NCERT Book Class 9 Social Science (Understanding Society India and Beyond PART-I) Chapter 7 Elections

Chapter 7

Elections
The Big Questions
1. Why are elections essential to a democratic system?
2. How do electoral systems and rules shape political representation
and fairness?
3. What role do institutions and laws play in ensuring free and fair
elections?
4. What challenges do elections face in practice, and how can these
challenges affect democracy?

Why do Elections Matter?
Elections are one of the most important processes for exercising Direct
democratic rights. Regular and periodic elections lie at the core of Elections:
democracy. Representatives to public ofÏces can be chosen through Elections in
either direct or indirect elections. In India, members of the Lok which citizens
vote directly to
Sabha at the central level, members of the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative choose their
Assembly) at the state level, and members of local bodies (like representatives
Panchayats, municipal corporations, etc.) are elected through direct or leaders.
elections every five years. In contrast, the President, Vice President,
and members of the Rajya Sabha are elected through indirect Indirect
elections. Elections:
Elections in
You read about a case in Grade 8 where Gurmat was elected as class which citizens
representative (CR). Can we allow her to continue as the CR in Grade 9 vote for
representatives
without facing a fresh election? Similarly, can the government
who then
continue beyond the prescribed term without seeking the people’s choose/elect
mandate again? And can we exercise our choice if only one political the leaders.
party is contesting the election? The answer to all these questions
is No, because one of the most crucial elements of democracy
is participating in the periodic election of those who will make
decisions on our behalf. Elected representatives are accountable to
the people. The right to elect our representatives and holding them
accountable is ensured through periodic elections, and our vote is
the principal means by which we exercise this right.