Class 9 Elections Mock Test (ICSE)

Topics in Elections

• Meaning of elections
• Election Commission: composition and functions
• Direct and indirect elections
• General, mid-term and by-elections

Elections practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   What type of election is held when the Lok Sabha is dissolved prematurely before completing its normal five-year term?

   1. (a)Mid-term election
   2. (b)By-election
   3. (c)General election
   4. (d)Referendum
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (a) Mid-term election+1

   Answer: (a)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following best describes the fundamental meaning of an election in a democratic system?

   1. (a)A routine administrative census conducted by local authorities
   2. (b)A mechanism through which citizens choose their political representatives at regular intervals
   3. (c)A legislative procedure used solely to amend the constitution
   4. (d)A judicial inquiry into government corruption and policy failures
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (b) A mechanism through which citizens choose their political representatives at regular intervals+1

   Answer: (b)
3. Q3Multiple choice·1 mark
   Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by the votes of all eligible adult citizens rather than by other elected representatives. What is this method of election called?

   1. (a)Mid-term election
   2. (b)Indirect election
   3. (c)By-election
   4. (d)Direct election
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (d) Direct election. The citizens themselves vote for Lok Sabha members, unlike indirect elections such as that of the President.+1

   Answer: (d)
4. Q4Multiple choice·1 mark
   Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

   1. (a)The President
   2. (b)The Prime Minister
   3. (c)The Chief Justice of India
   4. (d)The Parliament
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (a) The President+1

   Answer: (a)
5. Q5Long answer·4 marks
   With reference to the electoral system in India, answer the following questions: (a) Explain the meaning of an indirect election and give one example of it in India. (b) State any two demerits of direct elections.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. (a) Meaning: in an indirect election the voters do not choose the office holder themselves; they elect representatives (an electoral college) who in turn elect the office holder.+1
   2. (a) Example, any one of: election of the President of India; election of the Vice-President of India; election of members of the Rajya Sabha; election of members of a State Legislative Council; or any other valid example.+1
   3. (b) First demerit, any one of: they are very expensive because of the huge cost of campaigns and arrangements; voters may be swayed by caste, religion, money or emotional appeals rather than issues; uneducated or uninformed voters may not judge candidates wisely; they can lead to violence and malpractices such as booth capturing; or any other valid demerit.+1
   4. (b) Second demerit, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: (a) Voters elect representatives who in turn elect the office holder; e.g. the election of the President of India (or Vice-President, Rajya Sabha members). (b) Any two of: very expensive, voters swayed by caste, religion, money or emotion, uninformed voters may choose unwisely, violence and malpractices.
6. Q6Long answer·4 marks
   (a) State two differences between direct and indirect elections. (b) Mention two merits of direct elections.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. (a) First difference, any one of: in direct elections voters elect their representatives themselves, whereas in indirect elections they elect an intermediate body (electoral college) which elects the representatives; direct elections are held for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, whereas indirect elections are held for the President, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha; direct elections are costly and need huge arrangements, whereas indirect elections are less expensive and simpler to hold; direct elections give every adult citizen a vote, whereas indirect elections involve only the elected representatives; or any other valid difference.+1
   2. (a) Second difference, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. (b) First merit, any one of: they are more democratic because people choose their own representatives; representatives remain directly accountable to the voters; they create political awareness and educate citizens; they give people a sense of participation in government; or any other valid merit.+1
   4. (b) Second merit, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: (a) Any two of: voters elect directly versus through an electoral college; Lok Sabha and Assemblies versus President, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha; costly versus less expensive; all adult citizens vote versus only elected representatives vote. (b) Any two of: more democratic, direct accountability to voters, political education of citizens, sense of participation.

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