Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
3. The first-past-the-post (FPTP) system is neither truly democratic nor truly representative. Time has come to introspect and re-examine it. Critically comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
India’s parliamentary democracy is going through a phase of intense confrontation between the dominant ruling party and a weakened but belligerent Opposition and it is a consequence of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the limitation of the FPTP system and suggest alternatives.
Directive word:
Critically comment – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘comment’ is prefixed, we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In the introduction, write why India’s needs electoral reforms.
Body:
Write about the FPTP system, its merits and demerits. Argue as to why FPTP is considered not truly democratic and inclusive. Back up your arguments with relevant stats and data.
Next, write about the alternatives such as Proportional Representation and German Model etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by commenting on the path India should adopt going forward.
