ICSE Class 9 · Elections

The Election Commission and Types of Elections (ICSE Class 9 Civics)

Updated 17 October 2026 · Fact-checked

Elections let people choose representatives and make governments accountable. The Election Commission of India (Article 324) has a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, and supervises elections, prepares electoral rolls and enforces the Model Code of Conduct. Elections may be direct or indirect, general, mid-term or by-elections.

Notice that a three-member body (CEC and two ECs) runs elections, and a fixed term and judge-like removal protect its independence.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand The Election Commission and Types of Elections

1. Importance. An election is the process by which people choose their representatives. It gives effect to the sovereignty of the people, makes governments accountable (a poor government can be voted out), allows peaceful change of government and educates citizens.

2. Composition of the Election Commission. Set up under Article 324; since 1993 a three-member body: the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners; decisions are by majority. They are appointed by the President (under a 2023 Act on the recommendation of a selection committee), serve for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the manner of a Supreme Court judge, and his conditions of service cannot be changed to his disadvantage; these safeguards protect independence.

3. Functions. Superintends and controls elections to Parliament, state legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President. Functions: prepares and revises electoral rolls; announces the election schedule; recognises political parties and allots symbols; enforces the Model Code of Conduct; scrutinises nominations through returning officers; arranges polling booths and voting machines; watches election expenses; orders re-polls where rigging or violence occurs; supervises counting and declares results.

4. Direct and indirect election. In a *direct* election voters elect their representatives themselves (Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha). In an *indirect* election an electoral group elects (President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha members).

5. General election. Held for all seats at the end of a House's five-year term.

6. Mid-term and by-election. A *mid-term election* is held for all seats after early dissolution; a *by-election* fills a single vacant seat, normally within six months, and the member serves the rest of the term.

The Election Commission and Types of Elections: key facts

Commission: Article 324
CEC and two ECs
Six years or age 65
Appointed by President
Functions: Electoral rolls
Schedule
Symbols
Code of conduct
Counting
Direct: Lok Sabha | Vidhan Sabha
Indirect: President
Vice-President
Rajya Sabha

The Election Commission and Types of Elections in real life

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

Class monitor election

Suppose a class votes for its monitor, while the monitors of all sections together elect the class captain from among themselves.

Match with direct and indirect elections.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Class vote for monitor is direct.
The monitors choosing a captain is indirect.

Answer: Direct for the first, indirect for the second.

Memory hook: Vote yourself, or via electors.

Tricks to remember The Election Commission and Types of Elections

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

324
Election Commission is Article 324.
Use it when: Article.
1+2=3
One CEC and two ECs.
Use it when: Composition.

The Election Commission and Types of Elections: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Composition · 2 marks · Short answerBoard level

State the composition of the Election Commission and its basis in the Constitution. [2]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
Article 324.

Answer: A CEC and two ECs under Article 324.

Example 2: Functions · 4 marks · Short answerBoard level

State any four functions of the Election Commission. [4]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Prepare electoral rolls.
Announce schedule of elections.
Recognise parties and allot symbols.
Enforce the Model Code of Conduct.

Answer: Electoral rolls, schedule, symbols and code of conduct.

Example 3: Independence · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level

Explain how the independence of the Election Commission is protected. [3]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

The CEC can be removed only like a Supreme Court judge.
Service conditions cannot be changed to his disadvantage.
Fixed tenure of six years or age 65.

Answer: Security of tenure, difficult removal and protected service conditions.

Example 4: By-election · 4 marks · Long answerHarder board level

Differentiate between a mid-term election and a by-election with reasons for each. [4]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Mid-term: all seats; by-election: one seat.
Mid-term follows early dissolution of the House.
By-election follows death, resignation or disqualification of a member.
Mid-term gives a full new term; by-election only the remainder.

Answer: Mid-term election covers all seats after early dissolution; by-election fills one vacancy for the remaining term.

Example 5: Case: dissolved House · 6 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

Case. A government loses its majority and no alternative can be formed, so the Lok Sabha is dissolved. (i) Which election follows? [1] (ii) Who organises it? [1] (iii) What is the term of the new House? [2] (iv) Name one body elected directly and one indirectly. [2]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

(i) Mid-term election.
(ii) The Election Commission.
(iii) A full five years.
(iv) Lok Sabha directly; President indirectly.

Answer: (i) Mid-term election (ii) Election Commission (iii) Five years (iv) Lok Sabha; President.

Where students lose marks in The Election Commission and Types of Elections

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

Mistake: Writing four Commissioners
Count wrong.
Do this: One CEC plus two ECs.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Mixing mid-term and by-election
Seats confused.
Do this: Mid-term all seats; by-election one.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Naming Rajya Sabha as directly elected
Wrong method.
Do this: Indirect.
Usually costs: 1 mark.

Exam tips

Mention Article 324 for the Commission.
Give examples of direct and indirect elections.
Write functions as a list of four or more.
Use a table for mid-term versus by-election.

Practice questions on The Election Commission and Types of Elections

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

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
The Election Commission is established by Article:
(a) 312
(b) 324
(c) 352
(d) 370
Hint
Number.
Answer
(b) 324.
Q2 · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level
What is the Model Code of Conduct? [2]
Hint
Rules.
Answer
Rules for parties and candidates that apply once elections are announced.
Q3 · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level
Name two functions of a returning officer. [2]
Hint
Nominations.
Answer
Scrutinise nomination papers and conduct the counting and declare results in a constituency.
Q4 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHarder board level
Assertion (A): The President is elected indirectly.
Reason (R): Elected members of Parliament and state Assemblies elect the President.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Hint
Electoral college.
Answer
(a).
Q5 · 4 marks · Long answerHarder board level
State two merits and two demerits of direct election. [4]
Hint
Weigh.
Answer
Merits: people feel involved and representatives stay in touch; demerits: costly and open to emotional appeals.
Q6 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level
Why are elections important in a democracy? Give three reasons. [3]
Hint
Accountable.
Answer
They put sovereignty with the people, make governments accountable and allow peaceful change.
Q7 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level
Explain how the Commission can ensure free and fair polls. [3]
Hint
Observers.
Answer
By appointing observers, enforcing the code of conduct, monitoring expenses and ordering re-polls where rigging occurs.
Q8 · 2 marks · Very short answerHarder board level
When is a by-election held and how long does the new member serve? [2]
Hint
Vacancy.
Answer
After a seat falls vacant, normally within six months; he serves the rest of the term.
Q9 · 4 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency
Case. A booth is found to have been captured by armed men. (i) Which body can order a re-poll? [1] (ii) Which function does this show? [1] (iii) Why is it important? [2]
Hint
Re-poll.
Answer
(i) The Election Commission. (ii) Power to order a re-poll or cancel a poll. (iii) It protects fair elections.
Q10 · 3 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
Evaluate the statement that indirect elections are less democratic than direct ones, with one argument each way. [3]
Hint
Compare.
Answer
For: fewer people take part directly; against: for large offices it is simpler and electors are more informed.

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.Number of members of ECI?Show answer
Three.
2.Term of CEC?Show answer
Six years or age 65.
3.Direct election example?Show answer
Lok Sabha.
4.By-election fills?Show answer
A single vacant seat.
5.Who appoints the CEC?Show answer
The President.

The Election Commission and Types of Elections: frequently asked questions

What are electoral rolls?

Lists of voters.

Who is a returning officer?

The officer who conducts the election in a constituency.

Can the CEC be removed easily?

No.