Class 8 Social Science — Chapter 5: Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System

What you'll learn

• ▸Concept of Universal Adult Franchise
• ▸Significance of Universal Franchise in a Democracy
• ▸The Election Commission of India (ECI)
• ▸Voter Eligibility and Registration
• ▸Measures for Electoral Accessibility and Inclusivity
• ▸Scale and Structure of Indian Elections
• ▸Historical Context of Voting Rights in India

Chapter Summary

--- PAGE 1 --- Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System CHAPTER 5 [India] adopted the principle of adult franchise with an abundant faith in the common man and the ultimate success of democratic rule...never before in the history of the world has such an experiment been so boldly undertaken." – Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar November 1949, Constituent Assembly Debates From Gir forest for lone voter to village on Indo- Bangla border: How EC conducts polls at remotest, inaccessible places BY PTI Last Updated Mar 27, 2024, 11:20:00 AM IST Synopsis The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been tasked with conducting elections in remote and inaccessible areas, such as the Gir forest, the world's highest polling station in Himachal Pradesh, and border villages along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that polling parties often have to trek through jungles and snow-capped mountains, crossing rivers, or use boats to ensure no voter is left behin…

Practice Questions from this Chapter

Tap "Get Solution" on any question to ask our AI tutor.

1. Explain universal franchise simply. Get Solution →
2. Describe India's electoral system. Get Solution →
3. Understand why every vote matters. Get Solution →
4. What is the minimum age for a citizen to vote in India? Get Solution →
5. Which organization is responsible for conducting elections in India? Get Solution →
6. What does the term 'franchise' mean, as defined in the chapter? Get Solution →
7. In what year was the minimum voting age in India lowered from 21 to 18? Get Solution →
8. According to the text, what new voting facility was extended pan-India for senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities in the 2024 General Elections? Get Solution →

Did you know?

• 💡 India granted women voting rights decades before countries like Switzerland.
• 💡 India's elections involve more voters than the populations of the USA and UK combined.
• 💡 Until 1988, Indians had to be 21 years old to cast their vote.
• 💡 Election officials sometimes trek through jungles to collect a single vote.
• 💡 The world's first known democracy began in ancient Greece over 2500 years ago.

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