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Difficulty: HardConstitutional Development, Framing, and Preamble

With reference to the constitutional developments under British rule, consider the following statements regarding the Charter Act of 1853:

1. It separated, for the first time, the legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General's Council.
2. It established the office of the Secretary of State for India, vesting in it absolute administrative authority.
3. It introduced local representation for the first time in the Indian (Central) Legislative Council.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 3 only
The option stating '1 and 3 only' is correct because the Charter Act of 1853 established a distinct Legislative Council for the Governor-General, separating legislative functions from executive duties and introducing local representation from provincial governments. Statement 2 is incorrect as the office of the Secretary of State for India was established under the Government of India Act of 1858.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding the separation of council functions.
Statement 1 is correct.
The Charter Act of 1853 separated, for the first time, the legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General's Council by adding six new members called legislative councillors.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding the creation of the Secretary of State for India.
Statement 2 is incorrect.
The creation of the office of the Secretary of State for India was introduced by the Government of India Act of 1858 following the Revolt of 1857, which abolished the Board of Control and Court of Directors.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding local representation in the Legislative Council.
Statement 3 is correct.
The Charter Act of 1853 introduced local representation for the first time, stipulating that four out of the six new legislative members were to be appointed by the local (provincial) governments of Madras, Bombay, Bengal, and Agra.

Key Concept

Charter Act of 1853 and structural administrative evolution
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Topics

Constitutional Development, Framing, and Preamble

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