NCERT Class 8 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 5 — सार्वभौमः मताधिकारः, भारतस्य निर्वाचनव्यवस्था च
This chapter, "Universal Suffrage, Election System of India" from NCERT Class 8 Social Science, explores the foundational principle of universal adult suffrage in Indian democracy. It explains that every adult citizen, regardless of caste, creed, gender, education, or income, has the right to vote, with each vote holding equal value. The chapter highlights that India adopted this principle from its inception, as enshrined in Article 326 of the Constitution. It also touches upon the historical shift in the minimum voting age from 21 to 18 in 1988. The text emphasizes that elections at all levels, from Lok Sabha to local bodies, are conducted based on universal suffrage, reinforcing the idea of a robust democratic system where citizens actively participate in governance. The chapter aims to educate students about their fundamental right to vote and its significance in a democratic society.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — सार्वभौमः मताधिकारः, भारतस्य निर्वाचनव्यवस्था च |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 245 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of universal adult suffrage.
- Recognize the importance of equal voting rights for all adult citizens.
- Learn about the Indian election system and its basis in universal suffrage.
- Understand the significance of voting in a democracy.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| सार्वभौमः | Sovereign/Universal |
| मताधिकारः | Right to vote/Suffrage |
| निर्वाचनव्यवस्था | Election system |
| गणतन्त्रेण | Republic |
| लोकतान्त्रिकशासनस्य | Democratic governance |
| प्रौढ-मताधिकारस्य | Adult suffrage |
| सिद्धान्तः | Principle |
| अङ्गीकृतः | Accepted |
| नागरिकः | Citizen |
| मतदानं | Voting |
| आधारशिला | Foundation stone |
| अनुच्छेदः | Article |
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Practice questions
- वैश्विक-प्राप्तवयस्क-मताधिकारः कः? Answer: वैश्विक-प्राप्तवयस्क-मताधिकारः इति यत् प्रत्येकं ववयस्कः नागरि�कः एकं मतम्् प्राप्नोत््, सर्वेषां� मतानां� मूल्यं समानम्् अस्ति�ि।
- भारतस्य निर्वाचनव्यवस्था कस्य आधारेण भवति�? Answer: भारतस्य निर्वाचनव्यवस्था सार्ववभौमि�क-मताधिLकारस्य आधारेण भवति�।
- मतदानस्य न्यूनतमम्् आयुः कति� ववर्षाणि�? Answer: मतदानस्य न्यूनतमम्् आयुः १८ ववर्षाणि�।
Frequently asked questions
What is universal adult suffrage?
Universal adult suffrage means that every adult citizen has the right to vote, and all votes are of equal value, irrespective of their background.
What is the basis of India's election system?
India's election system is based on the principle of universal adult suffrage, as mentioned in Article 326 of the Constitution.
Who can vote in India?
Every Indian citizen who is 18 years or older can vote, provided they are registered as a voter and have not been disqualified due to serious offenses.
When was the minimum voting age changed in India?
India changed the minimum voting age from 21 to 18 years in 1988.
What does the term 'universal' signify in universal suffrage?
The term 'universal' signifies that the right to vote is extended to all adult citizens without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, education, or income.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 5 — सार्वभौमः मताधिकारः, भारतस्य निर्वाचनव्यवस्था च. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.