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Samacheer Kalvi 9th Social Science Election, Political Parties and Pressure Groups Exercise Solutions | KalviGavani

TN Class 9 Social Science Election, Political Parties and Pressure Groups exercise solutions — Election Commission, types of elections, national and state parties, pressure groups, MCQ, short and detailed answers.

Updated 12 June 202622 min read

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Election, Political Parties and Pressure Groups — Exercise Solutions Guide

Solve every exercise on your own first, then cross-check your answers here. Understanding why an answer is correct matters more than memorising it.

I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. The Election Commission of India is a

(a) Statutory body (b) Constitutional body (c) Executive body (d) Legislative body

Answer(b) Constitutional body — The Election Commission is established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers it to superintend, direct, and control the conduct of elections. Being a constitutional body means its powers and independence are guaranteed by the Constitution itself, not by ordinary legislation.

Q2. The minimum age to contest for the Lok Sabha is

(a) 18 years (b) 21 years (c) 25 years (d) 30 years

Answer(c) 25 years — As per the Constitution, a person must be at least 25 years of age to contest for the Lok Sabha (House of the People). For the Rajya Sabha, the minimum age is 30 years, while the voting age is 18 years.

Q3. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission?

(a) Preparing electoral rolls (b) Conducting elections (c) Formulating government policy (d) Enforcing the model code of conduct

Answer(c) Formulating government policy — The Election Commission's role is limited to conducting free and fair elections. Formulating government policy is the function of the elected government, not the Election Commission. The EC prepares electoral rolls, schedules elections, deploys central forces, and enforces the model code of conduct.

Q4. A party recognised in four or more states is classified as a

(a) State party (b) Regional party (c) National party (d) Registered party

Answer(c) National party — The Election Commission classifies a party as a national party if it is recognised in four or more states. The criteria include securing at least 6% of votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in those states with an additional requirement of winning seats, or winning 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 different states.

Q5. The system where a candidate needs more votes than any other candidate to win is called

(a) Proportional representation (b) First-past-the-post (c) Single transferable vote (d) Reserved constituency

Answer(b) First-past-the-post — In India, Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections follow the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, also called the plurality system. The candidate who gets the most votes wins, even if they do not achieve an absolute majority (50%+1). This is different from proportional representation used for Rajya Sabha elections.

Q6. Pressure groups aim to

(a) Contest elections and form government (b) Influence government policy without seeking power (c) Overthrow the government (d) Replace political parties

Answer(b) Influence government policy without seeking power — Pressure groups are organisations that try to influence government decisions on specific issues without directly contesting elections or seeking to form the government. Examples include trade unions, farmers' associations, and environmental groups.

Q7. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the

(a) Prime Minister (b) President of India (c) Parliament (d) Supreme Court

Answer(b) President of India — Under Article 324, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India. However, after the 2023 Supreme Court ruling, appointments are made on the advice of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India.

Q8. Which of the following is an example of a pressure group?

(a) Bharatiya Janata Party (b) Indian National Congress (c) All India Trade Union Congress (d) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

Answer(c) All India Trade Union Congress — AITUC is a trade union — a pressure group that advocates for workers' rights without contesting elections to form the government. The other options (BJP, INC, DMK) are political parties that contest elections.

Q9. Elections to the Rajya Sabha are conducted by

(a) First-past-the-post system (b) Proportional representation with single transferable vote (c) Direct election by the people (d) Nomination by the President

Answer(b) Proportional representation with single transferable vote — Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using the single transferable vote (STV) system of proportional representation. This ensures that minority interests also get representation.

Q10. The minimum voting age in India as per the 61st Constitutional Amendment is

(a) 21 years (b) 18 years (c) 25 years (d) 16 years

Answer(b) 18 years — The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988, reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years. This was done to expand democratic participation and give young adults a voice in governance.

Q11. A party that secures at least 6% of total valid votes in a state Assembly election and wins at least 2 seats is recognised as a

(a) National party (b) State party (c) Regional alliance (d) Unregistered party

Answer(b) State party — A party is recognised as a state party by the Election Commission if it secures at least 6% of the total valid votes in a state Assembly election and wins at least 2 seats in that state's Legislative Assembly, or wins at least 3% of total Assembly seats (minimum 3 seats).

Q12. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Election Commission?

(a) Article 324 (b) Article 326 (c) Article 356 (d) Article 370

Answer(a) Article 324 — Article 324 vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission. Article 326 deals with elections to the House of the People based on adult suffrage, while Articles 356 and 370 deal with President's Rule and special status of Jammu & Kashmir respectively.

II. True or False

1. The Election Commission of India is a multi-member body.

AnswerTrue. Originally a single-member body, the Election Commission was made a multi-member body in 1993. It currently consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, ensuring collective decision-making.

2. A national party must be recognised in at least two states.

AnswerFalse. A national party must be recognised in four or more states. The criteria for national party status are more stringent than for state parties, requiring a broader base of electoral support across the country.

3. Pressure groups contest elections to form the government.

AnswerFalse. Pressure groups do not contest elections or seek to form the government. Their primary role is to influence government policy, legislation, and administrative decisions on specific issues through lobbying, protests, and advocacy.

4. India follows the first-past-the-post system for Lok Sabha elections.

AnswerTrue. In Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, India uses the first-past-the-post system where the candidate who receives the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority.

5. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge.

AnswerTrue. Under Article 324(5), the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only through impeachment by Parliament, which is the same process as removing a Supreme Court judge. This ensures the CEC's independence from the executive.

6. By-elections are held to fill seats that fall vacant between general elections.

AnswerTrue. When a seat falls vacant due to resignation, death, or disqualification of a sitting member between general elections, a by-election is conducted to fill that vacancy. This ensures continued representation for the constituency.

7. A political party and a pressure group serve the same purpose.

AnswerFalse. A political party aims to win elections, form the government, and implement a broad programme. A pressure group focuses on influencing policy on specific issues without contesting elections. Parties seek power; pressure groups seek influence.

8. The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Supreme Court.

AnswerFalse. The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India. It comes into force immediately after the announcement of election dates and regulates the conduct of political parties, candidates, and the ruling party to ensure free and fair elections.

9. India has a multi-party system.

AnswerTrue. India has a multi-party system where multiple political parties compete for power. This is a natural outcome of India's vast social, regional, and linguistic diversity, which leads to the formation of parties representing different groups and interests.

10. The Election Commission cannot cancel an election once it has been announced.

AnswerFalse. The Election Commission has the authority to cancel or countermand an election in a constituency under specific circumstances, such as widespread booth capturing, violence, or irregularities that vitiate the electoral process.

III. Fill in the Blanks

1. The Election Commission of India was established under Article ___ of the Constitution.

Article 324 provides for the Election Commission and vests it with the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections.

Answer324

2. The minimum age to vote in India is ___ years.

The 61st Constitutional Amendment (1988) reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

Answer18

3. A party recognised in four or more states is called a ___ party.

The Election Commission's criteria for national party status require recognition in at least four states.

Answernational

4. The ___ system is used for electing members to the Rajya Sabha.

The Rajya Sabha uses proportional representation with the single transferable vote, ensuring representation of minority interests.

Answersingle transferable vote

5. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the ___ of India.

The President appoints the CEC, though the selection now involves a committee as per a 2023 Supreme Court ruling.

AnswerPresident

6. An election held to fill a vacancy between two general elections is called a ___.

By-elections (also called bye-elections) fill seats vacated by death, resignation, or disqualification of sitting members.

Answerby-election

7. The document that contains the names of all eligible voters is called the ___.

The electoral roll (voter list) is maintained by the Election Commission and contains names of all eligible voters in a constituency.

Answerelectoral roll

8. Pressure groups influence government ___ without contesting elections.

Unlike political parties that seek power, pressure groups aim to influence decisions, policies, and legislation.

Answerpolicy

9. The model code of conduct is enforced by the ___.

The Election Commission of India enforces the model code of conduct to ensure free and fair elections once dates are announced.

AnswerElection Commission

10. India follows a ___-party system.

India's diverse social landscape has given rise to multiple parties at national, state, and regional levels.

Answermulti

IV. Match the Following

Column AColumn B
1. Article 324a. Minimum age to vote
2. 61st Amendmentb. Pressure group
3. First-past-the-postc. Election Commission
4. Trade uniond. Lok Sabha elections
5. National partye. Recognised in 4+ states
6. Chief Election Commissionerf. Appointed by President
Answer

1. Article 324 → c. Election Commission — Article 324 of the Constitution establishes the Election Commission and vests it with the power to conduct elections. 2. 61st Amendment → a. Minimum age to vote — The 61st Amendment (1988) reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years. 3. First-past-the-post → d. Lok Sabha elections — India uses the FPTP system for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. 4. Trade union → b. Pressure group — Trade unions are pressure groups that advocate for workers' rights without contesting elections. 5. National party → e. Recognised in 4+ states — A national party must be recognised in four or more states by the Election Commission. 6. Chief Election Commissioner → f. Appointed by President — The CEC is appointed by the President of India, ensuring constitutional authority.

V. Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks)

Q1. What is the Election Commission of India? What are its main functions?

The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution. It consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. Its main functions include: superintending, directing, and controlling the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President; preparing and periodically revising electoral rolls; enforcing the model code of conduct during elections; registering political parties; and ensuring free and fair elections by deploying central security forces and monitoring election expenditure.

Q2. Distinguish between a national party and a state party.

A national party is recognised by the Election Commission in four or more states. It must secure at least 6% of votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in those states plus win some seats, or win 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 states. Examples: BJP, INC, CPI(M). A state party is recognised in one state. It must secure at least 6% of votes in that state's Assembly election and win at least 2 seats, or win 3% of Assembly seats (minimum 3), or win 1 Lok Sabha seat from that state. Examples: DMK in Tamil Nadu, TMC in West Bengal. National parties have a pan-India presence, while state parties dominate in specific states.

Q3. What is a pressure group? Give two examples.

A pressure group is an organised body that attempts to influence government policy and decisions on specific issues without contesting elections or seeking to form the government. Unlike political parties, pressure groups focus on particular causes rather than a broad programme. Example 1: All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) — advocates for workers' rights, better wages, and labour welfare. Example 2: Narmada Bachao Andolan — a movement that pressured the government on issues related to dam construction and displacement of tribal communities.

Q4. Explain the first-past-the-post electoral system.

The first-past-the-post (FPTP) system is the electoral method used in India for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. In this system, the country is divided into constituencies, and each constituency elects one representative. Voters cast a single vote for their preferred candidate. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes in that constituency wins, even if they do not get an absolute majority (more than 50%). This system is simple to understand and easy to implement, but it can lead to situations where a candidate wins with less than half the votes, and smaller parties may be underrepresented.

Q5. What are the different types of elections in India?

India conducts several types of elections: General elections are held every five years to elect members of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. By-elections are held to fill seats that fall vacant between general elections due to death, resignation, or disqualification. Rajya Sabha elections are indirect — members are elected by state MLAs using proportional representation. Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections are conducted by the Election Commission using an electoral college of MPs and MLAs. Local body elections (panchayats and municipalities) are conducted by the State Election Commissions.

Q6. Why is the Election Commission considered independent?

The Election Commission is considered independent because of several constitutional safeguards: the Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed except through impeachment by Parliament (the same process as removing a Supreme Court judge); the salary and conditions of service of the CEC cannot be varied to their disadvantage during their tenure; the Constitution itself (Article 324) vests election-related powers in the EC, not in the executive; and the EC can issue directives to the government and enforce the model code of conduct even against the ruling party. These provisions ensure that the EC can function without executive interference.

Q7. What is the model code of conduct?

The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India that regulates the conduct of political parties, candidates, and the ruling government during the election period. It comes into force immediately after the election schedule is announced. Key provisions include: no party or candidate can use government resources for campaigning; the ruling party cannot announce policy decisions or financial grants that may influence voters; no candidate can use hate speech, communal appeals, or intimidation; meetings and processions must not obstruct traffic; and the government cannot use official media to promote its achievements during the election period. Violation of the code can lead to action by the EC.

Q8. How does a multi-party system benefit Indian democracy?

India's multi-party system reflects its vast social, linguistic, regional, and cultural diversity. The benefits include: diverse groups find representation through parties that champion their specific interests; regional and minority voices get a platform that they might not have in a two-party system; no single party can ignore the concerns of large sections of society; coalition governments encourage consensus-based decision-making; and voters have more meaningful choices. However, the system also has challenges such as political instability, fragmented mandates, and the influence of regional parties on national governance. Despite these challenges, the multi-party system is well-suited to India's pluralistic society.

VI. Detailed Answer Questions (5 marks)

Q1. Explain the composition, powers, and functions of the Election Commission of India.

The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution. Composition: It consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners, all appointed by the President of India. The CEC has the same status as a Supreme Court judge and can only be removed through impeachment, ensuring independence. Powers and functions: The EC superintends, directs, and controls the conduct of all elections — Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. It prepares and periodically revises electoral rolls, registering all eligible voters. It recognises and deregisters political parties based on electoral performance. It enforces the model code of conduct during elections, preventing misuse of government machinery. It deploys central police forces to maintain law and order during elections. It monitors election expenditure by candidates and can disqualify candidates for violations. It issues directions to the government and administration to ensure level playing fields. It also conducts voter awareness campaigns through the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme. The EC's role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of India's democratic process.

Q2. Compare and contrast political parties and pressure groups. How do both contribute to democracy?

Political parties and pressure groups are both essential elements of a democratic system but differ fundamentally in their objectives and methods. Political parties aim to win elections and form the government. They present a broad programme covering multiple issues, contest elections, mobilise voters, provide political leadership, and implement policies when in power. They serve as a link between the people and the government. Pressure groups, on the other hand, do not contest elections or seek to form the government. They focus on specific issues — workers' rights (trade unions), environmental protection (Greenpeace), farmers' welfare (farmers' associations), or business interests (FICCI, CII). They influence policy through lobbying, public campaigns, protests, petitions, and media advocacy. Differences: Parties have a broad agenda; pressure groups focus on specific issues. Parties seek power; pressure groups seek influence. Parties are accountable to voters; pressure groups are accountable only to their members. Parties operate within the constitutional framework of elections; pressure groups use extra-parliamentary methods. Contributions to democracy: Political parties provide organised choice to voters, form stable governments, and offer constructive opposition. Pressure groups represent interests that may not be adequately addressed by parties, ensure minority voices are heard, provide expert knowledge on specific issues, and keep the government responsive to citizen concerns. Together, they ensure that democracy is both representative and responsive.

Q3. Describe the types of political parties in India — national, state, and regional — with examples.

The Election Commission of India classifies political parties into three categories based on their electoral performance and geographical presence. National parties are recognised in four or more states. They must secure at least 6% of votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in those states and win a certain number of seats, or win 2% of Lok Sabha seats (at least 11) from at least 3 states. National parties have a pan-India presence and can use their symbol across the country. Examples: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Communist Party of India (CPI). State parties (also called regional parties) are recognised in a single state. They must secure at least 6% of votes in that state's Assembly election and win at least 2 Assembly seats, or win at least 3% of Assembly seats (minimum 3), or win 1 Lok Sabha seat from that state. Examples: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu, Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana, and Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh. Registered unrecognised parties are those that are registered with the EC but do not meet the criteria for recognition as national or state parties. They can contest elections but do not get reserved symbols or other benefits available to recognised parties. State parties play a crucial role in coalition politics at the national level and often determine government formation.

Q4. Explain the election process in India step by step.

The election process in India involves several systematic steps. Step 1 — Delimitation and notification: The Election Commission delineates constituencies and announces the election schedule, including dates for filing nominations, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling, and counting. Step 2 — Electoral roll preparation: The EC prepares and updates voter lists, ensuring all eligible citizens (18+ years) are enrolled. Step 3 — Nomination of candidates: Candidates file nomination papers with a security deposit. They must be proposed by a certain number of registered voters from the constituency. Step 4 — Scrutiny and withdrawal: The returning officer scrutinises nominations for eligibility. Candidates can withdraw within a specified period. Step 5 — Election campaign: Political parties and candidates campaign among voters. The model code of conduct comes into force, regulating speeches, processions, and the use of government resources. Campaigning must stop 48 hours before polling. Step 6 — Polling: On polling day, voters go to their assigned polling stations, verify their identity, and cast their vote using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Security forces maintain order. Step 7 — Counting and declaration of results: After polling concludes, votes are counted under strict supervision. The candidate with the highest number of votes is declared the winner. Step 8 — Post-election processes: The EC publishes results, and the winning candidates are issued certificates of election. Throughout this process, the EC ensures fairness through observers, security arrangements, and enforcement of the model code of conduct.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing national party and state party criteria: A national party requires recognition in four or more states, not two. A state party needs recognition in only one state. Do not mix up the "four states" and "one state" thresholds.

2. Saying the Election Commission is a statutory body: The EC is a constitutional body established under Article 324, not a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament. This distinction matters for its independence — constitutional bodies have greater protection from executive interference.

3. Equating pressure groups with political parties: Pressure groups do not contest elections or seek to form the government. They only try to influence policy. Writing that they "compete for power" is incorrect and will lose marks.

4. Confusing the minimum ages for voting and contesting: The minimum age to vote is 18 years, to contest Lok Sabha is 25 years, and to contest Rajya Sabha is 30 years. These are three different thresholds — do not mix them up.

5. Confusing first-past-the-post with proportional representation: FPTP is used for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections (direct elections by voters). Proportional representation with single transferable vote is used for Rajya Sabha elections (indirect elections by MLAs). Do not apply the wrong system to the wrong house.

6. Saying the CEC can be removed by the President at will: The CEC can only be removed through impeachment by Parliament, the same process as removing a Supreme Court judge. The President cannot dismiss the CEC — this is a critical independence safeguard.

7. Forgetting that State Election Commissions conduct local body elections: The Election Commission of India conducts Parliament and State Assembly elections, while separate State Election Commissions conduct panchayat and municipal elections. Do not attribute local body elections to the ECI.

Exam Checklist

  • [ ] Can explain Article 324 and the constitutional status of the Election Commission
  • [ ] Know the composition of the Election Commission (CEC + 2 Election Commissioners)
  • [ ] Can list and explain the functions of the Election Commission
  • [ ] Understand the criteria for national party and state party recognition
  • [ ] Can give examples of national parties (BJP, INC, CPI(M), BSP)
  • [ ] Can give examples of state parties (DMK, AIADMK, TMC, SP)
  • [ ] Understand the first-past-the-post system and how it differs from proportional representation
  • [ ] Know the different types of elections (general, by-election, Rajya Sabha, local)
  • [ ] Can distinguish between political parties and pressure groups with examples
  • [ ] Know the minimum ages: 18 (vote), 25 (Lok Sabha), 30 (Rajya Sabha)
  • [ ] Understand the model code of conduct and its enforcement
  • [ ] Can explain the step-by-step election process in India

Internal Links

  • [Class 9 Social Science — Election, Political Parties and Pressure Groups Guide](/school/tamil-nadu-state-board/class/9/social/election-political-parties-and-pressure-groups)
  • [All Class 9 Social Solutions](/school/tamil-nadu-state-board/class/9/social/solutions)
  • [Class 9 Social Science Subject Guide](/school/tamil-nadu-state-board/class/9/social)

Frequently Asked Questions

The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body that superintends, directs, and controls the conduct of all elections — Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. It ensures free and fair elections through model code of conduct enforcement, voter roll management, and election scheduling.