India civics quiz
Civics is about how power is organised and how citizens take part. This quiz goes beyond Parliament to elections, States and local government.
Elections
Elections to Parliament and the State Legislatures are run by the Election Commission of India under Article 324. Every citizen aged 18 or over can vote, and Lok Sabha seats are won by the candidate with the most votes in each constituency.
The Union and the States
The Seventh Schedule divides law-making subjects into three lists. The Union List includes defence; the State List includes police and public order; the Concurrent List, which both can legislate on, includes education. Subjects on no list belong to Parliament.
Local government
The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) gave constitutional status to panchayats and municipalities, with at least one-third of seats reserved for women and elections run by State Election Commissions.
Try some questions
Tap a question to see the answer and why. In the timed challenge you pick from four options.
Voting in India's general elections is based on what?
Answer: Universal adult suffrage. Every adult citizen can vote, whatever their wealth, education or background. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 326
What does NOTA let a voter choose?
Answer: None of the Above. NOTA allows a voter to reject all candidates while still voting. Source: Election Commission of India (eci.gov.in)
The 73rd Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to what?
Answer: Panchayati Raj institutions. The 73rd Amendment added Part IX on Panchayats. Source: Constitution of India, Part IX
What does the 74th Amendment deal with?
Answer: Municipalities. The 74th Amendment added Part IXA on Municipalities. Source: Constitution of India, Part IXA
Defence of India is on which list?
Answer: Union List. Defence is a Union subject, so only Parliament legislates on it. Source: Constitution of India, Seventh Schedule, List I
How is the winner decided in a Lok Sabha constituency?
Answer: Most votes wins. Lok Sabha elections use first-past-the-post: the candidate with most votes wins. Source: Election Commission of India (eci.gov.in)
What is the minimum share of panchayat seats reserved for women?
Answer: One-third. The Constitution requires at least one-third of panchayat seats for women. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 243D
What does the Model Code of Conduct cover?
Answer: Election rules for parties and candidates. The Model Code of Conduct guides parties, candidates and governments during elections. Source: Election Commission of India (eci.gov.in)
What does a VVPAT let a voter do?
Answer: See a paper slip confirming their vote. The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail briefly shows a slip with the chosen candidate. Source: Election Commission of India (eci.gov.in)
Who conducts elections to panchayats and municipalities?
Answer: State Election Commissions. Local body elections are run by State Election Commissions. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 243K and 243ZA