(i) India is a socialist, secular democratic, republic and the largest democracy in the world.
(ii) The electoral system in India has been adapted from the system followed in the United Kingdom.
(iii) Indian constitution provides for an Independent Election Commission in order to ensure free and fair election in the country.
(iv) It consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

(i) Democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people.
(ii) People can elect the leader of their choice.
(iii) All the people can enjoy equal rights.

Merits:
(i) In a huge population country all the people can be represented by multiple parties.
(ii) Particular groups can form their own parties.
(iii) People will have multiple options to vote.
Demerits:
(i) Votes will be scattered.
(ii) It will develop groupsism.
(iii) When there is absolute majority there will be coalition government.

The principle and importance of universal adult franchise:
(i) Electorate should not be differentiated based on sex, religion, caste or language.
(ii) Ebctorate should be mature enough to select a suitable leader. So there should be a minimum age limit.
(iii) The electoral ballet should be a secret one.

(i) Pressure groups are the interest groups that work to secure certain interest by influencing the public policy
(ii) They are non-aligned with any other party.
(iii) They work as an indirect yet powerful group to influence the policy decisions.
(iv) They support through activities such as petitions, marches, demonstrations and other forms of political protest.
(v) It comments on government policy and using high profile academics, scientists and even celebrities to get their views across with an emphasis to cultivate expert authority.
(vi) Many pressure groups are vital sources of information and render advice to the government.
(vii) They are regularly consulted in the process of policy formulation.