Question

Universal Adult Franchise in the Indian context means..........
A. Providing fundamental rights to every citizen.
B. Allowing all adults to vote in elections.
C. Providing job opportunities to every adult person.
D. Regular, free and fair elections.

Answer 1

Hint:Universal adult franchise is defined in the Article 326 of the constitution which gives the right to all the adult citizens of the country to cast their vote which enables them to involve in the working of the government. It is also known as Universal Suffrage and based on the principle of equality.

Complete answer:
Option A - Universal adult franchise is defined as the right provided to all the adult citizens of the country irrespective of their class, caste, religion, economic conditions or gender to vote. The word franchisee is taken from the French word ‘frank’ which means ‘free’. India had adopted this principle on January 26 in the year 1950. It is applicable to all the citizens above the age of eighteen years. The Universal Adult Franchise was adopted by the Indian constitution which forms the basis of election in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The island Republic of Tavolara was the first country who granted limited universal adult franchise followed by New Zealand. It forms the basis of the Democratic system in India. So, it is not the correct answer.
Option B - The fundamental rights are included in the Part 3rd of the Indian constitution which gives a guarantee to each of the citizens of India to protect their civil rights. When the fundamental rights were introduced in the Constitution then there were originally 7 fundamental rights such as number one right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights and right to constitutional remedies. Afterwards the Right to Property was removed from the constitution by the amendment done in 1978. So, it is the appropriate answer.
Option C - Article 15 of the Indian constitution provides the right to every individual or citizen to choose his or her occupation and profession. Thus, it is not the correct answer.
Option D – Regular, free and fair elections are conducted every year which provides the opportunity to
select the political parties of their choice. So, it is also not the correct answer.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: The term ‘suffrage’ in the United States is mainly associated with the women’s suffrage started during the 19th century and mentioned in the 19th amendment of the United States Constitution.