By-Elections

Description: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge about the concept of By-Elections in India.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian polity elections by-elections
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What is the primary reason for conducting a By-Election?

  1. To fill a vacant seat in the Parliament or State Legislature

  2. To elect a new Prime Minister or Chief Minister

  3. To conduct a referendum on a particular issue

  4. To impeach a President or Governor


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

By-Elections are held to fill a vacant seat in the Parliament or State Legislature that occurs due to the death, resignation, disqualification, or defection of the incumbent member.

Which constitutional provision empowers the Election Commission of India to conduct By-Elections?

  1. Article 324

  2. Article 327

  3. Article 328

  4. Article 329


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Article 328 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India to conduct By-Elections to fill vacancies in the Parliament and State Legislatures.

What is the minimum time period between the occurrence of a vacancy and the issuance of a notification for a By-Election?

  1. 14 days

  2. 21 days

  3. 30 days

  4. 60 days


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

As per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission of India must issue a notification for a By-Election within 14 days from the occurrence of a vacancy.

What is the maximum time period within which a By-Election must be completed?

  1. 30 days

  2. 60 days

  3. 90 days

  4. 120 days


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

According to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a By-Election must be completed within 60 days from the date of issuance of the notification.

Who is responsible for conducting the By-Elections in India?

  1. Election Commission of India

  2. State Election Commissions

  3. District Election Officers

  4. Returning Officers


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Election Commission of India is the constitutional authority responsible for conducting By-Elections in India.

What is the procedure for conducting a By-Election?

  1. Issuance of notification, nomination of candidates, scrutiny of nominations, withdrawal of candidatures, polling, and counting of votes

  2. Issuance of notification, nomination of candidates, scrutiny of nominations, withdrawal of candidatures, counting of votes, and polling

  3. Issuance of notification, nomination of candidates, withdrawal of candidatures, scrutiny of nominations, polling, and counting of votes

  4. Issuance of notification, nomination of candidates, withdrawal of candidatures, counting of votes, scrutiny of nominations, and polling


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The procedure for conducting a By-Election involves the issuance of a notification, nomination of candidates, scrutiny of nominations, withdrawal of candidatures, polling, and counting of votes.

What are the eligibility criteria for contesting a By-Election?

  1. Citizenship of India, minimum age of 25 years, and no criminal record

  2. Citizenship of India, minimum age of 21 years, and no criminal record

  3. Citizenship of India, minimum age of 30 years, and no criminal record

  4. Citizenship of India, minimum age of 25 years, and no pending criminal cases


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

To contest a By-Election, a candidate must be a citizen of India, have attained the minimum age of 25 years, and not have any criminal record.

What is the symbol allocation process for political parties in By-Elections?

  1. The party with the highest number of seats in the Parliament or State Legislature is allotted the symbol

  2. The party with the highest vote share in the previous general election is allotted the symbol

  3. The party with the longest history is allotted the symbol

  4. The Election Commission of India decides the symbol allocation on a case-by-case basis


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Election Commission of India decides the symbol allocation for political parties in By-Elections on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the party's performance in previous elections, its organizational strength, and its ideological orientation.

What is the impact of By-Elections on the overall political landscape?

  1. By-Elections can lead to a change in the ruling party or coalition

  2. By-Elections can affect the balance of power in the Parliament or State Legislature

  3. By-Elections can provide an opportunity for new parties to enter the political arena

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

By-Elections can have a significant impact on the overall political landscape by leading to a change in the ruling party or coalition, affecting the balance of power in the Parliament or State Legislature, and providing an opportunity for new parties to enter the political arena.

What is the significance of By-Elections in a democracy?

  1. By-Elections ensure that the people have a say in filling vacant seats in the Parliament or State Legislature

  2. By-Elections provide an opportunity for voters to express their dissatisfaction with the incumbent government

  3. By-Elections help in maintaining the democratic character of the government

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

By-Elections are significant in a democracy as they ensure that the people have a say in filling vacant seats in the Parliament or State Legislature, provide an opportunity for voters to express their dissatisfaction with the incumbent government, and help in maintaining the democratic character of the government.

Which state in India has witnessed the highest number of By-Elections since independence?

  1. Uttar Pradesh

  2. Bihar

  3. West Bengal

  4. Maharashtra


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh has witnessed the highest number of By-Elections since independence due to various factors such as its large population, political instability, and frequent changes in government.

What is the term of office for a member elected through a By-Election?

  1. The remaining term of the previous member

  2. A full term of five years

  3. A full term of six years

  4. A full term of seven years


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A member elected through a By-Election holds office for the remaining term of the previous member, which can vary depending on the time left in the original term.

Can a member elected through a By-Election become a minister in the government?

  1. Yes, if the party has a majority in the Parliament or State Legislature

  2. Yes, if the party has the support of a majority of the members in the Parliament or State Legislature

  3. No, a member elected through a By-Election cannot become a minister

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A member elected through a By-Election can become a minister in the government if the party to which they belong has the support of a majority of the members in the Parliament or State Legislature.

What is the voter turnout typically seen in By-Elections compared to general elections?

  1. Higher

  2. Lower

  3. Approximately the same

  4. It varies widely


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Voter turnout in By-Elections is typically lower compared to general elections due to factors such as lower awareness, less media coverage, and a perception that By-Elections are less important.

Which By-Election in India's history is considered to be a turning point in the country's politics?

  1. 1971 Lok Sabha By-Election in Rae Bareli

  2. 1977 Lok Sabha By-Election in Chikmagalur

  3. 1984 Lok Sabha By-Election in Amethi

  4. 1991 Lok Sabha By-Election in Tiruchirappalli


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The 1977 Lok Sabha By-Election in Chikmagalur is considered to be a turning point in India's politics as it marked the defeat of Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, and led to the formation of the Janata Party government.

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