Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System Class 8 Social Science Chapter 5 CBSE Notes 2025-26

Universal adult franchise is a core promise of Indian democracy – the guarantee that every Indian citizen aged 18 and above, no matter their caste, religion, gender, or background, has the right to vote. 

This “one person, one vote” principle ensures that the voice of every individual counts equally in the country’s governance. Elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and all local government bodies follow this principle, making voting both a right and a major responsibility of citizenship.

Meaning of Key Terms

The word “franchise” or “suffrage” means the right to vote, as granted by the Constitution or government. A “constituency” is the area whose people choose a representative, and the “system” here refers to the network of processes and people that ensure smooth elections.

Evolution and Inclusivity

Before independence, only about 13% of Indians had voting rights and this privilege was limited by income, education, or land ownership. At Independence in 1947, with just 14% literacy, some thought the vote should only go to the educated. However, the Constitution’s framers chose inclusion. 

They granted voting rights to all adults, showing faith in the people, and made India one of the world’s earliest nations to grant women equal voting rights from the beginning.

The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1988, expanding participation further. To actually vote, citizens must register in their local area (constituency); only those convicted of certain serious crimes are barred. No one can vote on another’s behalf.

Importance of Universal Franchise

Universal franchise forms the foundation of democracy because it ensures everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. It enables people to choose their leaders, hold them answerable, and take part in shaping the country's future. 

By including every adult, India ensures a government that truly represents all sections of society, without discrimination on caste, gender, education, or wealth.

• It gives everyone a voice in deciding how the country is run
• Ensures equality and reduces discrimination
• Makes leaders answerable to the people
• Encourages active citizenship and engagement
• Strengthens unity across different social backgrounds

Conducting Elections: The Role of ECI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducts and supervises elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of President and Vice President. It was formed in 1950 and operates independently. 

At the top is the Chief Election Commissioner, supported by two others at the national level, with Chief Electoral Officers at state/UT level, and District Election Officers (including Returning Officers) at the district level.

The ECI sets election dates, registers political parties, manages electoral rolls, oversees voting processes, and enforces rules like the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which outlines dos and don’ts for parties and candidates to ensure fairness and prevent misuse of government resources or bribery.

How Voting Works

Voting is usually by secret ballot, ensuring no one knows whom you supported. At polling stations, officials verify the voter list and check ID, ink your finger, and hand out voting slips. Votes are recorded on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and a system called VVPAT allows voters to check a slip of their vote, enabling transparency and rechecking when necessary. Voters can choose NOTA (None Of The Above) if they don’t like any candidate.

1. Voter name and ID are checked by the first officer
2. Second officer inks the finger, provides a slip, collects signature
3. Third officer collects slip, checks finger again, directs voter to EVM with NOTA option
4. Voter presses button on EVM and checks VVPAT for confirmation

For the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, India follows the “First-Past-the-Post” system: the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, even if they don’t have a majority (above 50%). 

The country is divided into 543 constituencies for the Lok Sabha, each electing one Member of Parliament (MP). States are divided into constituencies for electing Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

Other Types of Elections

• Rajya Sabha: Members are not directly elected by the people, but by state legislative assemblies, using single transferable vote to ensure proportional representation. There are 245 members, of which 12 are nominated by the President.
• President: Elected indirectly by an electoral college comprising MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and MLAs from all states, Delhi, and Puducherry. The single transferable vote system is used.
• Vice President: Elected by an electoral college of all MPs (both houses, including nominated members), also using the single transferable vote method.

Accessibility and Special Measures

To make sure everyone can vote, the ECI uses innovations like postal ballots for elderly and disabled voters, braille-enabled ballots, special assistance in polling stations, and technology-based apps for help. 

Electoral officers go to remote areas, and polling booths are set up even in the most difficult terrains, ensuring no citizen is left out. In 2024, 980 million voters were eligible, with over 1 million polling stations nationwide.

Seats in the Lok Sabha are reserved for Scheduled Castes (84 seats) and Scheduled Tribes (47 seats) to ensure representation for historically disadvantaged groups. India’s local governance system also democratically elects over 3.1 million representatives, including 1.3 million women.

Model Code of Conduct

The MCC is a set of guidelines that keep elections clean and fair. Government parties can’t use resources or announce new policies during elections; influencing voters with gifts is punishable; and all candidates must behave responsibly. 

Complaints such as bribing, use of abusive language, or misuse of official machinery are closely monitored. These rules help protect the integrity of elections.

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite its success, India’s electoral system faces challenges: the influence of money and criminal backgrounds among candidates, and declining voter turnout in cities. 

Raising awareness—especially among young voters—and providing detailed information about choices are crucial for strengthening democracy.

Summary Table: MP vs MLA

Reforms like the introduction of EVMs, VVPATs, stricter campaign finance rules—led by visionaries like T.N. Seshan—have boosted transparency. But strengthening India’s democracy needs active, responsible, and well-informed participation from all its citizens.

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 5 Notes – Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System

These Class 8 Social Science notes on "Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System" summarise all crucial points in simple language. Understand the core features of universal franchise in India, the structure of elections, and the vital role of the Election Commission in free and fair polls. These revision notes cover the main facts, definitions, and essential processes, supporting your preparation for quick and effective revision.

Reviewing these notes will help you remember important exam points like the voting process, reserved seats, and types of elections. They explain why voting is both a right and a responsibility and highlight recent reforms for making Indian elections more participatory and transparent.