CBSE Board PYQs – 2 Marks & 6 Marks Questions

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🔹 2 Marks Questions (with Years & Answers)

Q1. What is the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise?
(Asked: 2002, 2010, 2018)
Answer:

1. Universal Adult Franchise means every adult citizen of India (18 years and above) has the right to vote irrespective of caste, religion, gender, wealth, or education.
2. It ensures political equality in democracy.

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Q2. Mention two methods of Election System in India.
(Asked: 2001, 2014, 2022)
Answer:

1. First Past the Post (FPTP) – Candidate who secures maximum votes wins.
2. Proportional Representation (PR) – Seats are allocated on the basis of proportion of votes secured by parties.

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Q3. Define Proportional Representation.
(Asked: 2003, 2008, 2017)
Answer:

1. A system in which seats in legislature are allocated according to proportion of votes obtained by political parties.
2. It is used in elections for Rajya Sabha and President in India.

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Q4. What is the significance of the Election Commission of India?
(Asked: 2005, 2012, 2019)
Answer:

1. Election Commission conducts free and fair elections in India.
2. It is an autonomous body to ensure democracy is not undermined.

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Q5. What is a Reserved Constituency?
(Asked: 2004, 2011, 2021)
Answer:

1. A constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates.
2. This ensures political representation of marginalized communities.

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Q6. Why do we need elections in a democracy?
(Asked: 2000, 2015)
Answer:

1. Elections provide a mechanism for people to choose their representatives.
2. They ensure accountability of the government to the people.

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Q7. Mention two shortcomings of FPTP system.
(Asked: 2007, 2016)
Answer:

1. A candidate may win even without majority votes.
2. Smaller parties and minorities often remain underrepresented.

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Q8. What is meant by Electoral Constituency?
(Asked: 2009, 2018)
Answer:

1. A geographical area from which voters elect their representative.
2. Example – Lok Sabha has 543 constituencies.

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Q9. Who can remove the Chief Election Commissioner?
(Asked: 2013, 2020)
Answer:

1. The President of India can remove the CEC.
2. Removal procedure is same as that of a Supreme Court judge (proved misbehavior/incapacity).

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Q10. State two functions of the Election Commission of India.
(Asked: 2006, 2017)
Answer:

1. Conduct and supervise free and fair elections.
2. Allot election symbols and regulate political parties.

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🔹 6 Marks Questions (with Years & Answers)

Q1. Explain the merits and demerits of FPTP system in India.
(Asked: 2002, 2011, 2018)
Answer:
Merits:

1. Simple and easy to understand.
2. Promotes stable governments.
3. Encourages accountability of elected representatives.

Demerits:
4. Candidate may win without majority.
5. Small parties/minorities underrepresented.
6. Encourages regionalism and vote-bank politics.

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Q2. Explain the main functions of the Election Commission of India.
(Asked: 2004, 2010, 2019)
Answer:

1. Conduct and supervise free and fair elections.
2. Prepares and updates electoral rolls.
3. Allots symbols to political parties.
4. Monitors election expenditure.
5. Ensures Model Code of Conduct is followed.
6. Declares election results and settles disputes.

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Q3. Why is Proportional Representation system not adopted for Lok Sabha elections in India?
(Asked: 2003, 2009, 2022)
Answer:

1. PR is complicated and difficult to understand for common voters.
2. India is a large country; counting and seat allocation would be very complex.
3. FPTP provides stable majority governments, PR may cause coalition instability.
4. PR gives more importance to parties than candidates.
5. It may increase fragmentation of political system.
6. Hence, FPTP is more practical for India’s diverse society.

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Q4. What are the major challenges to free and fair elections in India? Suggest reforms.
(Asked: 2005, 2014, 2021)
Answer:
Challenges:

1. Role of money and muscle power.
2. Criminalization of politics.
3. Misuse of government machinery.
4. Booth capturing and vote-buying.

Reforms:
5. Strict monitoring of election expenditure.
6. Use of EVMs and VVPAT for transparency.

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Q5. What are the main provisions of Universal Adult Franchise in India? Why is it significant?
(Asked: 2001, 2008, 2016)
Answer:

1. Every citizen of India aged 18 and above can vote.
2. No discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, or property.
3. One person, one vote, one value principle.
4. Ensures political equality.
5. Strengthens democracy and inclusiveness.
6. Provides voice to weaker sections.

Q6. Explain the importance of elections in a democracy.
(Asked: 2007, 2015, 2019)
Answer:

1. Elections give people the right to choose their representatives.
2. They ensure peaceful transfer of power.
3. They make governments accountable.
4. They allow citizens to express grievances.
5. Strengthen legitimacy of democratic system.
6. Promote equality by giving equal value to each vote.