KRIGYAN

Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System

Class 8 · Social Science

1 idea in Class 8 Social Science, explained in plain words, with games and quizzes to practise.

Universal Franchise and Elections in India

Part of: Governance and Democracy

Universal Adult Franchise: all adult citizens can vote regardless of background. 2024 election: 968 million+ eligible voters, 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. India has 3.1 million elected reps (1.3 million women) in 250,000+ local bodies. Switzerland gave women voting rights only in 1971. Pre-independence: only ~13% of Indians could vote. India's literacy rate in 1947: ~14% (8% for women). ECI organises elections. 2024: first time elderly/disabled could vote from home.

Why it matters. Universal franchise is the foundation of Indian democracy — every citizen's voice matters equally, regardless of wealth or education.

Try it in two minutes

  1. Ask: how many voters were eligible in the 2024 general election?
  2. Ask: how many Lok Sabha constituencies does India have?
  3. Ask: when did Switzerland give women the right to vote?

Try at home. Ask your child to explain why India granted universal franchise from the very beginning, even with low literacy.

What your child will practise

  • Universal Franchise and Elections in India: Candy Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
  • Universal Franchise and Elections in India: Explorer'S Map Quest (Match It Up)
  • Universal Franchise and Elections in India: Ocean Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
  • Universal Franchise and Elections in India: Time Travel Quest (Collect the Answer)
  • Quiz: Universal Franchise and Elections in India (8 questions)