Chapter 7 of the new NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook is Elections, part of the Political Science section. It explains why elections matter and how the electoral process works.
Last Updated: September 23, 2026
Why Elections Matter
Q: Why are elections essential in a democracy?
A: Elections give citizens a regular opportunity to choose their representatives and hold the government accountable, making them a core mechanism through which democratic government functions.
Universal Adult Franchise
Q: What is universal adult franchise?
A: It is the principle that all adult citizens, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic status, have the right to vote, once they reach the eligible voting age.
Free and Fair Elections
Q: What makes an election “free and fair”?
A: An election is free and fair when voters can choose freely without pressure or intimidation, all eligible candidates can contest, and the voting and counting process is conducted transparently and impartially.
Electronic Voting Machines
Q: What is an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), and why is it used in Indian elections?
A: An EVM is an electronic device used to record and count votes; it is used in India to make the voting and counting process faster, more efficient, and less prone to certain kinds of errors compared to paper ballots.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What body conducts elections in India?
The Election Commission of India, an independent constitutional body, is responsible for conducting free and fair elections across the country.
What is the minimum voting age in India?
18 years.
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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 7 – More Resources
See the Class 9 Social Science NCERT Book for the full chapter list and official PDF downloads.
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