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Difficulty: HardConstitutional Development, Framing, and Preamble

With reference to the constitutional developments during British rule in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Government of India Act, 1919 introduced dyarchy in the executive administration of the provinces and established a bicameral central legislature.
2. The Indian Councils Act, 1909 introduced a system of communal representation for Muslims by recognizing the concept of a separate electorate.
3. The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation comprising provinces and princely states, which came into immediate operation upon enactment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer

The correct option is the choice stating '1 and 2 only'.
The correct answer is the option stating '1 and 2 only'. Dyarchy at the provincial level and central bicameralism were key features of the Government of India Act, 1919. Separate electorates for Muslims were introduced by the Indian Councils Act, 1909. However, the All-India Federation proposed in the Government of India Act, 1935 never materialized due to lack of accession by princely states.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding the Government of India Act, 1919.
Statement 1 is correct. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919 Act) introduced dyarchy in the provinces by dividing provincial subjects into 'transferred' and 'reserved', and established a bicameral legislature at the Centre consisting of the Council of State and Legislative Assembly.
Verification of structural provisions introduced under Montford reforms.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding the Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Statement 2 is correct. The Morley-Minto Reforms (1909 Act) introduced separate electorates for Muslims, legalizing communal representation.
Verification of communal electorate provisions.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding the Government of India Act, 1935.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While the 1935 Act did provide for an All-India Federation consisting of British Indian provinces and princely states, the federation part never came into operation because the princely states chose not to join it.
Distinguishing between statutory provisions and their historical execution status.

Key Concept

Constitutional feature attribution and implementation history of colonial legislative acts (1909, 1919, and 1935).
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Constitutional Development, Framing, and Preamble

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