Flash Cards: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION

Representation in a democracy refers to the system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and govern on their behalf.

Elections are formal processes where citizens vote to choose their representatives or decide on specific issues.

Democratic elections are free, fair, and transparent, allowing genuine representation, while non-democratic elections are often manipulated to maintain control.

Reserved constituencies are specific electoral seats reserved for members of marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure their representation.

PR is an electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive, allowing even smaller parties to be represented.

In the Single Transferable Vote system, voters rank candidates by preference, allowing for more nuanced voting and representation.

A key feature is the constitutional provision for free and fair elections, ensured by an impartial election commission.

The Congress party won 415 of 543 Lok Sabha seats with only 48% of the vote, illustrating the impact of the FPTP system.

Universal franchise means that all adult citizens have the right to vote, regardless of gender, caste, or background.

Elections are vital as they provide a mechanism for citizens to choose their representatives and hold them accountable.

Electoral reforms aim to improve the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the electoral process to enhance democratic governance.

Votes are counted straightforwardly, and the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority.

The Election Commission supervises and conducts elections, ensuring that they adhere to the principles of free and fair democratic processes.

Indirect democracy is a system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, as opposed to direct participation in governance.

Fair representation refers to ensuring that all segments of society, especially marginalized groups, have a voice and presence in the legislative process.

An example is an election held in an authoritarian regime, where the outcome is predetermined and does not reflect the will of the people.

Caste can influence election outcomes, often resulting in dominant groups securing majority positions, leaving marginalized groups underrepresented.

Electoral periodicity refers to regular intervals at which elections are held, ensuring that government remains accountable and citizens can exercise their voting rights.