Representation in Polity

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Representation in Polity



Meaning

  • Representation means acting on behalf of others.

  • In a democracy, citizens cannot directly participate in day-to-day law-making. Instead, they elect representatives to legislate and govern on their behalf.

  • Thus, representation is the backbone of modern democracy.

Types of Representation

  1. Direct Representation (Direct Democracy)

    • People themselves participate in decision-making.

    • Example: Switzerland (Referendum, Initiative, Recall).

  2. Indirect Representation (Representative Democracy)

    • People elect representatives who take decisions.

    • Example: India, USA, UK.

Forms of Political Representation

  1. Territorial Representation

    • Representatives are elected from specific constituencies/areas.

    • Example: Lok Sabha elections in India.

  2. Functional Representation

    • Representation based on occupation or function.

    • Example: Teachers, lawyers, trade unions, chambers of commerce (used in corporatist systems).

  3. Proportional Representation (PR)

    • Seats are allotted in proportion to votes secured by parties.

    • Example: Israel, Netherlands.

    • In India → used in Rajya Sabha & President’s election (Single Transferable Vote – STV system).

  4. Minority Representation

    • Special provisions for weaker/minority groups to ensure participation.

    • Example: Anglo-Indian representation (Article 331 – now abolished by 104th Amendment, 2019).

Representation in India

  • Lok Sabha: Territorial representation → based on population & area.

  • Rajya Sabha: States represented in proportion to population (but unequal → small states given minimum representation).

  • President & Vice-President elections: Indirect, through Electoral College.

  • Panchayati Raj & Urban Local Bodies: Direct elections + reservations for SC, ST, OBC, Women (Article 243D).

  • Proportional Representation: Rajya Sabha elections, Presidential elections.

Importance of Representation

  • Makes democracy workable in large countries.

  • Ensures participation of citizens indirectly.

  • Protects minority rights & diversity.

  • Strengthens accountability & legitimacy.

PYQ Examples

  1. UPSC Prelims 2017
    Q: In India, members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by—
    👉 Answer: Elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (through proportional representation by STV).

  2. SSC CGL 2019
    Q: The President of India is elected by—
    👉 Answer: Electoral College (MPs + MLAs).

  3. RRB 2018
    Q: Which Article provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Panchayati Raj institutions?
    👉 Answer: Article 243D.

  4. JKSSB 2021
    Q: Representation of Anglo-Indians in Lok Sabha was abolished by—
    👉 Answer: 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.

MCQs on Representation in Polity

Q1. Representation means—

(a) Ruling by force
(b) Acting on behalf of others
(c) Monarchical control
(d) Bureaucratic power
👉 Answer: (b)

Q2. Which country is best known for Direct Democracy?

(a) India
(b) USA
(c) Switzerland
(d) UK
👉 Answer: (c)

Q3. In India, Lok Sabha members are elected through—

(a) Proportional Representation
(b) First Past the Post (FPTP) system
(c) Single Transferable Vote system
(d) Functional representation
👉 Answer: (b)

Q4. Rajya Sabha members are elected by—

(a) People directly
(b) Elected MLAs using proportional representation (STV)
(c) President
(d) Governors
👉 Answer: (b)

Q5. Reservation of seats for women in Panchayati Raj is provided under—

(a) Article 15
(b) Article 21
(c) Article 243D
(d) Article 370
👉 Answer: (c)

Q6. Who elects the President of India?

(a) People directly
(b) Members of Parliament only
(c) Electoral College (MPs + MLAs)
(d) Rajya Sabha alone
👉 Answer: (c)

Q7. Representation of Anglo-Indians in Lok Sabha was abolished by—

(a) 42nd Amendment
(b) 44th Amendment
(c) 73rd Amendment
(d) 104th Amendment
👉 Answer: (d)

Q8. Which system is used in Presidential elections in India?

(a) FPTP
(b) Functional representation
(c) Proportional representation (STV)
(d) Simple majority system
👉 Answer: (c)

Q9. Territorial representation in India is ensured by—

(a) Rajya Sabha
(b) Lok Sabha
(c) President
(d) Governor
👉 Answer: (b)

Q10. Minority representation in Indian polity was provided to Anglo-Indians by—

(a) Article 370
(b) Article 331
(c) Article 243D
(d) Article 356
👉 Answer: (b)

First Past the Post (FPTP) System

🔹 Meaning:

  • FPTP is an electoral system where the candidate who secures the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared elected, even if they don’t get a majority (>50%).

  • Also called Simple Majority System / Plurality System.

🔹 Features of FPTP:

  1. Single-member constituencies → One representative is elected from each constituency.

  2. Winner = maximum votes (not necessarily majority).

  3. Used in Lok Sabha & State Legislative Assembly elections in India.

  4. Simple and easy to understand.

  5. Adopted from British Parliamentary System.

🔹 Advantages of FPTP:

  1. Simplicity – Easy for voters to understand.

  2. Stable Government – Encourages majority governments (helps avoid frequent coalitions).

  3. Clear Choice – Voters directly choose between candidates.

  4. Strong Opposition – Losers become opposition, creating accountability.

  5. Quick Results – Counting is simple and fast.

🔹 Disadvantages of FPTP:

  1. No absolute majority required – A candidate may win even with less than 30–40% of votes.

  2. Vote Wastage – Votes for losing candidates do not count in representation.

  3. Regionalism – Encourages local/regional parties.

  4. Under-representation of minorities – Minority votes often get ignored.

  5. Encourages money & muscle power in elections.

🔹 Alternative to FPTP:

  • Proportional Representation (PR) → Seats distributed as per vote share.

  • PR is used in Rajya Sabha elections in India.

Proportional Representation (PR) System

🔹 Meaning:

  • An electoral system in which seats are distributed in proportion to the number of votes secured by a party or candidate.

  • The main aim is to minimize vote wastage and ensure fair representation of political groups, minorities, and smaller parties.

  • Unlike FPTP, where the winner takes all, in PR even smaller vote shares convert into seats.

🔹 Types of PR used in India

  1. Single Transferable Vote (STV):

    • Voters rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3...).

    • If a candidate secures the required quota, extra votes are transferred to next preferences.

    • Used for:

      • Rajya Sabha elections

      • President of India election

      • Vice President of India election

      • Legislative Council elections

  2. List System:

    • Political parties present a list of candidates.

    • Seats are allocated according to the proportion of votes each party receives.

    • Not used in India (used in countries like Israel, South Africa).

🔹 Features of PR

  1. Fair representation – Reflects true vote share.

  2. Multi-member constituencies instead of single-member.

  3. Minorities get representation.

  4. Coalition governments more likely.

  5. Complex counting process compared to FPTP.

🔹 Advantages of PR

  1. Represents diverse groups fairly.

  2. Reduces vote wastage – most votes count.

  3. Encourages smaller parties & minorities.

  4. More democratic than FPTP.

🔹 Disadvantages of PR

  1. Coalition governments → instability.

  2. Complex system for voters.

  3. Weak link between voters and representative (especially in list system).

  4. Delays in results due to complex counting.

📌 Examples in India

  • Rajya Sabha → elected by State Legislative Assemblies through Single Transferable Vote (STV).

  • President & Vice President → elected by an Electoral College using STV + proportional representation.

📌 Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

  1. UPSC 2017 (Prelims):
    The election of the President of India is held by which method?

    • (a) Direct election by people

    • (b) FPTP system

    • (c) Proportional representation by STV

    • (d) Proportional representation by list system
      ✅ Answer: (c)

  2. SSC CGL 2021:
    Which of the following elections in India is conducted using Proportional Representation?

    • (a) Lok Sabha

    • (b) Rajya Sabha

    • (c) State Legislative Assembly

    • (d) Zila Panchayat
      ✅ Answer: (b)

  3. RRB 2019:
    Rajya Sabha members are elected by

    • (a) First Past the Post System

    • (b) Direct election by people

    • (c) Single Transferable Vote system

    • (d) List system of PR
      ✅ Answer: (c)

📌 MCQs for Practice

  1. The President of India is elected by:

    • (a) FPTP system

    • (b) Direct voting by citizens

    • (c) Proportional Representation by STV

    • (d) Nomination by Parliament
      ✅ Answer: (c)

  2. Which of the following elections use Proportional Representation in India?

    • (a) Lok Sabha

    • (b) Rajya Sabha

    • (c) Gram Panchayat

    • (d) Lokayukta
      ✅ Answer: (b)

  3. Proportional Representation ensures:

    • (a) Strong majority governments

    • (b) Exact representation of voter preferences

    • (c) Wastage of votes

    • (d) Direct democracy
      ✅ Answer: (b)

  4. Which type of PR is used in Rajya Sabha elections?

    • (a) List system

    • (b) First Past the Post

    • (c) Single Transferable Vote

    • (d) Preferential Vote
      ✅ Answer: (c)

  5. In which country is List PR commonly used?

    • (a) India

    • (b) USA

    • (c) Israel

    • (d) UK
      ✅ Answer: (c)

📌 Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

  1. UPSC 2017 (Prelims):
    Which of the following is correct about the First Past the Post system in India?

    • (a) Candidate with highest votes wins even without majority

    • (b) Used in Rajya Sabha elections

    • (c) Based on proportional representation

    • (d) Requires 50%+1 majority

    ✅ Answer: (a)

  2. SSC CGL 2019:
    Which electoral system is used in the election of Lok Sabha in India?

    • (a) Proportional Representation

    • (b) First Past the Post System

    • (c) Single Transferable Vote

    • (d) Mixed System

    ✅ Answer: (b)

  3. RRB 2022:
    Which of the following elections in India use the First Past the Post system?

    • (a) President

    • (b) Lok Sabha

    • (c) Rajya Sabha

    • (d) Vice President

    ✅ Answer: (b)

📌 MCQs for Practice

  1. In India, which electoral method is used for Lok Sabha elections?

    • (a) Proportional Representation

    • (b) First Past the Post

    • (c) Cumulative Vote System

    • (d) Single Transferable Vote
      ✅ Answer: (b)

  2. FPTP is also known as:

    • (a) Proportional Representation

    • (b) Majority Vote System

    • (c) Plurality System

    • (d) Preferential Vote
      ✅ Answer: (c)

  3. Which of the following is a major criticism of FPTP?

    • (a) It is difficult to implement

    • (b) It wastes votes of losing candidates

    • (c) It always gives proportional representation

    • (d) It requires multiple rounds of voting
      ✅ Answer: (b)

  4. Which body in India is elected through FPTP?

    • (a) Rajya Sabha

    • (b) Legislative Council

    • (c) Lok Sabha

    • (d) President
      ✅ Answer: (c)

  5. From which country did India adopt the FPTP system?

    • (a) USA

    • (b) UK

    • (c) France

    • (d) Canada
      ✅ Answer: (b)


Comparison of Representation Systems

FeatureFirst Past the Post (FPTP)Proportional Representation (PR)Functional Representation
MeaningCandidate who gets maximum votes in a constituency wins (even if not majority).Seats are distributed to parties in proportion to votes secured.Representation based on occupation/profession/groups instead of territory.
MethodSimple majority system.Methods like Single Transferable Vote (STV), Party List, etc.Groups like farmers, teachers, lawyers, trade unions elect representatives.
Used InLok Sabha & State Assembly elections in India, UK, USA.Rajya Sabha elections, President of India election, Israel, Netherlands.Corporatist systems (e.g., Mussolini’s Italy), not in India.
Advantages- Simple, easy to understand.
- Stable majority governments.
- Direct link between voter & representative.		- Fair representation of political parties.
- Encourages multi-party system.
- Minority voices get representation.		- Ensures expert representation of professions.
- Provides voice to occupational groups.
Disadvantages- Minority votes often wasted.
- Disproportionate results (party with fewer votes may win more seats).		- Coalition governments → instability.
- Complex system for voters.		- Difficult to implement.
- Undermines principle of equal territorial representation.
Example (India)Lok Sabha elections (FPTP system – Article 81).Rajya Sabha elections & President’s election (STV method).Not practiced in Indian Constitution.
Exam Tip"Winner takes all system""Seats = proportion of votes""Representation by groups/professions"

✅ UPSC/SSC/JKSSB PYQ Pointers:

  • FPTP → Lok Sabha elections.

  • PR → Rajya Sabha & President elections (STV).

  • Functional representation → Not used in India.

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