Class 9 · Social ScienceNCERT 2026 Revised Syllabus

Chapter 7: Elections (0908CH07)

Understanding Society India and Beyond

Explains why elections are essential to democracy — electoral systems, the Election Commission of India, political parties and the challenges to free and fair elections.

Chapter code: 0908ch07 · Book: Understanding Society India and Beyond · Class 9 Social Science

Find complete NCERT solutions for Class 9 Social Science, Understanding Society India and Beyond Chapter 7. Every question has a clear, step-by-step answer for chapter code 0908CH07.

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The Big Questions(4 questions)

Why are elections essential to a democratic system?

Ans.

Elections allow citizens to choose their representatives, hold them accountable, and give legitimacy to the government, ensuring power is exercised on behalf of the people through periodic, free and fair polls.

How do electoral systems and rules shape political representation and fairness?

Ans.

Systems like First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation determine how votes convert into seats, affecting which parties/candidates win and how fairly diverse opinions and smaller parties get represented.

What role do institutions and laws play in ensuring free and fair elections?

Ans.

Bodies like the Election Commission of India and the Delimitation Commission, along with laws such as the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951, regulate electoral rolls, candidate conduct, and dispute resolution.

Hard

What challenges do elections face in practice, and how can these challenges affect democracy?

Ans.

Challenges include misinformation, fake news, intimidation, and accessibility issues; these can reduce public trust, weaken equal participation, and lower the democratic value of elections if left unaddressed.

Why do Elections Matter? (Fig. 7.1)(1 questions)

Activity. Fill in the two empty boxes in Fig. 7.1 to indicate why elections are important for democratic functioning, and discuss how each is ensured through elections.

Ans.

Suggested values for the two empty boxes: Participation — elections are ensured to be inclusive through Universal Adult Franchise, giving every eligible citizen aged 18+ the right to vote. Choice/Competition — a multi-party system and registration of independent candidates ensure voters have genuine alternatives to choose from. How each is ensured through elections: Representation — periodic direct elections to the Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and local bodies ensure people's chosen representatives make decisions on their behalf. Equality — Universal Adult Franchise and the principle of 'one person, one vote' ensure every citizen's vote carries equal weight. Accountability — regular elections mean representatives must seek the people's mandate again, ensuring they remain answerable to voters. Legitimacy — a government elected through free and fair elections derives rightful authority to govern. Participation — inclusive measures (SIR, home voting, PwD facilities) ensure the widest possible citizen involvement. Choice/Competition — the multi-party system offers voters real alternatives, strengthening democratic decision-making.

The Electoral System(1 questions)

Hard

Let's Explore. Different democracies use different electoral systems. Prepare and present a case study on the electoral system(s) of six countries from different continents, and discuss their latest election results.

Ans.

Illustrative case study outline (verify latest results from official sources): Asia — India: First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) for Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha elections. Europe — United Kingdom: First-Past-The-Post for the House of Commons. Europe — Germany: Mixed system combining FPTP and Proportional Representation (Mixed-Member Proportional). Africa — South Africa: Proportional Representation, where seats are allotted based on the share of national vote. South America — Brazil: Proportional Representation for its lower house (Chamber of Deputies). Oceania — Australia: Preferential/Alternative Vote system for its House of Representatives. Note: This is a research-based group activity; the electoral system type given above is factual, but the latest election results for each country should be verified from current official sources at the time of presentation.

Delimitation Commission(1 questions)

Don't Miss Out. India has had four Delimitation Commissions — in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. Find out the reason for the long interval between 1973 and 2002.

Ans.

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) froze the delimitation of constituencies at the 1971 census figures until the year 2000, so that States implementing family planning were not penalised with fewer seats for controlling population growth. The 84th Amendment (2001) later extended this freeze, and the 2002 Delimitation Commission only readjusted boundaries without changing the total number of seats.

Election Commission of India (ECI)(2 questions)

Think About It. Find out the various steps of the procedure for voter registration and the list of required documents.

Ans.

A voter-registration application is submitted through the ECI’s prescribed registration process, with the required proof of age and residence and subsequent verification. Applicants should follow the current ECI instructions and document list because procedures and accepted documents can change.

Let's Explore. What is ETPBS? Find out who are classified as service voters and who can vote using ETPBS.

Ans.

ETPBS (Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System) allows eligible service voters to receive and cast their postal ballots electronically from outside their home constituency. Persons classified as service voters (eligible for ETPBS): Members of the Armed Forces of the Union. Members of a State's armed police force serving outside that state. Government employees posted abroad (e.g., in Indian missions/embassies). Spouses of the above categories of service voters, if they are ordinarily residing with them.

Political Parties(4 questions)

Let's Map (1). Choose any three states (including yours). Find the symbols of state parties belonging to those states and plot them on the map of India. List their major agenda as per their latest manifesto.

Ans.

Suggested method (since manifesto details change with each election, verify from the party's official/ECI source before plotting): Identify the state you wish to study on the outline map (Fig. 7.10). Visit the Election Commission of India's website (eci.gov.in) to find the list of recognised state parties for that state and their allotted symbols. Note down 2–3 major agenda points from the party's official manifesto for the most recent Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha/Local Body election. Mark the state on the map and label it with the party name, symbol, and its key agenda points.

Let's Map (2). Form groups and compare the policy preferences of two political parties in the last Lok Sabha Elections across Education, National security, Social welfare, Environment, Economy, and Health, citing credible sources.

Ans.

Suggested approach: This is a research-based comparative activity. Using each party's official election manifesto, reputed newspapers, and the ECI website as sources, note each party's stated viewpoint on every policy area listed, along with any specific law or policy it aligns with, and cite the source for each entry in the table. Note: As party positions and manifestos change with every election, this activity should be completed using the most recent, verified official sources rather than assumed positions.

Let's Explore. Find out the number of State parties and Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP). You may visit the website of ECI.

Ans.

As per the chapter, India has over 2,800 registered political parties in total, comprising national parties, state/regional parties, and a large number of Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs). The exact, updated count of State parties and RUPPs should be verified from the current list published on the ECI website (eci.gov.in), as these numbers change periodically with fresh registrations and recognitions.

Let's Explore. Find out the name and composition of the alliances that won the Lok Sabha elections in 1977, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024.

Ans.

1977 — Janata Party: formed by the merger of several parties (Congress (O), Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Bharatiya Lok Dal, Socialist Party, and others) against the backdrop of the Emergency; formed India's first non-Congress central government. 1999 — National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with numerous national and state party allies. 2004 — United Progressive Alliance (UPA), led by the Indian National Congress (INC), with several national and state party allies. 2009 — United Progressive Alliance (UPA), led by the INC, re-elected with allied national and state parties. 2014 — National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, won with a full majority along with allied parties. 2019 — National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, re-elected with an increased majority. 2024 — National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, formed the government with the support of key allied parties. (Verify exact seat-wise composition of national/state parties from ECI records for precise figures.)

Challenges to Free and Fair Elections(1 questions)

Hard

Let's Analyse. Look at Fig. 7.13 (Road to free and fair elections). Fill in the empty potholes with more challenges. How can we overcome these challenges?

Ans.

Additional challenges (potholes): Use of money and muscle power to influence voters. Appeals to vote on the basis of caste, religion, or community, despite being prohibited. Low voter turnout in certain regions due to apathy or inaccessibility. Spread of rumours or distrust regarding EVMs and the voting process. Paid news and biased media coverage influencing public opinion. Ways to overcome these challenges: Strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Acts, 1950 and 1951. Continuous voter awareness campaigns to counter misinformation and encourage informed participation. Use of technology such as EVMs with VVPAT to build transparency and trust. Adequate security deployment and strict, swift legal action against violations.

Questions and Activities (End of Chapter)(14 questions)

What reforms have been introduced by the ECI to make voting more inclusive for the following groups?

a.People with Disabilities
b.Service Voters
c.Senior Citizens — 60 years and above; and 80 years and above
d.Prisoners
e.Persons in preventive detention

Ans.

a. People with Disabilities: The Saksham App assists with registration and locating polling stations; EVMs with Braille signage, wheelchairs, and volunteer assistance are provided at polling booths; home voting is available for PwDs with 40%+ benchmark disability. b. Service Voters: They can cast their vote through the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), receiving and returning ballots electronically from outside their home constituency. c. Senior Citizens — 60 years and above; and 80 years and above: Senior citizens aged 60+ get priority entry and assistance at polling booths; those aged 80 years (also extended to 85+ as per the chapter) and above are offered the facility of voting from home. d. Prisoners: Under Section 62 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, persons confined in prison under a sentence of imprisonment, or in lawful police custody, are not entitled to vote. e. Persons in preventive detention: Unlike convicted prisoners, persons under preventive detention (not undergoing a sentence) retain their right to vote and can typically exercise it through postal ballot.

What are the various functions of the Election Commission of India? Which of these functions is most important for the conduct of free and fair elections? Explain.

Ans.

Functions of the ECI: Creating and updating the electoral roll, including Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Deciding the schedule and date of elections. Registering political parties and allocating election symbols. Ensuring the free and fair conduct of elections, including enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. Acting as a quasi-judicial body to resolve disputes over party recognition and symbols. Answer: Ensuring free and fair elections is arguably the most important function, since it is the foundation on which the legitimacy of all other functions — accurate rolls, party registration, and results — ultimately rests.

Elections are the soul of a democracy. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Ans.

Yes, I agree. Elections give every citizen an equal voice in choosing representatives, ensure accountability of the government, provide legitimacy to those in power, and enable peaceful, periodic change of government.

Explain at least three differences between the national and state/regional political parties.

Ans.

Recognition criteria: national parties must secure a specified vote share/seats across four or more states, while state parties need to meet the criteria within their own state only. Area of operation: national parties generally contest widely across most states, while state/regional parties focus on issues within one or a few specific states. Symbol allotment: a national party's reserved symbol can be used across the entire country, while a state party's reserved symbol is valid only within the state(s) where it is recognised.

Hard

Why should you vote? Arrange the following in descending order of your choice and discuss the reasons: (a) Opportunity to choose my representative (b) Makes me a responsible person (c) Opportunity to change the non-performing representative (d) Strengthens democracy.

Ans.

Sample Answer (personal opinion; order may vary): Sample order: (d) Strengthens democracy, (a) Opportunity to choose my representative, (c) Opportunity to change the non-performing representative, (b) Makes me a responsible person — because voting first upholds the democratic system as a whole, then serves my direct interests, before shaping my personal civic character.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative of the ECI? Explain the objectives and the necessity of conducting SIR.

Ans.

SIR is the ECI's exercise of updating, verifying and correcting electoral rolls. Its objective is to ensure no eligible citizen (especially newly-turned 18-year-olds) is left out, and no ineligible, deceased, duplicate, or untraceable person remains on the roll, keeping the electoral roll accurate for free and fair elections.

Match the political party name with its symbol.

Ans.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — Broom. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — Lotus. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) — Elephant. Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI (M)] — Hammer, Sickle and Star. Indian National Congress (INC) — Hand. National People's Party (NPP) — Book.

Read the case study (Ishani's first vote) and answer the following questions.

a.What initiatives were taken by the ECI to enable the voters to cast their vote?
b.Which other document might Ishani be carrying that is valid for voting, in the absence of her Voter ID/Aadhaar card?
c.Cite examples of violations of the Model Code of Conduct from the passage.
d.Give a suitable title to the passage.
e.Find out how the police and army personnel cast their votes.

Ans.

a. Online voter registration through the ECI portal, security and volunteer assistance at the booth, a wheelchair for the disabled brother, VVPAT for vote verification, and home voting facility for the elderly grandmother. b. She could have carried any of the ECI's alternative photo ID documents, such as a PAN card, passport, driving licence, or a bank/post office passbook with photograph. c. Wall writing and campaign posters pasted throughout the market, and large groups distributing pamphlets and raising slogans in public spaces close to polling day, may violate MCC rules on defacement of property and campaigning restrictions near polling time. d. "Ishani's First Vote: A Journey Through India's Inclusive Election Process". e. Police and army personnel on election duty, being classified as service voters, cast their votes through postal ballots, including the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS).

A comparative chart of three countries is given (political and economic dimensions). Answer the questions based on it.

a.What is the difference between having a voting right in a country with a multi-party system and another with a single-party system?
b.In which of the above countries would you like to stay and why?

Ans.

a. In a multi-party system, voters have genuine choice among competing parties and ideologies, enabling real change of government; in a single-party system, though citizens may vote, choice is restricted to one party's candidates, limiting real competition and accountability. b. Sample Answer (personal opinion): Country A, because political freedom, competitive elections, and the ability to choose and change representatives matter more to democratic life than economic standard of living alone.

Hard

What are the challenges to conducting free and fair elections?

Ans.

Misinformation and fake news, especially through social media. Intimidation and undue influence on voters. Use of money and muscle power in campaigns. Accessibility barriers for PwDs, senior citizens, and remote/tribal populations. Gaps in voter awareness, particularly among first-time or marginalised voters.

On the Stage: Conduct a school election role-play for Head Girl, Head Boy, and Sports Captain, assuming various roles.

Ans.

Suggested role responsibilities for the activity: Election Commissioner — oversees the entire process impartially and ensures rules are followed. Returning Officer — manages nominations, supervises voting in the constituency, and declares results. Polling Agent — represents a candidate at the booth and observes the voting process. Candidate — campaigns within the agreed code of conduct. Campaigner — promotes the candidate's agenda following fair campaign rules. Polling Officer — manages the voting process and identity verification at the booth. Police Personnel — maintains security and law and order at the polling venue. Journalist — reports on the process factually and impartially.

Make videos or audios on topics like: My Vote My Nation; No Voter to be Left Behind; How to Eliminate the Ill of Money Power.

Ans.

My Vote My Nation — emphasise that voting is both a right and a responsibility that shapes the nation's future; include a call to register and vote. No Voter to be Left Behind — highlight ECI initiatives like SIR, home voting, Saksham App, and ETPBS that ensure inclusive participation for all citizens. How to Eliminate the Ill of Money Power — explain provisions of the RPA 1951 against bribery/inducements, and encourage reporting violations via the cVIGIL app.

Hard

Select one national or state political party and prepare a comparative chart of the last two State Legislative Assembly elections, covering manifesto promises, vote percentage, seats won, and women candidates.

Ans.

Suggested approach: This activity requires current, verified data. Using the ECI website, the party's official website, and newspapers as sources, prepare a table with columns for each election year showing: (a) key manifesto promises, (b) percentage of votes polled, (c) number of seats won, (d) number of women who contested, and (e) number of women candidates elected — citing the source for each data point. Note: Since specific figures change with every election and vary by state/party, this activity is best completed using the latest official ECI data at the time of the assignment.

Hard

Do you think 'One Nation, One Election' can improve the efficiency of the electoral process? Discuss potential advantages and limitations.

Ans.

Potential Advantages: Reduces the frequency and cost of conducting separate elections across the country. Minimises disruption to governance caused by the Model Code of Conduct being repeatedly in force. Reduces the burden on security forces and administrative machinery deployed for elections. Offers voters a more convenient, single occasion to exercise their franchise. Potential Limitations: May affect India's federal structure, as state-specific issues could get overshadowed by national narratives. Logistical challenge of synchronising the terms of different state legislatures and the Lok Sabha. Uncertainty over the procedure to be followed if a state or central government falls before completing its term. Requires a much larger simultaneous deployment of EVMs, VVPATs, and personnel.

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