UPSC Prelims 2015 Q28: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined
- (a) the separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature
- (b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments
- (c) the powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy
- (d) None of the above
Answer: (b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments
Explanation
Government of India Act, 1919
The Act separated central and provincial subjects through the Devolution Rules.
This clearly defined the jurisdiction of the two levels of government.
| Level | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Central | Defence, foreign affairs, railways, posts, currency |
| Provincial | Health, education, local government, agriculture, police |
Provincial subjects were further split (dyarchy):
| Category | Run by |
|---|---|
| Reserved | Governor and his Executive Council |
| Transferred | Governor with ministers responsible to the legislature |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature | Incorrect |
| (b) Jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments | Correct |
| (c) Powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy | Incorrect |
| (d) None of the above | Incorrect |
Answer: (b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Act did not define separation of power between judiciary and legislature.
- (b) CORRECT. The 1919 Act defined the jurisdiction of central and provincial governments.
- (c) Incorrect. It did not clearly define the powers of the Secretary of State and the Viceroy.
- (d) Incorrect. Option (b) is right, so 'None of the above' fails.
Key point
Government of India Act, 1919: central and provincial subjects separated by Devolution Rules; dyarchy in provinces; bicameral central legislature.
Remember
1919 Act separated central and provincial subjects.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a real federation came in 1919; it was proposed only in 1935.
- Confusing the division of subjects with dyarchy, which split only the provincial list.
- Choosing 'None of the above' out of doubt.
Exam tip
1919: two lists (central, provincial). 1935: three lists (federal, provincial, concurrent).
Sources
- Government of India Act, 1919 — Devolution Rules
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Historical Background