NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 3: Electoral politics

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In the parliamentary system followed in India, what is the essential requirement for a political party to form the government?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AWin at least 50% of the total votes polled.
BSecure the highest number of votes in the country.
CWin a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly.
DSecure the support of the President of India.

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

Win a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly.

Explanation

India follows a Parliamentary form of government based on the Westminster model, utilizing the First Past The Post (FPTP) electoral system. In this system, the executive (Council of Ministers) is drawn from the legislature and is collectively responsible to the Lower House. Therefore, the formation of a government is strictly contingent upon enjoying the confidence of the Lower House.

Option Analysis

Secure the highest number of votes in the country. is Incorrect: Under the FPTP system, the aggregate vote share across the country does not determine who forms the government. It is possible for a party to secure the highest number of popular votes but win fewer seats than its competitors due to the distribution of votes across constituencies.
Win a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly. is Correct: The fundamental requirement to form a government is to prove a majority on the floor of the Lower House (Lok Sabha for the Centre, Legislative Assembly for States). This requires winning more than 50% of the seats (simple majority). If a single party fails to achieve this, a coalition of parties may form the government by proving their combined majority.
Win at least 50% of the total votes polled. is Incorrect: There is no constitutional or legal requirement for a winning candidate or party to secure more than 50% of the total votes polled. In the FPTP system, a candidate wins by securing a plurality of votes (more than any other single candidate), even if the vote share is well below 50%.
Secure the support of the President of India. is Incorrect: The President appoints the Prime Minister based on the convention of inviting the leader of the majority party or coalition. The President's personal "support" is not a criterion; the President acts as a constitutional head ensuring that the government has legislative legitimacy.

Key Takeaway: In the Indian Parliamentary system, political power is determined by the majority of seats in the Lower House, not by the majority or plurality of the total popular vote.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Electoral politics

Consider the following statements regarding the election campaign period in India: 1. The official campaign period is usually six months. 2. Political parties prepare for elections well before the official campaign period begins. 3. During the campaign, candidates contact voters and mobilize supporters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following best describes the role of 'Agents' of candidates inside the polling booth?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India. 2. The CEC is answerable to the President and can be removed by the President if the ruling party is dissatisfied. 3. Government officers on election duty work under the control of the government, not the ECI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following powers is NOT exercised by the Election Commission of India?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the "Electronic Voting Machines" (EVMs): 1. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used to record the votes of the citizens. 2. EVMs display only the party symbols and not the names of the candidates. 3. Independent candidates are not allotted any election symbol on the EVM. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 3: Electoral politics

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Correct Option

The correct option is

Win a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly.

Explanation

Option Analysis

Secure the highest number of votes in the country. is Incorrect: Under the FPTP system, the aggregate vote share across the country does not determine who forms the government. It is possible for a party to secure the highest number of popular votes but win fewer seats than its competitors due to the distribution of votes across constituencies.
Win a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly. is Correct: The fundamental requirement to form a government is to prove a majority on the floor of the Lower House (Lok Sabha for the Centre, Legislative Assembly for States). This requires winning more than 50% of the seats (simple majority). If a single party fails to achieve this, a coalition of parties may form the government by proving their combined majority.
Win at least 50% of the total votes polled. is Incorrect: There is no constitutional or legal requirement for a winning candidate or party to secure more than 50% of the total votes polled. In the FPTP system, a candidate wins by securing a plurality of votes (more than any other single candidate), even if the vote share is well below 50%.
Secure the support of the President of India. is Incorrect: The President appoints the Prime Minister based on the convention of inviting the leader of the majority party or coalition. The President's personal "support" is not a criterion; the President acts as a constitutional head ensuring that the government has legislative legitimacy.

Key Takeaway: In the Indian Parliamentary system, political power is determined by the majority of seats in the Lower House, not by the majority or plurality of the total popular vote.