrecy and fairness.
Correct answer is: Voice voting
Q.8 What does 'secret ballot' ensure?
Votes counted secretly
Identity of voters hidden
Casting vote privately
Candidates remain unknown
Explanation - Secret ballot ensures that voters cast their vote privately, preventing undue influence.
Correct answer is: Casting vote privately
Q.9 Which of these is an example of electoral malpractice?
Campaigning before election
Casting one's vote
Rigging votes
Filing nomination
Explanation - Electoral rigging undermines fairness and legitimacy of elections.
Correct answer is: Rigging votes
Q.10 Who has the authority to delimit constituencies in most democracies?
President
Election Commission
Prime Minister
Political Parties
Explanation - The Election Commission or similar independent body is tasked with constituency delimitation to avoid political bias.
Correct answer is: Election Commission
Q.11 What is 'gerrymandering'?
Illegal voting
Manipulating constituency boundaries
Multiple voting by one person
Bribing voters
Explanation - Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating boundaries to favor a party or group.
Correct answer is: Manipulating constituency boundaries
Q.12 Which international body monitors elections worldwide?
UNESCO
UNDP
United Nations
International Election Observers
Explanation - International observers are often deployed to ensure fairness in elections globally.
Correct answer is: International Election Observers
Q.13 What is the role of an electoral roll?
List of candidates
List of eligible voters
List of polling stations
List of elected members
Explanation - The electoral roll contains names of citizens eligible to vote in a constituency.
Correct answer is: List of eligible voters
Q.14 What is the significance of the Model Code of Conduct?
Rules for Parliament sessions
Guidelines for election campaigns
Judicial procedures
Voter registration rules
Explanation - The Model Code of Conduct regulates political parties and candidates during election campaigns.
Correct answer is: Guidelines for election campaigns
Q.15 Which voting method allows individuals unable to visit polling stations to vote?
Ballot box voting
Postal voting
Electronic voting
Voice voting
Explanation - Postal voting allows voters unable to be physically present to cast their vote remotely.
Correct answer is: Postal voting
Q.16 Why is compulsory voting debated in some countries?
It increases literacy
It reduces corruption
It forces participation vs. freedom of choice
It shortens elections
Explanation - Compulsory voting ensures high turnout but raises concerns about individual liberty.
Correct answer is: It forces participation vs. freedom of choice
Q.17 What is the main purpose of an election manifesto?
Guidelines for judges
Plans and promises by political parties
Rules of Parliament
Economic policies only
Explanation - A manifesto outlines the agenda and promises a political party intends to implement if elected.
Correct answer is: Plans and promises by political parties
Q.18 What does the term 'franchise' mean in election law?
Granting voting rights
Financial support
Party registration
Election campaigning
Explanation - Franchise refers to the right granted to citizens to participate in elections by voting.
Correct answer is: Granting voting rights
Q.19 Which of the following ensures fairness in counting votes?
Open debates
Observers at counting centers
Secret ballot
Political campaigns
Explanation - Neutral observers and representatives at counting centers ensure transparency in tallying votes.
Correct answer is: Observers at counting centers
Q.20 Which type of election is held to fill a seat that has become vacant before the scheduled term ends?
General election
By-election
Mid-term election
Local election
Explanation - A by-election is conducted to fill a vacant seat when an elected representative resigns or passes away.
Correct answer is: By-election
Q.21 Which factor is most crucial for elections to be considered democratic?
Multiple candidates
Independent judiciary
Fair competition and equal opportunity
Large voter turnout only
Explanation - Democratic elections require fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates and parties.
Correct answer is: Fair competition and equal opportunity
Q.22 What does 'NOTA' stand for in some election systems?
None of the Above
National Organization for Transparent Affairs
New Order for Total Accountability
Nomination of Technical Advisors
Explanation - NOTA allows voters to reject all candidates if they do not find any suitable.
Correct answer is: None of the Above
Q.23 Which of the following is a disqualification for contesting elections?
Being an independent candidate
Having a criminal conviction
Being under 70 years
Not belonging to a party
Explanation - Criminal convictions and certain legal disqualifications bar individuals from contesting elections.
Correct answer is: Having a criminal conviction
Q.24 Which election is held at regular intervals to elect representatives for the whole legislature?
By-election
General election
Referendum
Recall election
Explanation - General elections are held to elect members for the entire legislative body at fixed intervals.
Correct answer is: General election
Q.25 What is the purpose of a referendum?
To choose a President
To decide a single policy issue by public vote
To elect judges
To select political party leaders
Explanation - Referendums allow citizens to directly vote on specific issues or policies.
Correct answer is: To decide a single policy issue by public vote