Election Commission MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Election Commission - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Edward Gardner.

Key Points

• Edward Gardner was appointed as the first Commissioner of Kumaun in 1815 following the annexation of Kumaun and Garhwal by the British East India Company after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816).
• He played a significant role in establishing British administration in the region and initiating reforms to integrate Kumaun into the company's governance framework.
• Gardner's tenure saw the implementation of the Non-Regulation System, which was designed to provide flexible administration in newly acquired regions like Kumaun.
• He was instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the region, which had suffered from years of conflict and mismanagement during the Gorkha rule.
• Edward Gardner was also known for his work in surveying the region and fostering relationships with the local population to ensure smoother administration.

Additional Information

• Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816)
  • It was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal due to territorial disputes and trade issues.
  • The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, which ceded Kumaun and Garhwal to the British.
• Non-Regulation System
  • This administrative system was implemented in remote and newly acquired areas like Kumaun.
  • It granted commissioners greater autonomy to govern without being bound by the rigid regulations of British India.
• Kumaun Division
  • Kumaun is a region in the present-day state of Uttarakhand, India, known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
  • After its annexation by the British, Kumaun became a critical part of their strategic and economic interests in the Himalayas.
• Edward Gardner's Legacy
  • Gardner's administrative efforts laid the foundation for modern governance in Kumaun.
  • His emphasis on engaging with local communities and understanding regional dynamics earned him respect among the local population.

Key Points

• The State Election Commission (SEC) is a constitutional authority responsible for conducting elections to Panchayats and Municipalities in a state under Article 243K of the Indian Constitution.
• The SEC is independent of the Election Commission of India and functions autonomously within the state.
• The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor of the state and has the same status and conditions of service as a High Court judge.
• The SEC ensures free and fair elections at the grassroots level, which are crucial for strengthening democracy in India.

Additional Information

• District Election Commissioner: This is not a constitutional authority. District-level officers like District Magistrates or Collectors may assist in election-related administrative tasks but do not conduct Panchayat elections.
• Chief Election Commissioner: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is the head of the Election Commission of India and oversees elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. The CEC does not conduct elections to Panchayats or Municipalities, as these are managed by the State Election Commissions.
• Chief Minister of the State: The Chief Minister is the executive head of the state government and has no role in conducting elections. The conduct of elections is the responsibility of independent constitutional authorities like the SEC or the Election Commission of India.

The correct answer is It is a Statutory body under the Parliament Act of 1950.

Key Points

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
• Part XV of the Indian constitution deals with elections and establishes a commission for these matters. Hence Option 2 is correct.
• The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Hence Option 3 is correct. 
  • They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Hence Option 4 is correct.

Additional Information

• The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950. Hence Option 1 is not correct.
• Article 324 to 329 of the constitution deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the member.
• Recently, the President of India appointed Rajiv Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner (25th CEC).
• The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.
• Sukumar Sen was an Indian civil servant who was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India.​

Mistake Points

• The Election Commission of India is a Constitutional Body.

The correct answer is Right to decide how many parties can contest in an election.

Key Points

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) does not have the authority to decide how many parties can contest an election. Its role is limited to ensuring free and fair elections.
• ECI is responsible for the conduct, regulation, and supervision of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
• The decision on the number of political parties contesting elections is determined by the parties themselves, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria set by ECI.
• ECI ensures that the contesting parties and candidates adhere to the rules and guidelines mentioned in the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Additional Information

• Right to allow symbols to political parties: The Election Commission of India allots symbols to recognized political parties under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. This ensures uniformity and clarity in elections.
• Right to set limits on poll expenses: ECI has the authority to set limits on the election expenses of candidates. This is done to ensure a level playing field and avoid excessive expenditure by wealthy candidates.
• Right to decide the schedule of elections: The Election Commission decides the dates and schedules for conducting elections to ensure proper management and monitoring of the process. The schedule depends on factors like the availability of security forces, weather conditions, and administrative readiness.
• Representation of the People Act, 1951: This act provides the framework for the conduct of elections in India, including the qualification and disqualification of candidates, preparation of electoral rolls, and other election-related matters.

The correct answer is Article 324.

Key Points

• Article 324 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India (ECI) to supervise, direct, and control elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
• The Election Commission of India was established in 1950 and functions under Article 324 of the Constitution.
• The ECI is responsible for ensuring free and fair elections across India, and its functions are independent of the executive branch.
• Under Article 324, the Election Commission is vested with powers to conduct elections, resolve disputes regarding elections, and ensure compliance with electoral laws.
• The Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners as appointed by the President of India.

Additional Information

• Election Commission of India:
  • The Election Commission was established on 25 January 1950, and its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
  • The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
  • It operates as an autonomous constitutional authority under Article 324.
• Free and Fair Elections:
  • The ECI ensures transparency in elections by implementing the Model Code of Conduct.
  • It uses Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems for accurate and reliable voting.
• Constitutional Provisions Related to Elections:
  • Articles 325 and 326 prevent discrimination in electoral rolls and provide for universal adult suffrage.
  • Article 327 empowers Parliament to make laws regarding elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
  • Article 328 gives State Legislatures the power to regulate elections within the state.
• Recent Developments:
  • In 2021, the Election Commission introduced digital platforms for voter registration and awareness campaigns.
  • Efforts are ongoing to enhance voter turnout and ensure greater participation in the democratic process.

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Rama Devi

• V. S. Ramadevi was the first woman Chief Election Commissioner of India.
• Apart from this, she was also the first female Governor of Karnataka.
• Pratibha Devi  Patil was the first woman President of India (From 2007 to 12).
• Meira Kumar was the first woman Lok Sabha Speaker of India from 2009 to 2014.
• Nirmala Sitharaman is a famous politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 
• She currently serves as the Finance Minister of India. 

The correct answer is 6 years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

• Chief Election Commissioner has a tenure of 6 years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Key Points

• The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner, who has a tenure of 6 years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• The Chief Election Commissioner enjoys the same status and receives the same salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court.
• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from his office only in a manner and on the grounds prescribed for removal of Judge of the Supreme Court.
• Other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Additional Information

• The Election Commission has the power of superintendence, direction, and conduct of all elections to Parliament and the State Legislatures.
• It also conducts elections in the offices of the President and Vice-President.

The correct answer is Supreme Court.

• The Supreme court of India decides the disputes regarding the election of the President of India and the election of Vice President of India.
• It is incubated in Article 71(1) of our Indian constitution.
• The judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President.

Important Points

• Supreme Court came into existence on 26 January 1950 and is the apex court in India.
• The legislature of the Union, which is called Parliament, consists of the President and two Houses, known as Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and House of the People (Lok Sabha).
• The Lok Sabha (House of the People) is the lower house of the Parliament of India.
  • Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by direct election under the universal adult franchise.
  • Qualifications for a member of Lok sabha:
    • A person must be a citizen of India.
    • Not less than 25 years of age.
  • The normal term of Lok Sabha is 5 years.
• The ‘Council of States’ is also known as Rajya Sabha.
  • The constitution lays down 250 as the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha, out of which 12 are  nominated by the President from among persons who have achieved distinction in literature, art, science, and social services.
  • Qualifications for a member of Rajya sabha:
    • A person must be not less than 30 years of age.

Additional Information

• On 29 October 1954, Dr. Rajendra Prasad the first President of India laid the foundation stone of the Supreme Court building.
• The first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India was Fathima Beevi, who was appointed in 1989.
• While not the first in Asia, she holds the distinction of being the first woman Muslim judge to be appointed to any of the higher judiciaries in India.

The correct answer is  Conduct local elections.

Election Commission of India

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• Part XV of the constitution of India deals with elections and establishes a commission for these matters.
• Article 324 to 329 of the constitution of India deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the member.
• Election Commission of India superintendents, direct and control the entire process of conducting elections to Parliament and Legislature of every State and to the offices of President and Vice-President of India.
• It prepares electoral roll, issues Electronic Photo Identity Card (EPIC).
• Local body election conducted by the state election commission.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 3 combined.

Key Points

• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through the process of Impeachment.
• The Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed from office, except on the grounds and in the manner on which the Supreme Court judges can be removed. 
• CEC has a tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• He enjoys the same official status, salary, and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India and High court.

Important Points

• Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from his office by the President on the basis of a resolution passed to that effect by both the houses of parliament with a two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

As the basic resolution needs to be passed by both the Houses of Parliament and then approved by the President so, both 1 and 3 combined is the correct answer here.

The correct answer is ​Article 324.

Key Points

• Article 324 deals with provisions with regard to the election commission of India.
• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• Part XV of the constitution of India deals with elections and establishes a commission for these matters.
• Article 324 to 329 of the constitution of India deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the member.

Additional Information

• State Emergency is provided in Article 356 and is popularly known as Presidents Rule.
• ​National Emergency is provided in Article 352 and the President of India can declare a national emergency.
• Article 101 deals with the Vacation of Seats in the parliament.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e., Sukumar Sen

Key Points

• Sukumar Sen became the First Chief Election Commissioner of India in the year 1950.
• Rajiv Kumar assumed the role of the 25th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. 
• The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950.
• Articles 324 to 329 deal with the powers, functions, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the member.
• Part XV of the Indian Constitution deals with elections and establishes a commission for these matters.
• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• The Commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. They are appointed by the President of India.

The correct option is 1989.

Key Points

• The Election Commission was a single-member body when it was set up in 1950 till October 1989, with only the Chief Election Commissioner as its only member.
• After the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body.
• Since October 1989 up to today, it is a three-member commission with one Chief Election Commissioner and two election commissioners.
• Prompted by the Supreme Court's observation in S. S. Dhanoa's case and also in the wake of certain controversial decisions taken by the CEC resulting in a serious confrontation between the Commission and the Government of India, the latter decided to provide for a Multi-member Election Commission.

Additional Information

• The Election Commission of India (Articles 324 to 329) was formed on 25 January 1950;
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state Legislative Assemblies, state legislative Councils, and the offices of the President and Vice President of the country.
• Chief Election Commissioner - Rajiv Kumar 

The correct answer is One Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

• The Election Commission was made under the provision of Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 324 explains the supervision, direction, and control of elections to be conducted by the Election Commission in India. 
• It was established on 25 January 1950.
• The commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
• The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.
• The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
• They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge for by Parliament.
• Rajiv Kumar is the current and 25th Chief Election Commissioner of India.

The correct answer is the President of India.

Important Points

Chief of Election Commission (CEC) of India

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional Body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
• The commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
• The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.
• The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Hence option 4 is correct.
• They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge for by Parliament.