Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ is a high-weightage topic for aspirants preparing for CBSE, SSC, RAILWAYS and other competitive Exams.This MCQ set is designed strictly as per exam trends and high-probability areas.
Why This Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ Set Matters?
Exam Relevance:
The period of Congress dominance (1952-1967) is a core component of Indian Political Science syllabi. Exams frequently test details about the first general elections, opposition leaders, and the nature of Indian democracy during this phase.
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (Concept-Based)
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Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ – 30 Most Expected Questions (30 MCQs Test)
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Who was appointed as the first Chief Election Commissioner of India in January 1950, tasked with preparing the country for its first general election?
Explanation:
Correct: B
In the context of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ, this question examines the institutional setup of Indian elections. Sukumar Sen was the first CEC who supervised the colossal task of the first general election. This topic is vital for understanding the Congress System in India.
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The first general election (1951-52) was a massive exercise. Approximately what percentage of the eligible voters were literate at the time of this election?
Explanation:
Correct: A
From the Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ syllabus perspective, this concept highlights the challenges of democracy in a newly independent nation. With only 15 percent literacy among 17 crore voters, the election was a bold experiment in universal adult franchise.
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Consider the following statements regarding the changing methods of voting in India:1. In the first general election, a separate ballot box was placed for each candidate with their symbol.
2. By the late 1990s, the Election Commission introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
3. By 2004, EVMs were used in the entire country for the general election.
Which of the above statements are correct?
2. By the late 1990s, the Election Commission introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
3. By 2004, EVMs were used in the entire country for the general election.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation:
Correct: D
This concept within Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ is important because it traces the technological evolution of Indian elections. From separate ballot boxes to paper ballots and finally EVMs in 2004, the process has become more secure and efficient.
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Consider the following statements regarding the 1952 General Election results:
Assertion (A): The Congress party won a landslide victory, securing 364 out of 489 seats in the first Lok Sabha.
Reason (R): The Congress party secured nearly 75% of the total valid votes cast in the election.
Assertion (A): The Congress party won a landslide victory, securing 364 out of 489 seats in the first Lok Sabha.
Reason (R): The Congress party secured nearly 75% of the total valid votes cast in the election.
Explanation:
Correct: C
Exam questions from Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ often focus on the First Past the Post system. While Congress won 74 percent of seats, it only secured 45 percent of votes. The Reason is false, illustrating how seat share can disproportionately exceed vote share.
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During the preparation of the first electoral rolls, the Election Commission had to delete nearly 40 lakh names. What was the primary reason for this deletion?
Explanation:
Correct: B
A key idea tested in Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ relates to the social challenges of the 1950s. The Election Commission refused to accept patriarchal entries like wife of, insisting on individual identity for women voters during the First General Election 1952.
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Which of the following pairs regarding the outcomes of the First General Election (1952) is correctly matched?
Explanation:
Correct: B
Understanding this aspect of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ helps aspirants distinguish between ruling and opposition strength. The CPI won 16 seats, making it the second-largest party, far behind Congress. This highlights the fragmented nature of Opposition Parties in India.
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Scenario: It is the year 1952. A voter in a village in Bihar goes to the polling booth. He casts his vote for the local MLA. Based on the electoral structure of that time, which other election was being held simultaneously at the same polling booth?
Explanation:
Correct: C
In the context of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ, this question examines the tradition of simultaneous elections. Until 1967, Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections were held together, a significant feature of the early Congress System in India.
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Which of the following statements accurately reflects the skepticism surrounding India’s first general election?1. A magazine claimed that Jawaharlal Nehru would live to confess the failure of universal adult franchise.
2. A British member of the ICS called it “the biggest gamble in history.”
2. A British member of the ICS called it “the biggest gamble in history.”
Explanation:
Correct: C
From the Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ syllabus perspective, this concept highlights global doubts about Indian democracy. Critics believed the vast illiteracy would cause the failure of the First General Election 1952, labeling it a gamble.
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Which political scientist coined the term “Congress System” to describe the unique nature of the Indian party system in the 1950s, characterized by the dominance of the Congress party and its ability to absorb distinct interests?
Explanation:
Correct: B
This concept within Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ is important because Rajni Kothari defined the era. He analyzed how Congress functioned as a grand coalition, absorbing opposition elements, which is central to understanding the Congress System in India.
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The Congress party of the 1950s is often described as a “Rainbow Coalition.” Which of the following best defines this specific characteristic?
Explanation:
Correct: B
Exam questions from Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ often focus on the inclusive nature of the party. The term Rainbow Coalition refers to its ability to accommodate diverse social groups and ideologies, preventing the rise of strong Opposition Parties in India.
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Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the Congress party:1. In 1885, it started as a pressure group for the newly educated, professional, and commercial classes.
2. During the 20th century, it transformed into a mass movement.
3. After independence, it transformed into a rigid, cadre-based party similar to the Communist model.
Which of the above statements are correct?
2. During the 20th century, it transformed into a mass movement.
3. After independence, it transformed into a rigid, cadre-based party similar to the Communist model.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation:
Correct: A
A key idea tested in Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ relates to party structure. Congress remained a loose coalition rather than a rigid cadre-based party. This flexibility allowed it to dominate the political landscape during the First General Election 1952 era.
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The Congress dominance was sustained by a specific management mechanism. Which of the following was NOT a feature of this mechanism?
Explanation:
Correct: B
Understanding this aspect of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ helps aspirants grasp the tolerance mechanism. Congress rarely expelled dissenters; instead, it managed differences internally, which is why it was called the Congress System in India.
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Consider the following statements regarding internal dissent:
Assertion (A): Internal factions were a source of strength for the Congress party during the era of dominance.
Reason (R): The presence of factions meant that the party could accommodate both the ruling group and the opposition within its own fold, preventing the formation of strong external rivals.
Assertion (A): Internal factions were a source of strength for the Congress party during the era of dominance.
Reason (R): The presence of factions meant that the party could accommodate both the ruling group and the opposition within its own fold, preventing the formation of strong external rivals.
Explanation:
Correct: A
In the context of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ, this question examines the role of factions. Factions allowed internal competition, meaning the party acted as both government and opposition, strengthening the Congress System in India.
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Which of the following ideological strands was NOT present within the Congress coalition during the early post-independence years?
Explanation:
Correct: D
From the Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ syllabus perspective, this concept highlights the limits of inclusion. While Congress was a broad coalition of ideologies, it fundamentally stood for national unity and did not accommodate separatist elements.
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Why was the period of the first three general elections described as a period of “Democratic” politics, despite one-party dominance?1. The elections were free and fair.
2. The opposition parties were banned but allowed to publish newspapers.
3. The dominance was due to popular support, not legal suppression of rivals.
2. The opposition parties were banned but allowed to publish newspapers.
3. The dominance was due to popular support, not legal suppression of rivals.
Explanation:
Correct: B
This concept within Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ is important because it differentiates India from authoritarian states. Opposition Parties in India were active and legal; Congress won simply because it had more popular support during the First General Election 1952.
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Scenario: A prominent leader within the ruling party in 1955 feels that the government is neglecting the interests of farmers. Instead of quitting the party to form a new “Farmers Party,” he forms a group within the ruling party to lobby for his demands. What is the technical term used in the NCERT text to describe such a group?
Explanation:
Correct: B
Exam questions from Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ often focus on internal party dynamics. A Faction is a group with common interests inside a larger party. This mechanism was crucial for the longevity of the Congress System in India.
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In the 1957 general elections, which party created history by defeating the Congress in Kerala and forming the first democratically elected communist government in the world?
Explanation:
Correct: B
A key idea tested in Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ relates to the first breach in Congress dominance. The CPI victory in Kerala in 1957 showed that democratic alternatives were possible, marking a milestone for Opposition Parties in India.
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Which political party, founded in 1951, emphasized the idea of “One Country, One Culture, and One Nation” and believed that the country could become modern only by building on Indian culture and traditions?
Explanation:
Correct: A
Understanding this aspect of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ helps aspirants identify ideological roots. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), forerunner to the BJP, prioritized cultural nationalism, distinct from the secular approach of the Congress System in India.
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The Swatantra Party was formed in 1959. Which of the following was NOT a core economic belief of this party?
Explanation:
Correct: B
In the context of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ, this question examines economic ideologies. The Swatantra Party favored market capitalism and opposed the socialist state control advocated by Congress, offering a clear alternative for voters.
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Consider the following statements regarding the origin of the Socialist Party:
Assertion (A): The Congress Socialist Party (CSP) was forced to separate from the Congress in 1948 and form a separate Socialist Party.
Reason (R): The Congress party amended its constitution in 1948 to prevent its members from holding dual party membership.
Assertion (A): The Congress Socialist Party (CSP) was forced to separate from the Congress in 1948 and form a separate Socialist Party.
Reason (R): The Congress party amended its constitution in 1948 to prevent its members from holding dual party membership.
Explanation:
Correct: A
From the Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ syllabus perspective, this concept highlights the end of the umbrella coalition. By banning dual membership, Congress forced the Socialists out, formally creating distinct Opposition Parties in India.
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Consider the following statements comparing the “One Party Dominance” in India (Congress) and Mexico (PRI):1. In India, the dominance was established through free and fair elections.
2. In Mexico, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) used manipulation and fraud to win elections.
3. Both countries became full dictatorships immediately after independence.
Which of the above statements are correct?
2. In Mexico, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) used manipulation and fraud to win elections.
3. Both countries became full dictatorships immediately after independence.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation:
Correct: A
This concept within Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ is important because it contrasts democratic dominance with authoritarianism. Unlike the PRI in Mexico, the Congress System in India operated within a valid democratic framework.
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Which of the following pairs of Leaders and their respective Parties is INCORRECTLY matched?
Explanation:
Correct: D
Exam questions from Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ often focus on leadership. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, not the Socialist Party. This knowledge is essential for mapping Opposition Parties in India.
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Scenario: In 1959, the Central Government dismissed the democratically elected state government of Kerala, following a “liberation struggle” led by religious and caste groups against the state’s education and land reforms. Which controversial constitutional provision was used for the first time in this manner to dismiss the state government?
Explanation:
Correct: C
A key idea tested in Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ relates to federal tensions. The use of Article 356 to dismiss the Communist government in Kerala was the first major instance of central misuse against Opposition Parties in India.
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The Communist Party of India (CPI) faced a major split in 1964. Which of the following statements correctly explains the ideological basis of this split?1. The split was caused by the ideological rift between the Soviet Union and China.
2. The Pro-Soviet faction remained as the CPI.
3. The Pro-China faction formed the CPI (Marxist) or CPI-M.
2. The Pro-Soviet faction remained as the CPI.
3. The Pro-China faction formed the CPI (Marxist) or CPI-M.
Explanation:
Correct: D
Understanding this aspect of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ helps aspirants grasp global influences. The Sino-Soviet split caused the CPI to fracture into CPI and CPI(M), altering the landscape of Leftist politics in the Congress System in India.
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Consider the following statements regarding the first Council of Ministers after independence:
Assertion (A): The first Union Cabinet of free India was inclusive and contained leaders from opposition parties like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
Reason (R): Jawaharlal Nehru and other Congress leaders aimed to build a broad-based national government to address the challenges of nation-building.
Assertion (A): The first Union Cabinet of free India was inclusive and contained leaders from opposition parties like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
Reason (R): Jawaharlal Nehru and other Congress leaders aimed to build a broad-based national government to address the challenges of nation-building.
Explanation:
Correct: A
In the context of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ, this question examines early inclusivity. Nehru included opposition leaders to ensure national unity, showcasing the unique collaborative spirit of the early Congress System in India.
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In the language of politics, what does the term “Left” refer to?
Explanation:
Correct: C
From the Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ syllabus perspective, this concept highlights political terminology. The Left supports state intervention for the poor, a stance held by parties like CPI, distinguishing them from the Rightist Opposition Parties in India.
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Who was the freedom fighter and founding president of the Congress Socialist Party (1934), known for being a scholar of Buddhism and a democratic socialist?
Explanation:
Correct: B
This concept within Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ is important because it profiles key figures. Acharya Narendra Dev was a pivotal socialist thinker who influenced the ideology of many Opposition Parties in India after leaving Congress.
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Consider the following statements regarding the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI):1. It was founded in 1929 in Mexico.
2. It represents a classic example of a “One Party Dominance” system that turned authoritarian.
3. It was originally founded by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
Which of the above statements are correct?
2. It represents a classic example of a “One Party Dominance” system that turned authoritarian.
3. It was originally founded by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation:
Correct: A
Exam questions from Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ often focus on comparative politics. The PRI in Mexico maintained dominance through corruption, contrasting with the democratic legitimacy of the Congress System in India.
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The First General Election is famously referred to as the “1952 Election,” even though the process started earlier. What was the actual duration of polling for this election?
Explanation:
Correct: B
A key idea tested in Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ relates to the timeline. The first election spanned from late 1951 to early 1952, a logistical marvel that established the credibility of the First General Election 1952.
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Which of the following leaders is INCORRECTLY matched with the political party they were associated with during the early years of independence?
Explanation:
Correct: C
Understanding this aspect of Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ helps aspirants correct misconceptions. Rafi Ahmed Kidwai was a staunch Congress leader and minister, not a member of the BJS or other Opposition Parties in India.
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Quick Revision: Key Facts for Era of One-Party Dominance MCQ
The Election Commission of India was established in January 1950.
Sukumar Sen served as the first Chief Election Commissioner of India.
The First General Election was held between October 1951 and February 1952.
Congress won 364 out of 489 seats in the first Lok Sabha.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) was the second-largest party in 1952 with 16 seats.
Only 15% of eligible voters were literate during the first general election.
The symbol of the Congress party in the first election was a pair of bullocks.
Rajni Kothari coined the term “Congress System” to explain one-party dominance.
Kerala saw the first democratically elected Communist government in 1957.
The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was founded by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951.
The Swatantra Party was founded by C. Rajagopalachari in 1959.
Article 356 was controversially used to dismiss the Kerala government in 1959.
The Congress Socialist Party (CSP) was formed within Congress in 1934.
Acharya Narendra Dev was the founding president of the CSP.
The “Left” refers to ideologies favoring the poor and state regulation.
The “Right” refers to ideologies favoring free markets and less state control.
EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) were fully adopted by 2004.
The PRI party in Mexico is an example of authoritarian one-party dominance.
The first coalition government at the center was not formed until 1977.
Congress obtained a majority in all state assemblies in the first general election.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Congress System?
It refers to the model of one-party dominance where Congress acted as both the ruling party and the opposition by accommodating diverse factions.
Who was the first Chief Election Commissioner?
Sukumar Sen was the first CEC who oversaw the 1952 elections.
Which was the largest opposition party in 1952?
The Communist Party of India (CPI) was the largest opposition party with 16 seats.
When was the Bharatiya Jana Sangh formed?
It was formed in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
What was the Swatantra Party’s ideology?
It advocated for free economy, less government control, and opposed the license-raj.
Why was the 1957 Kerala election significant?
It was the first time a Communist party came to power through democratic elections in the world.
Who coined the term ‘Congress System’?
Political scientist Rajni Kothari coined this term.
What is the difference between Left and Right wings?
The Left supports pro-poor state policies, while the Right supports free markets and competition.
Why did the Socialist Party split from Congress?
In 1948, Congress banned dual membership, forcing Socialists to form a separate party.
Did Congress get a majority of votes in 1952?
No, Congress got only 45% of votes but won 74% of seats due to the FPTP system.