What is a Universal Adult Franchise? Why has it been adopted in India?
Universal Adult Franchise
Right to express one’s choice by vote is called Franchise. When the right to vote or franchise is given to every adult in a state, it is known as the Universal Adult Franchise.
Reasons for Adopting in India
In India, elections are held on die basis of Universal Adult Franchise. To elect their representatives, elections are held from time to time. In India, we have indirect democracy.
The government is run by the representatives, who are elected by the people. Every citizen of India, who has completed 18 years of age, has been given the right to vote irrespective of his caste, religion, sex etc.
Everybody, whether he is rich qr poor, young or old, man or woman, learned or illiterate should have equal voice in our democracy. ‘One person, one vote’ makes our government responsible to all citizens.
Universal adult franchise is important because :
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It establishes political equality among all the adults.
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It ensures that all the people are having hands in the electing ruler and hence the government is democratic.
