Elections ICSE Class 9: Election Commission and Types of Election

What Elections is about

Weightage: CISCE publishes no chapter weightage and no question-paper layout for ICSE Class 9 History and Civics. Class IX is examined by your school: one 80-mark paper of 2 hours plus 20 marks of internal assessment. Elections is Civics topic 2 of the 2028 syllabus.Source: CISCE ICSE 2028 History and Civics syllabus, Class IX

Key concepts

Meaning and importance of elections

An election is the process by which the people choose their representatives to govern on their behalf, by casting votes. In India, elections are held for the Lok Sabha, the state Legislative Assemblies, local bodies and, indirectly, for the President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha and Legislative Councils.

Why elections matter:

• they give effect to the sovereignty of the people;
• they make governments accountable: a government that performs badly can be voted out;
• they allow a peaceful change of government;
• they educate citizens about public issues and encourage participation.

Worked example

(2 marks) What is an election? State one reason why regular elections are necessary in a democracy.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Meaning: the process by which people choose their representatives by voting - 1 mark.
2. Reason: keeps the government accountable / allows peaceful change of government - 1 mark.

Answer: An election is the process by which citizens choose their representatives by voting. Regular elections keep the government accountable, because a government that fails the people can be replaced peacefully at the next election.

Composition of the Election Commission

The Election Commission of India is set up under Article 324 of the Constitution. It consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as the President may fix from time to time. Since 1993 it has been a three-member body: the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. Decisions are taken by majority.

Appointment and tenure:

• all Commissioners are appointed by the President; under a 2023 Act the President acts on the recommendation of a selection committee of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha;
• they hold office for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier;
• the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court;
• the other Election Commissioners can be removed only on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner;
• the Chief Election Commissioner's conditions of service cannot be changed to his disadvantage after appointment (Article 324(5)).

These safeguards keep the Commission independent of the government of the day.

Worked example

(3 marks) Describe the composition of the Election Commission of India. How is the independence of the Chief Election Commissioner ensured?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Composition: the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners as fixed by the President (at present two) - 1 mark.
2. Appointed by the President; term six years or till 65 - 1 mark.
3. Removable only like a Supreme Court judge; service conditions cannot be varied to his disadvantage - 1 mark.

Answer: The Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such other Election Commissioners as the President fixes; at present there are two. They are appointed by the President for six years or until 65. The Chief Election Commissioner's independence is protected because he can be removed only in the manner of a Supreme Court judge and his service conditions cannot be altered to his disadvantage.

Functions of the Election Commission

The Commission has the superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament, the state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. Its main functions:
1. Prepares and revises the electoral rolls (voters' lists) and issues voter identity cards.
2. Announces the schedule of elections: dates of notification, nomination, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling and counting.
3. Recognises political parties as national or state parties and allots election symbols.
4. Enforces the Model Code of Conduct for parties and candidates once elections are announced.
5. Scrutinises nomination papers through its Returning Officers.
6. Appoints election officials and observers, and arranges polling booths and voting machines.
7. Monitors election expenses of candidates.
8. Can order a re-poll or cancel a poll at a booth where rigging, booth capturing or violence has occurred.
9. Advises the President or Governor on the disqualification of members of legislatures.
10. Supervises counting and the declaration of results.

Worked example

(4 marks) State any four functions of the Election Commission of India.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Prepares and revises electoral rolls - 1 mark.
2. Recognises political parties and allots symbols - 1 mark.
3. Fixes the election schedule and enforces the Model Code of Conduct - 1 mark.
4. Orders re-polls where rigging or booth capturing takes place - 1 mark.

Answer: (1) Prepares and revises the electoral rolls. (2) Recognises political parties and allots election symbols. (3) Announces the election schedule and enforces the Model Code of Conduct. (4) Cancels a poll and orders a re-poll where rigging or booth capturing has occurred. Other valid points: scrutiny of nominations, appointing observers, monitoring expenses, advising on disqualification.

Direct and indirect election

In a direct election the voters themselves elect their representatives. Members of the Lok Sabha and of the state Legislative Assemblies are elected directly by voters.

In an indirect election the voters elect representatives, and these representatives in turn elect the holder of an office. Examples: the President (elected by the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the state Legislative Assemblies), the Vice-President (elected by members of both Houses of Parliament), and members of the Rajya Sabha (elected by elected members of the state Legislative Assemblies).

Merits of direct election: people feel involved; representatives stay in touch with voters; it is more democratic. Demerits: costly; may be swayed by emotional appeals. Merits of indirect election: cheaper and simpler for large offices; electors are more informed. Demerits: less democratic; small electorates can be pressurised or bribed.

Worked example

(3 marks) Distinguish between direct and indirect election, with one example of each.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Direct: voters elect the representative themselves - 1 mark.
2. Indirect: voters elect representatives who in turn elect the office-holder - 1 mark.
3. Examples: Lok Sabha members (direct); President or Rajya Sabha members (indirect) - 1 mark.

Answer: In a direct election, the voters themselves choose the representative, e.g. members of the Lok Sabha. In an indirect election, the voters elect representatives who then elect the office-holder, e.g. the President, who is elected by an electoral college of elected MPs and MLAs.

General election

A general election is held to elect all the members of the Lok Sabha (or of a state Legislative Assembly) at the end of its normal term of five years. Every constituency votes, a new House is formed and a new government is formed on the basis of the result.

For the Lok Sabha, a general election is a huge exercise: polling is often spread over several phases so that security forces and officials can move between states.

Worked example

(2 marks) What is a general election? When is it held?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. An election to choose all the members of the Lok Sabha or a state Legislative Assembly - 1 mark.
2. Held after the House completes its normal term of five years - 1 mark.

Answer: A general election is an election held in all constituencies to elect all the members of the Lok Sabha or a state Legislative Assembly. It is held when the House completes its normal term of five years.

Mid-term election and by-election

A mid-term election is an election for all the seats of the Lok Sabha or a Legislative Assembly held before the House has completed its five-year term, because the House was dissolved early. This happens, for example, when a government loses its majority and no alternative government can be formed. The newly elected House gets a fresh full term of five years.

A by-election (bye-election) is held to fill a single seat that has fallen vacant during the term because of the death, resignation or disqualification of a member. Only the voters of that one constituency vote. The member elected serves only for the remaining term of the House. A by-election is normally held within six months of the vacancy.

Key contrast: a mid-term election covers all seats and gives a new full term; a by-election covers one seat and only the rest of the term.

Worked example

(4 marks) Distinguish between a mid-term election and a by-election on four points.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Cause: mid-term - early dissolution of the House; by-election - a single seat falls vacant (death, resignation, disqualification) - 1 mark.
2. Scope: mid-term - all constituencies; by-election - only the constituency concerned - 1 mark.
3. Term: mid-term - new House gets a full five-year term; by-election - member serves only the remaining term - 1 mark.
4. Effect: mid-term - a new government may be formed; by-election - government usually unaffected - 1 mark.

Answer: (1) A mid-term election follows the early dissolution of the House; a by-election fills a single vacancy. (2) A mid-term election is held in all constituencies; a by-election only in one. (3) After a mid-term election the House has a fresh five-year term; a member elected in a by-election serves only the remainder. (4) A mid-term election decides a new government; a by-election normally does not.

Elections in real life

Each concept, met in an everyday situation. Read the situation, answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Topics in this chapter

• The Election Commission and Types of Elections

Elections: key facts

Election Commission

Article 324; CEC + other ECs fixed by the President (at present 2)

Multi-member since 1993; decisions by majority.

Term of Commissioners

6 years or till age 65, whichever is earlier

Appointed by the President.

Removal of CEC

Like a Supreme Court judge

Other ECs: only on the CEC's recommendation.

Direct elections

Lok Sabha, Legislative Assemblies

Voters elect representatives themselves.

Indirect elections

President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha

Elected by elected representatives.

Types by timing

General (after 5 years), mid-term (early dissolution), by-election (single vacancy)

By-election winner serves the remaining term.

How the school exam asks Elections

The question patterns to expect, and the method that works for each.

Tricks to remember Elections

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

• R-S-S-C-R

  Rolls, Schedule, Symbols, Code, Re-poll: five functions in the order of an election.

  Use it when: Functions of the Election Commission.

• 6 or 65

  Six years or 65 years of age, whichever comes first.

  Use it when: Term of Commissioners.

• All, Early, One

  General = All seats on time; Mid-term = All seats Early; By-election = One seat.

  Use it when: Types of election.

Elections: exam-level solved questions

Ordered from exam level to HOTS. Cover the solution, write your own, then compare step by step.

Case-study practice (Section B style)

Read the situation, then answer every part. In a school exam set on the board pattern this is a 10-mark question split into 3 + 3 + 4 marks.

Where the marks are

How a typical answer is split into step marks. Show every step: a right final answer alone rarely earns full marks.

Where students lose marks in Elections

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

• ✗Mistake: Calling a by-election a mid-term election

  Both happen 'in the middle' of a term.

  Wrong working

  When an MP dies, a mid-term election is held in his constituency.

  Right working

  A by-election is held in that constituency; a mid-term election covers all seats after early dissolution.

  ✓Do this: One seat = by-election; all seats early = mid-term.

  Usually costs: 1-2 marks.

• ✗Mistake: Saying a by-election winner gets a five-year term

  Students assume every election gives a full term.

  ✓Do this: Write 'for the remaining term of the House'.

  Usually costs: 1 mark.

• ✗Mistake: Listing delimitation or law-making as functions of the Election Commission

  Students attribute everything about elections to the Commission.

  Wrong working

  The Election Commission makes election laws.

  Right working

  Parliament makes election laws; the Commission conducts elections under them.

  ✓Do this: Stick to conduct, supervision and control: rolls, schedule, symbols, Code, re-poll, results.

  Usually costs: 1 mark per wrong point.

• ✗Mistake: Giving the President as an example of direct election

  Students confuse being elected with being elected by the people.

  ✓Do this: Direct: Lok Sabha and assemblies. Indirect: President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha.

  Usually costs: 1 mark.

Practice questions on Elections

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

1. Q1 · 1 mark · MCQExam level

   The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by:
   (a) the Prime Minister
   (b) the Chief Justice of India
   (c) the President
   (d) Parliament

   Hint

   Head of state.

   Answer

   (c) the President.

2. Q2 · 1 mark · MCQHarder exam level

   The Election Commission does NOT conduct the election of:
   (a) the President
   (b) the Vice-President
   (c) the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
   (d) members of the Rajya Sabha

   Hint

   One is chosen by the members inside the House.

   Answer

   (c) the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who is elected by the members of the House itself.

3. Q3 · 1 mark · Very short answerExam level

   What is the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner?

   Hint

   Two limits.

   Answer

   Six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

4. Q4 · 2 marks · Very short answerHarder exam level

   How can the Chief Election Commissioner be removed?

   Hint

   Same as a Supreme Court judge.

   Answer

   Only in the manner and on the grounds on which a Supreme Court judge is removed: on proved misbehaviour or incapacity, by an address of both Houses of Parliament passed by a special majority, followed by the President's order.

5. Q5 · 2 marks · Very short answerExam level

   What is the Model Code of Conduct? Give one example of what it forbids.

   Hint

   Guidelines from the announcement of elections.

   Answer

   A set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission for parties, candidates and governments, in force from the announcement of elections until results. It forbids, for example, appeals to caste or religion for votes, or the announcement of new schemes by ministers.

6. Q6 · 2 marks · Very short answerHarder exam level

   A candidate wins a by-election one year before the Legislative Assembly's term ends. For how long will he be a member? Explain.

   Hint

   Remainder of the term.

   Answer

   About one year, until the term of the Assembly ends, because a member elected in a by-election serves only the remaining part of the House's term.

7. Q7 · 2 marks · Very short answerHarder exam level

   Give two demerits of indirect election.

   Hint

   Distance from the people; small electorate.

   Answer

   (1) It is less democratic, because the people do not choose the office-holder themselves. (2) The electorate is small, so electors may be more easily pressurised or bribed.

8. Q8 · 3 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

   Why does the Election Commission recognise parties and allot symbols? Answer with reference to Indian voters.

   Hint

   Not every voter reads; many parties.

   Answer

   Many parties contest, and not every voter can read names on a ballot. Symbols let every voter identify the party of choice easily. Recognition also gives parties a reserved symbol across the state or country and ensures fair treatment, such as time on public broadcasters.

9. Q9 · 4 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

   Explain how the President is elected indirectly. Why was direct election of the President not chosen?

   Hint

   Electoral college; parliamentary system.

   Answer

   The President is elected by an electoral college of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and of the state Legislative Assemblies. Direct election was not chosen because India has a parliamentary system in which the President is a constitutional head; a directly elected President could claim a mandate rivalling the Prime Minister's, and a nationwide election would also be very costly.

10. Q10 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder exam level

    State three functions of the Election Commission performed on or after polling day.

    Hint

    Booths, rigging, counting.

    Answer

    (1) Supervises polling through its officers and observers. (2) Cancels the poll and orders a re-poll at booths with rigging or violence. (3) Supervises counting and declaration of results (also: checks candidates' accounts of election expenses).

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1. 1.Which article provides for the Election Commission?Show answer

   Article 324.

2. 2.How many members does the Election Commission have at present?Show answer

   Three: the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

3. 3.Term of an Election Commissioner?Show answer

   Six years or till 65, whichever is earlier.

4. 4.Name two indirectly elected offices.Show answer

   President and Vice-President (also Rajya Sabha members).

5. 5.What election fills one vacant seat?Show answer

   A by-election.

6. 6.What election follows early dissolution of the Lok Sabha?Show answer

   A mid-term election.

Quick revision checklist

The night before the exam: can you do each of these without looking?

• ☐Election: people choose representatives by voting; ensures accountability and peaceful change.
• ☐Election Commission: Article 324; CEC + 2 ECs; appointed by the President; 6 years or 65.
• ☐CEC removed like a Supreme Court judge; other ECs only on CEC's recommendation.
• ☐Functions: rolls, schedule, symbols, Model Code, nominations, observers, expenses, re-poll, results.
• ☐Direct: Lok Sabha, assemblies. Indirect: President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha.
• ☐General: all seats after 5 years. Mid-term: all seats after early dissolution. By-election: one seat, rest of term.

Elections: frequently asked questions