Iagree.

Abhay, Student Council's responsibilities are

school'ss
towards the students, whereas those who
standfor elections held for
TO for our country have
/responsibilitiestowards every
about citizen of India. Let us
n
learnhow they go with their elections and why
important.
theyareso

Democracy

The word democracy comes from the Greek words

nle and 'kratos'which 'demos', which means
means power Hence(democracy can be termed as
powerof1the people' a way of governing the country based on the
will.Democracy is the government on behalf of all the people's
people. otobúke
Democracy is the rule of the people,(for the people
enSure this very 'rule by the people',elections are andbythe peopleTo
held. Elections are the
process by which people select their
representatives in the government.

The Election Commission of India (ECI)

The ECI is responsible for
the national and administering election processes in India at
The Chief state level.
The ECI Elprepares
ection Commissioner heads the Election Commission of India.
the voter tists and announces election dates. It is
responsible for conducting free and fair elections within the country.
169
 Boxed up Fun
Name the Head Boy, Head Girl and Sport's Captain of your school
L

Time to Ponder

Who is the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

India is home to millions of eligible voters,

which makes it the world's largest democracy.
Wise Owl Toaccommodate an electorate of that size.
the government holds elections over weeks
or even months.

Importance of Elections

Elections qive people the right toselect their own government. As democracy
means the rule of the people, people have the right to elect their
representatives to run the government.

Time to Ponder

Who is your favourite leader?

NartDidzodAue
iscuss the qualities of aqood leader with your classmates.

170
 Procedure of Elections ND IA
States and Unlon erritorles

11Marking of Constituencies fRIGTA

(The Election Commission divides the country

nte small segments called constituencies)
Canstituencies are areas marked for the
people to elect their representatives. In
India, each constituency has roughly the same
size of the population, but the number of
constituencies vary from state to state.
depending upon the size of the population.

2] Preparation of Electoral Rolls

The constituencies have people who can
stand for elections themselves or who
can vote for their representatives. The
lists of voters in one
called 'Electoral rolls
con_tituency are
In India, there is universal franchise.
People above the age of 18 years, have
the right to vote and choose their representative.

3] Political Campaigning
Each
party contesting elections has a particular set of policies and
oeology. They have a representatives or candidates who stand for the
elections. Political campaigns need to be held for around two weeks in
order to publicise themselves and gather support. They campaign in the
form of speeches, rallies and posters. This needs to be done ethically by
Convincing voters with good plans and policies.
171
 4] Voting Day Preparations
rThis is the day when voters vote for
their choice of representative at
polling booths, They must carry their
voter's cards. Nowadays, voting by
ballot paper is replaced by thé EVMs
(electronic votingmachines) where one
has to simply press a button placed
next to the party symbol.The votes
are later counted and the candidate with the majority votes wins the
election.
The government is formed by the political
Wise Owl party which wins the maximum number of
First-tine use of EVMs
oCCurred in the general constituencies.
election in Kerala in NMay 1982.
The Symbols are used by The second largest party forms the
parties in their campaigns opposition party.
and are printed on the ballot
papers to help the illiterate
people to vote, as some of
them cannot read parties'
names on ballot papers. Let's Relate

Explain the picture given here.

Why is this important?

172
 Boxed up Fun

Imaginethat you are standing

standing for an election
representing your party
colourful
Designa and meaningful symbol.

CONSTITUTION
Wise Owl
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It
INDIA contains all the structure, procedures, powers, and duties
of government institutions and lays down the
directive principles, fundamental rights and dities
of citizens.Dr B.R. Ambedkar is recognised as the
Father of the Constitution of India'.
The guideie3 bye le fol buel
Directive Principles of State Policy the oT
Directive Principles of State Policy aim
to create economic and social conditions
under which the citizens can lead a happY
Directive Principles of Stote Policy
life. These principles provide the
economic and social quidance for Indian
Democracy and pave the way for the
COVe 173
 oiyec ttve - an ofictal co autnotad
establishment of a true welfare State.
Here are some Directive Principles consisting of the guidelines for the states.
1 Fair Distribution of the Nation's wealth.
2 To provide sufficient means of livelihood for both men and women.
3. Equal pay for both men and women.
abue)
4. To protect children against exploitation,
5. To ensure the right to work, right to education and |state assistance iin
case.
of unemployment.)

Fundamental Rights
Fundamental rights are essential for the
moral, intellectual and spiritual Fundamental
development of India's citizens. Rights
As these rights are fundamental or EQUALITY PLOTATON
FREEDOM
important for the existence and all
round development of individuals, they
are called'Fundamental Rights'.

PThere are six fundamental rights:

No. Fundamental Rights
1' Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom
3/ Right Against Exploitation
4. Right to Freedom of Reliqion
5. Cultural and Educational Rights
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
 Rndamental Duties
The AnMNtal Duties oon be deñnet
the N tns of all citizens to
eb pmote a sint of utritism
holdI ' sunity N

THere aN Sme of the fundamental duties stated in the Constitution:

No. Fundamental Duties
1 emust respect pur National Flog ond our National Anthem
We must render tional service and defend the country when
called upon to do se
3. We must preserve and value the rich heritage of our country.
rivers,
We must protect the naturval environment, including lakes,
forests and wildlife and have compassion, for living cretye
5. We must safeguard public property and reject violence
6. We must treat everyone equally and respect each other )
Responsibilities of a Good Citizen
Participation: In a democracy, the
key role of citizens is to participate in
exercising the right to vote during
elections, Each citizen must voteis Corhte
wisely. In order to do this, it is
inportant that eachcitizen listens to
and knows the views of different
candidates and parties and then
his or her own decision on whom to vofe fo
makes
175
 Pundamental Duties YoKE
\kcoUN TABATY
Fundamental Duties can be defined JUDGEMERT
The
moral obligations of all citizens to
asthe
help promote a spirit of patriotism and
UoldIndia's unity. VEKY Notex

Constitution:
gHere are some of the fundamental duties stated in the
Fundamental Duties
No.
1 We must respect our National Flag and our National Anthem.
2. We must render national service and defend the country when
called upon to do so.
country.
3. We must preserve and value the rich heritage of our
rivers,
We must protect the natural environment, including lakes,
forests and wildlife and have compassign for living,creatHs
violence.'
5. We must safequard public property and reject
6. We must treat everyone equally and respect each other.)

Responsibilities of a Good Citizen

Participation: In a democracy. the
key role of citizens is to participate in
exercising the right to vote during
elections. Each citizen must vote
Cariag
wisely. In order to do this, it is
important that each citizen listens to
and knows the views of different
candidates and parties and then
whom to vote for.
makes his or her own decision on
175
 Paying taxes: In a democratic country, one must pay taxes, which
contribution to the government, required for the overall
the country. developmernt of
Obeying laws: All citizens of a democratic country must follow the lawe .
the nation to maintain peace and order within the country.

Time to Ponder

responsible citizen, how would you safeguard your country's

monuments and heritage sites?

Now I Know

Democracy is the rule of the people, for the people and by the people.
|. The Election Commission of India is responsible for the election|
| processes in India.
|. The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election|
Commission of India.
|. Elections keep a democratic country functioning, as they give people|
| the right to select their own government.
|. There is auniversal franchise by law inIndia.
|. Allmen and women above the age of 18 have aright to vote.
|· The Directive Principles of State, fundamental niabts and duties are of
| utmost importance.

176
 Word Stock
Universal

franchise - gives the right to vote to alladult citizens, regardless of

wealth, income, gender,social status, race, ethnicity,or
any other restriction
Ideology acollection of ideas or beliefs shared by a
group of
people
Policies the laws
Publicise make (something) widely known
. Ethically inamorally good or correct manner
Ballot the method of secret voting by means of using printed
sheets of paper or electronic voting machines (EVM)
. Welfare the general health and happiness
Obligations - aduty or commitment whichone must do
Patriotism devotion to and vigorous support for one's country
. Fundamental - basic and important

I. State whether the following statements are True or False

1. Democracy is the rule of the people.

rea.
2. Constituencies are areas marked for people to elect their
representatives. tELe
3. The Directive Principles consist of the guidelines for the
citízens,O
4. There are seven Fundamental Rights. alge

177
 IL Circlethe words related to elections
VPO LL I NGB00 THU F
aI
DZ Z X D E M OC R A
TE Z NC I TI ZE NREL6 NE
WC S WZ
W Z I IGQRZ X KVTODE
CD R I G H T S PE S A MO LA EA
CA MP A I 6 N V D O S CF
KRE S P O N S I B I
TMKP
LITI E SR
KA CAN DID
DAATE SLL UK NH K
QC QQM X6ovE RN MENTX E
CD U TI S C V
JW P
SQA QC
IO Z MRPUM Ww I C W Q H A LO I
MAEFV C6N LMW M O S L P R N
Find the following words in the above:
ECI
CAMPAIGN
RESPONSIBILITIES
CANDIDATE EVM RIGHTS
CITIZEN FUNDAMENTAL VOTE
DEMOCRACY GOVERNMENT
DUTIES POLLING BOOTH

II, Fill in the blanks

1 E t s is the process by which people select their
representatives in the government.
2.The ecsorLo cof India is the resporsise
body for administering the election processes in India
3. Parties hold political_nai_for around two weeks in order
to publicize them and gather voters.
4.Fundamental are defined as the moral obligations of d
citizens.

178
 Directive Principles pave the way for the establishment of a true
55,
welfare Site
Q&A

IV. Q&A
1 What democracy?
do to vote and which mchine is used for voting?
2. Where people go
3.Listanytwo guidelines of Directive Principles.
A Give any 2 points each for Fundamental Rights and Duties.
6How can a citizen be good and responsible?

V. Let's Team Up
To understand the importance of
election campaigns, with your VOTE VOTE
teacher's help conduct elections in
your class.
Choose your party symbol and be an VOTE VOTE
active representative for the role of a
class monitor.

Do it Yourself DIY

| Make a creative Thank You' card for the Prime Minister of India. |
Appreciate the efforts and projects undertaken for the country's
I welfare.

179