Page 201 - SST Class 06

4. The introduction of adult franchise has
reduced the chances of any political revolu-
tion in India. Both the governments (central
government and states government) are
formed on the basis of adult franchise. It
makes the members of the Parliament and
State Assemblies responsible for the people.
If the people want to change the govern-
ment, constitutional means are open to
them to do so. They can elect better person
to rule the country in the new elections.
Thus, there are less possibilities of any
revolution in the country.
Despite these advantages of adult suffrage, there
are still some hurdles in the proper use of these
rights.
In our country, the majority of people are poor
and illiterate. The poor live from bread to mouth.
As a result they become an easy prey to corrupt
practices. They sell their votes to dishonest and
corrupt candidates in exchange for money. Most
illiterate people have no knowledge about how a
government works. They do not know their own
rights and duties. Because of this, they cannot be
expected to elect capable legislators, Moreover,
conservative and backward citizens are also
swayed by religions, caste and regional consider-
ations. Sometimes, ignorant voters resort to
violence during elections. In this way, democracy
is the main sufferer. The aim of introducing adult
franchise is also frustrated.
If we want to reap the benefits of adult suffrage,
the government should make efforts to improve
the economic condition of the poor and to raise
their standard of living. Literacy programmes
must be implemented with full vigour. The
government and society as a whole should
propagate secular ideas and promote the spirit of
nationalism among the Indian people. However,
in a system where caste and regional politics are
the main ways of winning elections, such noble
ideals may never be relished.
Social Science-6 201
ELECTIONS
In a democratic country, elections make a funda-
mental process. In simple term, we can say that
election is the process of voting to choose some-
one as your political leader or representative in
the government. As, right to vote is a legal right
of the citizen of India which can influence the
decisions about how their country is governed.
IMPORTANCE OF ELECTIONS
It gives choice of leadership, political participa-
tion, through this a person can also raise their
voice their resentment against a ruling party and
also it is a self-corrective system. Through this
system, after every five years, the ruling parties
are kept in check and made to consider the
demand of the public.
TYPES OF ELECTIONS
Types of Elections in India
General Elections Local Body
(Lok Sabha) Elections
State Assembly Rajya Sabha Elections
Elections (Upper House)
1. General Elections (Lok Sabha) : This is
the important election that takes place once
in 5 years to elect 543 members for the
Parliament (Lower house). A party needs
272 MPs to stake claim to form the Central
Government. If a party doesn’t have 272
MPs on its own it can ally with other parties
and form the government. Leader of the
party/alliance takes oath as the Prime
Minister.
2. Rajya Sabha Elections (Upper House) :
Rajya Sabha is the Upper house and its
members are not directly elected by the
people. They are elected by the Members of
Legislative Assembly of the respective states.
An MP of Rajya Sabha has a 6-year term.