Types of Suffrage

Topic Content:

There are two types of suffrage:

(i) Limited or Restricted Suffrage
(ii) Unlimited or Universal Adult Suffrage  

What is Limited or Restricted Suffrage?

Limited suffrage is the type of suffrage where the right to vote and to be voted for is not extended to all citizens but only to those who meet the criteria laid down by law.

These criteria may be arbitraryAn arbitrary rule, action or decision often seems unfair because it is not based on any principle, plan or system. An arbitrary legal judgment is a decision made at the discretion... More and discriminatory. Suffrage may be restricted by sex, property, qualification, race, social status, religion, residency, etc.

Merits of Limited Suffrage:

1. The right to vote should be granted to those of sound judgment and informed minds.

2. This system of voting makes use of better-qualified candidates when compared to universal adult suffrage.

3. It is less expensive, and it demands fewer resources for planning and execution.

Demerits of Limited Suffrage:

1. This type of suffrage leaves a good