UPSC Prelims 2012 Q83: Indian Polity – Federalism & Centre - State Relations
The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is
based on the scheme provided in the:
- (a) Morley - Minto Reforms, 1909
- (b) Montagu - Chelmsford Act, 1919
- (c) Government of India Act, 1935
- (d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer: (c) Government of India Act, 1935
Explanation
Source of the scheme for dividing powers
The Constitution divides subjects into the Union, State and Concurrent Lists (Seventh Schedule).
This three-list scheme comes from the Government of India Act, 1935.
| Option | Verdict | What it did |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909 | Incorrect | Separate electorates for Muslims |
| (b) Montagu-Chelmsford Act, 1919 | Incorrect | Dyarchy in provinces; central and provincial subjects, but no federation |
| (c) Government of India Act, 1935 | Correct | Federal, Provincial and Concurrent Lists |
| (d) Indian Independence Act, 1947 | Incorrect | Ended British rule; partition |
What else India took from the 1935 Act:
| Feature | Note |
|---|---|
| Federal scheme | Division of powers |
| Office of Governor | In the States |
| Emergency provisions | Central control in a crisis |
| Public Service Commissions | Federal and provincial |
| Federal Court | Forerunner of the Supreme Court |
Answer: (c) Government of India Act, 1935.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Morley-Minto Reforms brought separate electorates, not a division of powers.
- (b) Incorrect. The Montagu-Chelmsford Act brought dyarchy, not the three-list scheme.
- (c) CORRECT. The three lists follow the Government of India Act, 1935.
- (d) Incorrect. The Indian Independence Act transferred power; it laid down no such scheme.
Key point
Government of India Act 1935: Federal, Provincial and Concurrent Lists; provincial autonomy; Federal Court; source of much of the Constitution's structure.
Remember
Division of powers comes from the 1935 Act.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the 1919 Act because it first separated central and provincial subjects.
- Forgetting that the Concurrent List idea first appeared in 1935.
- Confusing the source of the lists with the source of federalism 'with a strong Centre' (Canada).
Exam tip
Three lists = 1935. Dyarchy = 1919. Separate electorates = 1909.
Sources
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, Chs on Historical Background and Sources of the Constitution
- Government of India Act, 1935 — Seventh Schedule (Legislative Lists)