UPSC Prelims 2012 Q27: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919?
1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces
2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims
3. Devolution of legislative authority by the Centre to the provinces
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Principal features of the Government of India Act, 1919
| Feature | In the 1919 Act? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces | Yes | Subjects split into reserved and transferred |
| 2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims | No | These were introduced by the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 |
| 3. Devolution of legislative authority by the Centre to the provinces | Yes | Central and provincial subjects were separated |
The reforms compared:
| Act | Main features |
|---|---|
| Indian Councils Act, 1909 | Separate electorates for Muslims; Indians in the Viceroy's Executive Council |
| Government of India Act, 1919 | Dyarchy, bicameral central legislature, direct elections; separate electorates extended to Sikhs and others |
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Provincial autonomy; federation proposed; Federal Court |
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Devolution of legislative authority was also a feature.
- (b) Incorrect. Separate electorates for Muslims came in 1909.
- (c) CORRECT. Dyarchy and devolution to the provinces were features of the 1919 Act.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 belongs to the 1909 Act.
Key point
1909: separate electorates for Muslims. 1919: dyarchy, devolution, bicameral centre. 1935: provincial autonomy.
Remember
Separate electorates began in 1909, not 1919.
Common mistakes
- Placing the introduction of separate electorates in 1919.
- Confusing dyarchy (1919) with provincial autonomy (1935).
- Missing the word 'introduction'; the 1919 Act only extended separate electorates.
Exam tip
1909 introduced; 1919 extended. Watch the verb.
Sources
- Government of India Act, 1919
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Historical Background