AM

ADITYA MATHORAIR 98· 2029

Question 13GS2GS2

Both India and the US are pluralistic, diverse and republican democracies but there exist several distinctions in their electoral processes. What are the key differences in electoral practices between the two countries? (Answer in 250 words)

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AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Main Body

India & US are pluralistic, diverse & republican democracies but there exist several distinctions in their electoral processes.

Both Adhere to Democratic Principles

1Democracy - political leader chosen by people to head govt. Eg PM, President
2Universal Adult Franchise - to all others but India gave it to all at time of independence while US denied to black, women.
3Republic - head of state elected by citizens directly & indirectly.
4Protection of Minorities - by both constitution. Eg Indian Fundamental right & US I Amendment.

Electoral Systems

Basis | India | US

I. Central Federal Government

President | De jure Head, President but de facto head PM | President is both de jure & de facto head who is Supreme Commander

| | President acts on advice of Council of Ministers (Art.74) |

| | PM & Council responsible to Parliament (Art.75(3)) |

| | PM & Council elected by people | (9) President elected indirectly by citizens

II. Parliament/Congress

5Two Houses- Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha | (5) Two Houses - House of Representatives & Senate
6Equal representation in states in Rajya Sabha (Population) | (6) All states send two Senators each to senate

III. Electoral Process (1) PM & Council of Ministers elected by people directly | (7) President indirectly elected by citizens

| | (8) President needs 271 votes in temporary body called electoral college town

IV. Judiciary

9Budget select judge as per collegium (2nd & 3rd judge case) | (9) President nominate but senate confirming supreme court judges

III. Electoral Process (1) PM & Council of Ministers elected by people directly | (7) President indirectly elected by citizens

2No such body | (8) President needs 271 votes in temporary body called electoral college town

IV. Judiciary

9Budget select judge as per collegium (2nd & 3rd judge case) | (9) President nominate but senate confirming supreme court judges
2&} India are vibrant democracies & must ensure rule of law & democratic conditions to thrive for posterity (Honble PM to US Congress Joint Statu)
346 words11 paragraphs

Diagram

Comparative table showing electoral systems of India vs US across Central Government, Parliament/Congress, Electoral Process, and Judiciary

  • Clear comparative structure
  • Mentions key democratic principles
  • Excellent tabular representation of differences
  • Clear articulation of structural differences between systems
  • Concludes with contemporary reference to PM's address

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Page 32

Topper

ADITYA MATHOR

AIR 982029

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries

Electoral Systems and Democratic Principles

India vs US Electoral Processes

Writing Stats

346

Total words

11

Paragraphs

comparative and analytical

Tone