Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Background of Constitutional Development in India (Acts of 1909 and 1919)
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Textual Questions
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Which were the four types of members in the central legislative council as provided by the Act of 1909 ?
Answer:
Four types of members were:
- Ex – office
- Nominated government members
- Nominated non – government members
- Elected members.
Question 2.
What was the maximum number of additional members decided under Indian Councils Act of 1909 in provinces of Punjab, Assam and Burma ?
Answer:
It was thirty.
Question 3.
Which persons could not be the members of central legislative council according to Indian Councils Act of 1909 ?
Answer:
- Government servants
- Women
- A person with mental illness
- Persons less than 25 years of age
- Suspended government servants
- Persons declared insolvent
Question 4.
By the Act of 1909, which were the regions that were deprived of representation as non-government members in central legislative council ?
Answer:
These were North – west Frontier province, Coorg, Ajmer and Merwara regions.
Question 5.
Into how many categories was the electoral college divided for the formation of central legislative assembly under the Act of 1909 ?
Answer:
It was divided into three categories –
- General electorate
- Communal electorate
- Specific electorate group.
Question 6.
Mention any two provisions of the Act of 1919.
Answer:
- Improvement in central legislative council
- Expansion of executive councils.
Question 7.
What is meant by diarchy system ?
Answer:
A diarchy is a form of government characterized by co-rule, with two people ruling a polity together either lawfully or by collusion and force.
Question 8.
Into which parts were provincial subjects divided under the diarchy system ?
Answer:
In diarchy system, provincial subjects were divided into –
- Transferred subjects.
- Reserved subjects.
Question 9.
What were the names of two the houses of legislature established in center under the Act of 1919 ?
Answer:
These were –
- Legislative Assembly
- Council of State.
Question 10.
What do you understand by home governance ?
Answer:
The institutions that operated Indian governance from England, i.e. British Emperor, British Parliament, Cabinet, India Secretary and India Council were jointly called as the home governance.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Describe any two important provisions of the Indian Councils Act of 1909.
Answer:
Main provisions of Indian councils Act of 1909:
Main provisions of the Indian Council Act of 1909 have been given as below:
1. Improvement in Central legislative assembly:
Improving the Indian legislative assembly, number of its members was increased to 60, out of which there were 37 government members and 23 non-government members who were elected. The number of ex – officio members was 9 and they were nominated permanently. In this way, total number of members was 69. For the selection of the members, selection committee was divided into three parts –
- General electorate
- Communal electorate
- Specific electorate.
2. Organisations and rights of provincial councils:
An amendment in the number of members was made under this act. This number was fixed between 30 to 50. Four types of members were kept in the provincial legislative councils
- nominated members
- nominated government members,
- nominated non – government members
- Ex – office members.
An approval from the governor or lieutenant governor was essential for the bills passed by the legislative councils.
Question 2.
What were the eligibilities, necessary to be a member of central and provincial legislative councils, according to India Councils Act of 1909.
Answer:
To be a member of central or provincial legislative council, essential eligibilities were also decided. But different rules were determined in different provinces. In the provinces of Bengal, Madras and Bombay, it was necessary to be an active member of Nagar Palika or district board for the membership of provincial legislative councils, but there were no such rules in United Provinces.
Under other eligibilities, the person should be a payer of property tax and a British civilian. The government servants, women, mentally ill, persons of age below 25 years, suspended government servants, bankrupts were not eligible to be chosen a member of provincial legislative councils.
Question 3.
Describe any two demerits of Indian Council Act of 1909.
Answer:
Demerits of Indian Council Act of 1909:
Two main demerits of this Act are given below:
1. Beginning of communal electorate system:
By Indian Councils Act of 1909, a communal electorate system was started. The right to vote was given to different communities and classes. The seats were kept reserved for Muslims, Chamber of commerce, jamindars, etc. The seats were determined in the ratio of more than related population.
It promoted communism and secularism was discouraged. In this way, it paved the path for a demand of seperate electorates. After some time, Indian people started the demand of separate electorates. This demand was made by Sikhs in Punjab, Non – Brahmans in Madras, and Anglo – Indians in Southern provinces.
2. Government majority in the central legislative council:
The act of 1909 established a majority of government members, so that the position of non-government members was weakened. That’s why, there was less number of non-government members in the legislative councils.
Background of Constitutional
Question 4.
What is meant by the majority of non-government members in provincial legislative councils according to the Act of 1909 ?
Answer:
Under the Indian Council Act of 1909, an establishment of majority of non-official members was provided. There were two types of non – official members in the provincial legislative councils – nominated non-official members and elected non-official members. This act established the majority of nominated non – official members in the legislative councils but not of the elected non – officials members.
Nominated non – official members were also included in it. Combined number of official members and the nominated members by government and also the non – official members became more then the number of elected members. It was called as non-official majority. The majority of the elected non-official members in legislative council was only a pretense. This majority had no importance.
Question 5.
Describe any four provisions of the Act of 1919.
Answer:
Four provision of the Act of 1919:
These provisions are given in the following points:
1. Change in India council:
There was a provision of appointing minimum 8 and maximum 12 members in India council under this Act. Out of these, half of the members must have lived in India for minimum 10 years at the date of appointment and must have not left this country before 5 years of appointment date. The term of the council was also decreased from 7 to 5 years.
2. Foundation of Chamber of Princes:
Taking into consideration importance of native rulers, formation of chamber of princes was suggested. On the basis of this suggestion, chamber of prince was established on February 9 th, 1921. It was only an advisory institution. Its president was the Governor-General.
3. Right to vote and election:
The right for voting was increased by this Act. Due to this increase, about 10 per cent of population obtained the right to vote. Under Indian Councils Act of 1909, only the Muslims were provided the right of voting. Under this Act of 1919, Sikhs, Christians, Europeans and Anglo -Indians also obtained this right separately.
4. The Centralization of power:
Some subjects related to finance and administration were centralized. They were granted to provinces instead of central government. Right of receiving the loans and to levy tax were also provided to the provinces for the very first time. By establishing a partially responsible rule in provinces, an effort was made towards decentralization.
Question 6.
What were the arrangements of election and right to vote in the Act of 1919 ?
Answer:
The arrangement of election and right to vote in the Act of 1919:
Direct election process was started under the 1919 Act and it was also extended. Under this Act, the right to vote was increased. Due to this increase, about 10 percent of people of India obtained the right of voting. Under Indian councils Act of 1909, only the Muslims were separately provided this right.
In Montague Chessboard report, communal electorate system was deeply criticized. But under the Act of 1919, this provision was not only kept intact for Muslims, but it was also extended in Punjab for Sikhs, in all provinces except three for Christians, in two provinces for Anglo – Indians and in one province for Indian Christians.
Question 7.
Describe any four inherent deficiencies of diarchy system.
Answer:
The inherent deficiencies of diarchy system:
The inherent demerits of diarchy system are given below:
1. Faulty principle:
The diarchy system was theoretically faulty. The governance of the same province was kept under two different powers. Therefore, it was natural to create obstructions in smooth governance.
2. Arbitrary powers of governor:
Due to the policy of controlling the ministers, refusing the proposals of ministers and the direct interference in every subject by the Governor, the responsibilities could not be handed over to Indian ministers in real terms.
3. Lack of control of ministers over bureaucracy:
The Governor had direct control over the appointment of members in public service, their transfers and promotions. It was not under the ministers, who were their immediate bosses.
4. No finance for Transferred subjects:
The subjects of administration in the provinces were divided, but there was no financial arrangement for both the subjects separately. Without finance, no effective governance could be imagined.
Question 8.
Describe the utility of Diarchy System.
Answer:
Utility of Diarchy System:
The utility of diarchy system can be described with the help of the following points:
- The Indian people were given the right to vote largely, for the first time under this Act, due to which a political awareness was seen among them.
- The regular elections developed an alertness among the people towards public life. Indians were able to get political knowledge and their self – confidence increased.
- Almost in all the provinces, women also got the right to vote along with men.
- A notable work was done by the ministers in India in all the fields of life. The ministers tried their best in removing serial evils.
- Due to diarchy, Indianization of public services was initiated.
RBSE Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Essay Type Questions
Question 1.
Perform a critical evaluation of the characteristics of Indian Councils Act 1909.
Answer:
The evaluation of the characteristics of Indian Councils Act of 1909:
Indian Councils Act of 1909 got approval from British emperor on November 15, 1909 and it was implemented thereafter. India secretary Lord Morley and Viceroy Lord Minto played an important role to create it, so it was also known as Morley – Minto Reforms Act.
There were some important provisions in this Act, such as improvement in central legislative council, enhancement in the structure and rights of provincial councils, extension of executive councils, right to vote and increase in the number of representatives. However, this act could not fulfill the aspirations of the people. Its critical evaluation is given further :
1. Establishment of communal election system:
By the Act of 1909, communal election system was started. The different classes were given different rights of election. The seats were kept reserved for the Muslims, chamber of commerce, jamindars, etc. These seats were more than their caste ratio. This promoted communal-ism and discouraged secularism. And hence, it paved the path for the demand of partition of India. After some time, Sikhs in Punjab, Non – Brahmans in Madras, and Anglo-Indians, raised the demand for separate electorates.
2. The limited powers of legislative councils and official majority:
The powers provided to members of legislative councils by this Act were very limited. They could ask questions to the members of executive council, but they were not bound to answer all the questions. The members had a right to put proposals related to public interests, but the approval of these proposals was dependent on the government’s wish. The Governors and Viceroy had many arbitrary powers.
3. Official majority in central legislative council:
The Act of 1909 established the majority of official members in the central legislative councils, which made the position of non – official members in the council weaker. That is why, the attendance of non-official members in legislative council was very low.
4. The majority of non – officials in the provincial legislative councils was nothing but a show:
Theoretically, the majority of non – officials was established in the provincial legislative councils, but the reality was just the opposite. There were two types of non – officials
- Nominated and elected non – official members. The nominated non – official members were always with the government. The elected non – official members were the representatives of various different groups, so their joint apps against the government was very difficult. The governors had the veto power over many subjects. So, the non – official members had no value in the council.
5. Limited and partial right to vote:
The right to vote provided to the public in the Act of 1909 was limited and partial. Under this act, the Muslims, Zamindar, traders and graduates were given the right to vote, but the non-Muslims of this group were denied voting rights.
For example, In Bengal, the right to vote was provided to only those Hindus who paid a property tax ? 5000 annually, on the other hand, Muslims who paid only ? 750 annually as property tax had the right to vote. In the Hindu majority regions, to maintain the interests of minorities, the Muslims were given a special representation in the council. But, the Hindus were not given such types of representation in the regions where Muslims were in majority.
6. No effort for formation of a responsible governance system:
Indian people had been asking for a responsible governance system through many movements for a long time. But a responsible governance system was not established under the Act of 1909. The only object of this act was to train some Indian people for constitution framing and other administrative tasks.
7. Unnecessary incentive to inherent interests:
Through this Act of 1909, Zamindars, chamber of commerce and other groups were given an unnecessary incentive as they were given a surplus representation in the councils. These inherent selfish elements were under the control of British government and were against the national interests. As a conclusion, the Act of 1909 was half-dressed, full of defects and against Indian people. Though it enabled some people of India to get participation in the legislative councils, yet many discrepancies also arose.
Question 2.
What were the main provisions of Indian Councils Act of 1909? Describe its utility critically.
Answer:
Indian Councils Act of 1919 Provisions and Merits:
1. Expansion of the legislative council:
This act enlarged the size of the legislative council – both central and provincial. The number of members in the central legislative council was raised from 16 to 60. The strength in provincial legislative council was not uniform. The membership of legislative councils of Bengal, Bombay and Madras was increased to 50 members each. The provincial legislatures of United Provinces and west Bengal Provinces were to have 50 members, and that of of Assam, Burma and Punjab were to have 30 members each.
2. Communal representation:
For the first time, Indian Councils Act gave recognition to elective principle for the appointment of non-official members to the councils. However, it introduced separate and discriminator electorate. The electorate was decided on the basis of class and community.
For the provincial councils, a provision of three categories was made – general, special and chamber of commerce. However, a fourth category Muslims was added. This was for the first time, that seats in the legislative bodies were reserved on the basis of religion of Muslims. Separate constituencies were marked for the Muslims and only Muslim community members were given the right to elect these representatives.
3. Other features:
(1) This act empowered the members to discuss the budget and move resolutions before the final approval. They were given rights to ask supplementary questions and move resolutions on matters related to loans extended to the local bodies.
(2) The members were given a right to discuss matters of public interests, however, the government was not bound to follow the proposals of the house. Rules were also framed under the act for the discussion of matters of general public interest in legislative councils.
(3) No discussion was permitted on any subject not within legislative competence of the particular legislature, any matter affecting the relations of the government of India with foreign powers or native state, and any matter under adjudication by a court of law.
Merits of Minto – Morley Reforms:
The Indian Councils Act 1909, which is known as the Minto – Morley reforms, undoubtedly had some merits, which are listed below:
- This Act marked an important stage in the growth of representative institutions and a step ahead towards the responsible association of elected Indians with the administration.
- This Act also gave recognition to the elective principles as the basis of the composition of legislative council for the first time.
- The Minto-Morley reforms gave some further avenues to Indians to voice their grievances.
- The Indians were given opportunities to criticize the executive and make suggestions for better administration.
- The enlargement of the legislatures strengthened the demand of complete Initialization of the legislature. ,
Question 3.
Explain the provisions of Government of India Act of 1919. Also evaluate its importance.
Answer:
Government of India Act of 1919:
The Government of India Act of 1919 was a consequence of Montague – Chelmsford reforms. It was passed on the basis of recommendations of Lord Chelmsford and Samuel Montague to gradually introduce self-governing institutions in to India. The act covered 10 years from 1919 to 1929.
1. A change in home governance and Indian council:
To look after the matters related to the Indian colony, there was minister in the British cabinet who was called the India secretary. The secretary of India had an advisory council which was called the Indian council. All expenditure made on it was borne by India. So, the Indian freedom fighters had been asking for its end from a long time. This Act did not end it, but several structural changes were made. The minimum number of members in Indian council was fixed at 8 and maximum at 12. Earlier, there were minimum 12 and maximum 14 members in the council.
2. The control over Indian administration of home governance was reduced:
The control of India secretary on reserved subjects at provincial level and on all subjects at central level remained the same as it was before. In matters of reserved subjects, provinces were given some freedom for administration. The India secretary could interfere in matters of British interests, administration of the central subjects and for the safety of his specific rights. It was hoped that this interference will go on decreasing as time passed.
3. Partial responsible governance in the provinces or the establishment of diarchy system:
Under the Act of 1919, partially responsible governance was established in the provinces. The provincial governance was divided into two categories:
- Reserved subjects
- Transferred subjects.
The reserved subjects were kept with the governor and there was no control of executive council on it. And the transferred subjects were kept with the Indian Ministers who were selected from the elected executive council. This division of subjects was basically what they meant by introducing the diarchy.
4. Greater Indian representation in the provincial executive councils:
Under the Act, the administration of reserved subjects was kept with the governor. But the number of Indian members was increased in the provincial executive council. The appointment of these members was made by the British crown at the favorable note of Indian secretary.
5. Re – construction of provincial legislative councils:
Under this Act, the difference between the regulated provinces and non-regulated provinces was removed and new provinces were set up. With the help of this Act, the majority of elected members was kept in the legislative councils, and so they were made more democratic and their rights were also increased.
6. Non – answerable governance in the center:
Under the Act 1919, partial responsible government was established in the provinces, but the central executive was kept free from the control of central legislative council as it was before. With the viewpoint of impressing the center, the legislature was expanded. But with it, the powers of the governor were also increased. As a result, he could perform all the important work without agreement of legislature. In this way, in-spite of the increase in the number of the members of legislature, a non-answerable governance remained in the center.
7. More Indians appointed in the central executive council:
The governor -general was autocratic and arbitrary like before, but some improvements were made in the executive council –
- the existing provision related to the number of members in executive council was removed,
- The advocates working in Indian high courts as lawyers for ten years, were now eligible to be appointed as members of legislative council,
- The number of Indian members in executive council was increased from 1 to 3. However, these members were not the representative of public, but those who supported governance. These members were allotted unimportant departments,
8. Bicameral central legislature:
Instead of a unicameral legislature, a bicameral central legislature was established. These Houses were named as central legislative assembly and council of state.
9. To promote decentralization:
Under this Act, some subjects of administration and finance were decentralized. The provinces were given the rights of loaning and taxation.
10. Establishment of Native Rulers’Council:
On the basis of Mantague – Chelmsford report, the interests of native rulers were taken under consideration and the formation of native rulers’ council was suggested. On the basis of this suggestion, the Prince Council was established on February 9, 1921. It was only an advisory institution. The president of this institution was the governor-general.
11. Right to vote and election : The right to vote was increased in this Act. Due to this increase, over 10 per cent more people got this right. Under the Indian Councils Act of 1909, only Muslims were given the right to vote separately. Under this Act, Sikhs, Christians, Europeans and Anglo-Indians were also given this facility to elect and to vote separately.
12. Power Division: Under the Act of 1919, powers were divided between the central and the provincial governments. The subjects that were directly related to interests of entire India or inter – provinces were kept with the central government and the subjects related to interest of provinces were kept with the provincial government.
Question 4.
The Diarchy System inherent in the Act of 1919 was faulty and impracticable in conduct. Explain.
Answer:
Diarchy system – Faulty and impracticable Cause of failure of diarchy system:
The diarchy system was ended on April 1, 1937. Main causes of this have been given as below:
1. Theoretically faulty:
The diarchy system was theoretically faulty. It is natural for obstructions to arise, if the governance of a province is kept under two different powers.
2. Impracticable division of subjects:
The division of subjects was so irrational that it was not practicable at any cost. For example : There was an agriculture minister without irrigation department, and the industrial minister had no departments of factories, hydro electricity, minerals and labor, and this type of formation of ministries was impracticable.
3. Arbitrary powers of governor:
There was a policy in favor of governor who could control the ministers, refuse their proposals and could interfere in every subject. Due to this policy, the responsibilities could not be transferred effectively.
4. No separate finance for transferred subjects:
Although the provincial subjects were divided, but there were no separate financial arrangements for both. Without proper finance, effective governance could not be possible.
5. Lack of control of ministers over civil services:
The governor had absolute right of appointments, transfer and promotion in civil services. The ministers could do nothing in these cases,though civil services were kept under their control.
6. The formation of legislative council was faulty:
There were 80 per cent official or officially nominated members in the legislature. The nominated members were the representatives of specific interests and they did nothing but to please the governance.
7. Lack of collective responsibility:
The Governor did not appoint the ministers on party basis. All of them were not of the same group and so there was a lack of collective responsibility.
8. The political environment was unfavorable:
In India, the major repressive incidents of Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Khilafat movement, Rowlatt act, etc. created a feeling of distrust, frustration and anger among-st Indians. Towards the reforms started by the British Government, there was a feeling of apathy and scorn in the hearts of Indians.
9. Economic plight and Manston arbitration:
There was a terrible drought in 1920. There was an environment of despair all around. Due to poverty and starvation, there was dissatisfaction among-st Indians. More than half of the provinces were forced to provide a higher grant to the center, according to Manston arbitration.
10. Discord between Congress and Muslim League:
There was a lack of cooperation between Congress and Muslim league. The British policy of “divide and rule” increased the differences between the two.
11. Non – cooperation of Bureaucracy:
The British bureaucracy was not ready to work under Indian ministers. This was a major factor behind the failure of diarchy system.
12. Change in the opinion of British government:
After the formation of the right wing conservative party government in Britain, the viewpoint of British government also changed for reforms and so its interference in the provinces also increased.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Multiple Choice Type Questions
Question 1.
To which region of the following representation was not given in the central legislative council ?
(a) Madras
(b) Ajmer- Merwara
(c) Bengal
(d) Bombay
Answer:
(b) Ajmer- Merwara
Question 2.
The maximum number of members was increased from 16 to in the central legislative council under Indian Councils Act of 1909:
(a) 60
(b) 50
(c) 30
(d) 69
Answer:
(a) 60
Question 3.
The Act of 1909 discriminated in voting rights to Zamindars in their regions. In Madras, the right to vote was given to those zamindars:
(a) Who had on annual income of? 15000
(b) Who had a rank of king or a Nawab
(c) Who had an honorary degree of Magistrate
(d) All these
Answer:
(a) Who had on annual income of? 15000
Question 4.
Which of the following was not related to the preface of the Government of India Act of 1919 ?
(a) India would remain an undivided part of the British Empire.
(b)The responsible governance in British India was a declared policy of British Parliament.
(c) The responsible governance could be established in a step-by-step manner.
(d) For the establishment of responsible governance, the close relation of Indians with every branch of administration and a gradual change in autonomous institutions would be ensured.
Answer:
(d) For the establishment of responsible governance, the close relation of Indians with every branch of administration and a gradual change in autonomous institutions would be ensured.
Question 5.
Which of the following subjects was not included in central administration according to the Act of 1919 ?
(a) Foreign affairs
(b) Railways
(c) Army
(d) Drought relief
Answer:
(d) Drought relief
Question 6.
Which of the following was related to Government of India Act of 1919 ?
(a) Introduction of communal election system for the first time.
(b) The establishment of diarchy system in the provinces.
(c) The diarchy system in the center.
(d) The end of India council.
Answer:
(a) Introduction of communal election system for the first time.
Question 7.
This is not a reason of failure of Diarchy System:
(a) An irrational and impracticable division of subjects.
(b) The arbitrary power given to governor.
(c) Ministers control over services.
(d) A lack of the principle of collective responsibility.
Answer:
(c) Ministers control over services.
Question 8.
Under Government of India Act, 1919, which of the following is not related to central executive council ?
(a) The advocates, who held an experience of 10 years practice in Indian high courts were considered eligible to be elected a member of legislative council.
(b) Tej Bahadur Sapru was the first Indian who was appointed as law- based member in the central legislative council.
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose was made the member of central executive council.
(d) The number of Indians was increased from one to three in the central executive council.
Answer:
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose was made the member of central executive council.
Question 9.
The headquarters of the ‘Chamber of Princes’ council’ established on February 9, 1921 was in:
(a) Delhi
(b) Bombay
(c) Jaipur
(d) Calcutta
Answer:
(a) Delhi
Question 10.
Which of the following is not related to Diarchy System ?
(a) Due to the diarchy system, an expansion of right to vote had taken place.
(b) Political awarness was promoted in the Indians due to diarchy system.
(c) The Indianization of public services was promoted due to diarchy system.
(d) Diarchy system was against women’s right to vote.
Answer:
(d) Diarchy system was against women’s right to vote.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Other Important Questions
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Multiple Choice Type Questions
Question 1.
Which of the following acts is also called Morley – Minto reforms ?
(a) Indian Councils Act of 1909
(b) Indian Councils Act of 1919
(c) Government of India Act of 1935
(d) Indian Independence Act of 1947
Answer:
(a) Indian Councils Act of 1909
Question 2.
The main characteristic of Indian Councils Act, 1919 was:
(a) The reform in central legislative council.
(b) The composition and rights of provincial legislative councils.
(c) The expansion of executive councils.
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 3.
In the Indian Councils Act, 1909, the number of members of legislative councils of the provinces of Madras, Bombay and Bengal was increased from 20 to:
(a) 25
(b) 50
(c) 75
(d) 90
Answer:
(b) 50
Question 4.
By which of the following acts was the communal election system introduced?
(a) by the Indian Councils Act, 1909
(b) by Act, 1919
(c) by Government of India Act, 1935
(d) by Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer:
(a) by the Indian Councils Act, 1909
Question 5.
The main demerit of Indian Councils Act, 1909 was:
(a) Introduction of communal election system.
(b) Official majority in central legislative council.
(c) Limited and biased right to vote.
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 6.
Which of the following is not a merit of Government of India Act, 1919 ?
(a) Change in home governance and India council.
(b) A non-responsible government in the center.
(c) To form bicameral central legislature.
(d) Limited and partisan right to vote.
Answer:
(d) Limited and partisan right to vote.
Question 7.
Main contribution in the formation, of Government of India Act, 1919 was that of:
(a) Morley – Minto
(b) Churchill
(c) Montague – Chelmsford
(d) None of these
Answer:
(c) Montague – Chelmsford
Question 8.
A non-answerable governance was established:
(a) By Indian Councils Act, 1909
(b) By Pitts India Act
(c) By Government of India Act, 1919
(d) By Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer:
(c) By Government of India Act, 1919
Question 9.
Under the Act of 1919, the first legal member in the central executive council was:
(a) Tej Bahadur Sapru
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(c) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer:
(a) Tej Bahadur Sapru
Question 10.
Bicameral central legislature was formed:
(a) By Indian Councils Act, 1919
(b) By the act passed in 1861
(c) By the regulating Act, 1773
(d) By Government of India Act, 1919
Answer:
(d) By Government of India Act, 1919
Question 11.
The subjects that were kept under the provinces according to the Act of 1919 were:
(a) Local self-rule
(b) Education
(c) Public works
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 12.
An important change made in Indian administration by the act of 1919, was:
(a) Establishment of diarchy at the centre.
(b) Establishment of diarchy in the provinces.
(c) End of the post of Viceroy.
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Establishment of diarchy in the provinces.
Question 13.
The transferred subjects under diarchy system did not include:
(a) Local self – rule
(b) Land revenue
(c) Medical Services
(d) Agriculture
Answer:
(b) Land revenue
Question 14.
In which of the following provinces was diarchy system introduced?
(a) Bengal
(b) Assam
(c) Bihar
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 15.
Diarchy system was introduced in the provinces on:
(a) April 1, 1921
(b) April 2, 1925
(c) May 15, 1932
(d) April 1, 1937
Answer:
(a) April 1, 1921
Question 16.
Main cause of failure of diarchy system was:
(a) An irrational and impracticable division of subjects.
(b) The lack of the principle of collective responsibility.
(c) The arbitrary power of governor.
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 17.
Which of the following is not a basis of criticism of the Government of India Act of 1919 ?
(a) The plan of introducing diarchy system in the provinces was not satisfactory.
(b) Inappropriate expansion of communal electorate system.
(c) Official majority in central legislature.
(d) Lack of powerful legislature in center.
Answer:
(c) Official majority in central legislature.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
When was East India company established?
Answer:
On December 31, 1600.
Question 2.
By which act did the British Parliament start controlling the East India Company?
Answer:
By the Regulating Act of 1773.
Question 3.
In which year did the British emperor take control over Indian rule?
Answer:
In 1858.
Question 4.
Through which Act was the governance of East India company in India end?
Answer:
Through the Government of India Act, 1858.
Question 5.
Why is Indian Councils Act, 1909 also called as Morley – Minto Reforms?
Answer:
The then India secretary Lord Morley and Viceroy Lord Minto played an important role in the formation of Indian Councils Act, 1919. On the basis of their valuable contribution, this Act is also called as Morley – Minto reforms.
Question 6.
In how many categories was the electorate divided for the election of members in central legislative council by the Act of 1909 ?
Answer:
- General electorate
- Communal electorate
- Specific electorate.
Question 7.
What rights were given to central legislature under the Act of 1909?
Answer:
The central legislature was given the right of discussion over bills related to general subjects, budget and the matters of public interest and also the right to make the rules related to these subjects.
Question 8.
Name the four types of members of the provincial legislative councils according to the Act of 1909.
Answer:
- Ex – office members
- Nominated official members
- Nominated non – official members
- Elected members.
Question 9.
Whose acceptance and approval was essential for the bills passed by provincial legislative councils?
Answer:
The acceptance of governor or lieutenant governor and the approval of governor general was essential for the bills passed by the provincial legislative councils.
Question 10.
How many Indian members were included in governor-general’s executive council according to the Act of 1909?
Answer:
Only one Indian member was included.
Question 11.
How many Indian members were included in the council of India secretary by the Act of 1909?
Answer:
Only two Indian members.
Question 12.
By which Act were the people granted the right to vote?
Answer:
People were granted the right to vote under the Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Question 13.
In which Act was the arrangement of separate electorates made?
Answer:
In the Indian Councils Act, 1909, the arrangement of separate electorates was made.
Question 14.
According to which Act, was there a majority of non-official members in the provincial legislative council but not of elected members?
Answer:
According to Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Question 15.
In which Act were the members of legislative council given a right of asking questions to the members of executive council?
Answer:
In the Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Question 16.
Which Act did not establish official majority in the central legislative council?
Answer:
Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Question 17.
How may types of non – official members were there in the provincial legislative council?
Answer:
There were two types of non – official members in the provincial legislative councils :
- Nominated non – official members
- Elected non – official members.
Question 18.
Under which Act was the public granted a limited and disproportionate right to vote?
Answer:
Under the Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Question 19.
Write any two characteristics of Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Answer:
- Improvement in central legislative council
- Expansion of executive councils.
Question 20.
Write any two demerits of Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Answer:
- Introduction of communal election system
- Official majority in the central legislature.
Question 21.
Name the Government of India Act to which Montague – Chelmsford report was directly related.
Answer:
It was related to Government of India Act, 1919.
Question 22.
When was the capital of India transferred from Calcutta to Delhi?
Answer:
In the year 1911.
Question 23.
Mention any two important points of the preface of Act of 1919.
Answer:
- The participation of Indians would be increased in the administration
- autonomous institutions would be developed.
Question 24.
Under which Act was a change in home governance and India Council made?
Answer:
Under Government of India Act, 1919.
Question 25.
There was a minister in the British cabinet to look after the matters related to India. By what name was that minister known?
Answer:
As India Secretary.
Question 26.
Why were the Indian freedom fighters demanding to dissolve the India council?
Answer:
As the expenditure on India Council was being recovered from India.
Question 27.
Under which Act was a reduction control of home governance over Indian administration made?
Answer:
Under Indian Councils Act, 1919.
Question 28.
Name the Act, under which partially-responsible rule was established in the provinces.
Answer:
Under the Government of India Act, 1919.
Question 28.
Under which Act was the unicameral legislature transformed into a bicameral legislature at the centre?
Answer:
Under the Act of 1919, the unicameral legislature was transformed into bicameral legislature at the centre.
Question 30.
By which Act was diarchy system established in the provinces?
Answer:
Diarchy system was established in the provinces by the Act of 1919.
Question 31.
Write any two reforms made in the central executive council by the Act of 1919.
Answer:
- The restriction related to the number of members in the executive council was removed
- the advocates having 10 years working experience in high court, were considered eligible to be chosen as the legal members in council.
Question 32.
Name the first Indian who became a legal member in the central executive council under the Act of 1919.
Answer:
Tej Bahadur Sapru.
Question 33.
Name the houses of bicameral central legislature under the Government of India act, 1919.
Answer:
- Central Legislative Assembly
- Council of State.
Question 34.
Write the number of members in the council of state formed under the Act of 1919.
Answer:
A maximum of 60 members.
Question 35.
Describe the tenure of assembly and state council formed under the Act of 1919.
Answer:
The tenure of assembly and state council was 3 years and 5 years respectively.
Question 36.
According to the Act of 1919, who was given the right to dissolve any house of central legislature even before its tenure had completed?
Answer:
The Viceroy had this right.
Question 37.
By which act was Centralization encouraged?
Answer:
By the Government of India Act, 1919.
Question 38.
In which report was the suggestion to form Native Rulers’ Council given?
Answer:
In the Montague – Chelmsford report.
Question 39.
Name the two central subjects established by the Act of 1919.
Answer:
- Army
- Railways.
Question 40.
Name any two subjects kept under the provinces according to the Act of 1919.
Answer:
- Local autonomous rule
- Irrigation.
Question 41.
In which report was the criticism of communal election system made?
Answer:
In Montague – Chelmsford report.
Question 42.
When and where was the “Chamber of Princes” established?
Answer:
On February 9, 1921 in Delhi.
Question 43.
How many members were there in the Chamber of Princes?
Answer:
The total number of members in the Chamber of Princes was 121.
Question 44.
By which act was the provision of appointment of a Royal Commission made after 10 years?
Answer:
By the Government of India Act, 1919.
Question 45.
Which were the two changes introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919?
Answer:
- A clean and clear division of powers between center and provinces,
- Diarchy system was introduced in the provinces for establishment of a responsible government in India.
Question 46.
Under the Act of 1919, to which communities was the communal election system extended?
Answer:
The communal election system was extended to the Sikhs, Europeans, Anglo-Indians, Indian Christians, zamindars and Chamber of Commerce along with Muslims.
Question 47.
When was Diarchy System applied in India?
Answer:
On April 1, 1921.
Question 48.
In which Indian provinces was Diarchy System introduced?
Answer:
Diarchy system was introduced in these Indian provinces – Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Madras, Bombay, United Provinces, Central Provinces and Punjab.
Question 49.
When was Diarchy System introduced in North-West Frontier province?
Answer:
In 1932.
Question 50.
When was Diarchy System in provinces ended?
Answer:
On April 1, 1937.
Question 51.
Describe any two reasons responsible for failure of Diarchy System.
Answer:
- Unreasonable and impracticable divisions of the subjects
- The arbitrary powers of the governor.
Question 52.
Write any two demerits of Government of India Act, 1919.
Answer:
- The proposed planning of diarchy system in provinces was unsatisfactory
- Unlawful expansion of communal electorate system.
Question 53.
Write any two points of importance of Government of India Act, 1919.
Answer:
- First step towards the beginning of responsible rule,
- A good effort towards the expansion of central and provincial legislature.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why is the Indian Councils Act, 1909 also known as Morley – Minto reforms?
Answer:
British government announced the Indian Councils Act, 1909, which is also known as the Morley – Minto reforms. Lord Morley was the secretary of state for India and Lord Minto, the Indian Viceroy. They suggested in their report that the membership of the central and provincial legislative council should be extended. The Indians were included in the council where ultimate decisions were made.
The Indian secretary Lord Morley presented the report in the House of Commons of British parliament on February 17, 1909 and the British parliament passed this bill on May 25, 1909. After receiving the assent from British Emperor, the bill was introduced by the name Indian Councils Act 1909 on November 15, 1909. The contribution of Lord Morley, the then India Secretary and Viceroy Lord Minto was so important that the Act was named after them – Morley – Minto reforms.
Question 2.
The improvement in the central legislature was an important characteristic of the Indian Councils Act, 1909. Explain.
Answer:
The reform in the central legislature was an important characteristic of the Indian Councils Act -1909. Under this act, the number of members in the central legislative council was increased. Its membership was increased from 16 to 60, in which there were 3 official and 23 non – official members. The non – official members were selected and ex – office members were permanent. For the selection of elected members, the electorate was divided into three categories –
- General electorate.
- Communal electorate.
- Specific electorate.
The legislative assembly was given the right of discussion on the budget and the matters of public interests and forming the rules and laws. The approval from India Secretary on it was necessary. Many subjects such as army, foreign policy, matters related to native states, etc.
were kept separate from it. The legislative councils could think over the bills related to itself and pass them. But they could be applied only after taking an approval from the viceroy. The Viceroy had the power and right to refuse assent to these bills.
Question 3.
Describe the formation and the rights of the provincial legislative councils as provided to them in the Indian Council Act, 1909.
Answer:
In the Indian Councils Act 1909, the process of forming the provincial legislative council was kept similar to that of central legislative council. There were four types of members –
- Ex – office members,
- Nominated official members,
- Nominated non-official members
- elected members.
The Act established majority of non – official members but not of elected non – official members. The Act increased the membership of the provincial legislative councils. The number of membership was fixed between 30 to 50. The number of members of the provinces – Bombay, Madras, and Bengal was increased from 20 to 50, United Province and Northern Bengal provinces was raised from 15 to 50, and for Punjab, Andaman and Burma it was increased from 9 to 30.
The legislative councils could discuss in its regular meetings the bills proposed and pass them. The members could discuss the budget but could not vote on it. The approved bill from the legislative council needed the acceptance of the governor and lieutenant governor and also the approval from the governor- general. The British government was not bound to accept or to implement or to pass the bills proposed by the legislative councils.
Question 4.
How were the executive councils expanded in Indian Councils Act, 1909?
Answer:
In Indian Councils Act, 1909, an amendment was made for forming the executive council of India secretary, Viceroy, Governors and the Indians were given a representation. Two Indian members were included in the council of India secretary. Membership was provided to the Indians in the executive council of viceroy.
In the executive councils of the Governors of Madras and Bombay province, Indian membership was increased from two to four, out of which at least two members would have an experience of 12 years of doing service in India under British government. In these councils, decisions were taken by voting after long discussions.
But if the voting was a tie, then governor or the president of house at that time was given a veto power of two votes or decisive vote. The governor-general was given the power that he could make any of the bill approved by any of the provincial councils cancelled by any house of British parliament.
Question 5.
What were the provisions related to right to vote and representation in Indian Councils Act, 1909?
Answer:
The people were given the right to vote under Indian Councils Act, 1909. On one hand, it was very limited, and on the other hand, it was prejudiced also. Its form was different in every province. In Madras, the zamindars who had an annual income of more than ? 15000 or who paid ? 10,000 as land revenue could vote, i.e. only they were given a right to vote.
In Bengal, a person, who had a title of a king or a Nawab, in Central Provinces a person who had an honorary title of magistrate could vote. In the same way, eligibilities for Muslims and Non-Muslims were kept different largely. A separate representation in the legislative councils in provinces was provided to Muslims, Zamindars, Chamber of Commerce, etc. in the Act of 1909. Also, they were given more representation than the ratio of their population.
Question 6.
Explain the communal election system proposed in Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Answer:
Indian Councils Act, 1909 introduced a new communal election system in India. This Act introduced a system of communal representation for Muslims by accepting the concept of separate electorate. Under this set, Muslim members were to be elected only by the Muslim voters. Thus, the act legalized communal-ism and Lord Minto came to be known as the Father of Communal Electorate. The Indian Councils Act, 1909 also provided separate representation of presidency corporations, chambers of commerce, universities and zamindars.
Question 7.
Describe main setbacks of Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Answer:
Main demerits of Indian Councils Act, 1909 are given as below:
- Introduction of communal and separate electorate system.
- The limited powers of legislatures and official majority.
- Official majority in central legislative council.
- Majority of non-official members in provincial legislative councils was a mere pretense,
- Limited and prejudiced right to vote.
- No progress towards establishment of responsible governance.
- Unwarranted promotion and importance to inherent British self-interests.
Question 8.
Communal electorate system was the biggest deficiency of Indian Councils Act, 1909. Explain.
Answer:
Introduction of communal electorate system was the biggest deficiency of Indian Councils Act, 1909. In the Act, different groups and classes were provided with separate electorates. The seats for Muslims, Chambers of commerce, zamindar, etc. were to be kept reserved. These seats were more than the ratio of their population in the country. It promoted communal-ism and provided a setback to secularism. At last, it opened the way for demand of partition of India.
The India secretary, Lord Morley, considered the communal electorate system dangerous for the society, so he wrote a letter to Viceroy Lord Minto. He wrote in that letter, “Remember it, making a separate electorate, we are sowing such a damaging seed whose crops will be too bitter.”
Question 9.
How can you say that by introduction of Indian Councils Act, 1909, the powers of legislature were made limited? Explain briefly.
Answer:
The Indian Councils Act, 1909 provided the rights of asking questions on bills proposed, discussion and to propose bills, to the members of legislature. But in practice, all these rights and powers were limited and narrow. For example,
- The members of legislative council could ask questions from the members of executive council, but they were not bound to answer all questions which were asked.
- The members had a right to pass a bill related to public interest, but accepting or refusing that bill depended on the executive’s wish.
- The viceroy and governors had many arbitrary powers.
- There were many legal restrictions on the powers of legislative council.
Question 10.
In Indian Councils Act, 1909, “the majority of non – official members in provincial legislative council was a mere pretense.” Explain it briefly.
Answer:
It is true that, in Indian Councils Act, 1909, majority of non-official members in provincial legislative councils was a mere presence. Theoretically, the majority of non – official membership was established in the provincial legislative council, but in fact, the condition was quite opposite. There were two types of non – official members – Nominated non – official members and elected non – official members. The nominated official members always stood with the government. The elected non – official members represented many groups in the council, so it was very hard to unite them. The governor had many obstructive powers on several subjects. This is why, majority of non-official members had no significance in the council.
Question 11.
“In Indian Councils Act, 1909, right to vote provided was limited and prejudiced”. Explain the statement.
Answer:
The statement that the right to vote provided by Indian Councils Act, 1909 was limited and prejudiced, is true. The Muslims, middle – sized zamindars, businessmen and universities were provided the right to vote and election, but Non – Muslims of this group were deprived of it. For example, in Bengal, the Hindus who could pay? 5000 annually as a revenue, were provided this right to vote, and on the other hand, the Muslims paying a revenue of only? 750 annually were given this right.
In the regions, where Hindus were in majority, Muslims were provided more representation although they were in the minority. But the Hindus were given no such right in the provinces as Punjab, Assam, and East Bengal, where the Muslims were in majority. So, it can be said there was a lack of equality in the right to vote.
The right to vote was provided on the basis of prejudice, class and religion in every province. Number of votes were kept very limited in it. Women were not provided this right. Zamindars and Chamber of Commerce as the specific groups, were provided this right unnecessarily.
Question 12.
Describe the importance of Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Answer:
Importance of Indian Council Act, 1909 can be explained by the following points :
- One Indian member was appointed in the executive council of governor-general for irst time.
- The act was important as it was the first step towards self-rule.
- The principle of election was accepted through this act.
- Majority of official members in provincial legislative councils was ended.
- The act provided the right of discussion over the subjects related to public interests, like budget and finances. This was a progressive step.
- The act was very useful from the perspective of providing political training to the common people.
- There was an important contribution of the Act of 1909 in the establishment of responsible governance, election system and political training.
Question 13.
Explain the preface of Government of India Act, 1919.
Answer:
In the preface of Government of India Act, 1919 it was said that:
- India will remain an integral part of the British empire.
- In administration, the Indian participation will be increased.
- The target of British policy will be to establish a responsible rule.
- Autonomous institutions will be developed.
- The work of establishment of responsible rule and autonomous institutions will be done on the priority basis in a step – by – step manner.
- All the decisions related to the progress in administrative system will be taken in the British Parliament.
- In the provincial matters, the provincial government will be free from the control of central government.
Question 14.
How was Diarchy System and partial responsible governance established by the Government of India Act, 1919?
Or
Explain diarchy system established in provinces.
Answer:
Under the Government of India Act 1919, partial responsible governance was established in the provinces. Subjects of provincial government were divided into two parts –
- Reserved subjects
- Transferred subjects.
The administrative operation of reserved subjects was done by the governor and his executive council. There was no control of legislature on them. The transferred subjects were handed over to the popular ministers who were selected by the elected members of legislature and who were responsible to them. In this way, dividing provincial governance into two parts was called Diarchy System.
Question 15.
What reforms were made in the central executive council under Government of India Act, 1919?
Answer:
Following reforms in central executive council were made under Government of India Act, 1919.
- The restriction related to number of members in the council was removed.
- The advocates working in Indian high courts as lawyers for at least 10 years were considered eligible to be the legal members in the council. Under this provision, Tej Bahadur Sapru was appointed as the first Indian legal member in the council.
- In the executive council, number of Indians was increased from one to three, but these members were not the representatives of common men but the supporters of government and hence they were given less-important departments.
Question 16.
Write a short note on bicameral central legislative assembly formed under Government of India Act, 1919.
Answer:
Main points related to central legislature established by Government Act, 1919 are given below:
- By this Act, central legislature was transformed into bicameral legislature from unicameral. Under it, upper house was named as state council and lower house as legislative assembly.
- Under this Act, number of members in the state council was fixed 60. out of which 33 members were elected and remaining 23 were nominated by the viceroy.
- In the legislative assembly, there were 140 members. After the reconstitution, this number was increased to 145, out of which 104 were elected (52 from general category), 32 were from communal constituencies (30 by Muslims and 2 by Sikhs), and 20 from specific constituencies (7 zamindars, 9 Europeans and 4 from chamber of commerce).
- The tenure of state council was 5 years, and that of legislative assembly was 3 years.
- The viceroy had a right to dissolve any house of central legislature even before completion of its tenure.
- Every member of the executive council of viceroy was also an official member of either house. But he could attend both the houses and take active part in discussion.
- The rights of central legislature were also increased.
- The members were given full right of freedom to express their opinions. They could also ask supplementary questions. They had the right to form laws. They could discuss over the budget and had partial right to vote. The members were given the right to table different proposals in both the houses or to stop their working.
Question 17.
How did the Government of India Act, 1919 promote decentralization? Explain.
Answer:
The policy of centralization was retained by the Government of India Act, 1919. However, some of the subjects related to administration and revenue were decentralized. They were taken away from the control of central government to be put under the purview of provincial governments.
The provinces were provided right to loan and decide taxation for the first time. Establishing the partially responsible governance, the decentralization of subjects was also promoted. This effort was to encourage provincial autonomy. In this way, the policy of centralization was removed by Indian Councils Act 1909, which was at its pinnacle in the tenure of viceroy Lord Curzon.
Question 18.
Explain the power division between the central and provincial governance according to the Government of India Act, 1919.
Answer:
A clean and clear division of powers was made between the central governance and provincial governance under the Government of India Act, 1919. The subjects related to the interests of entire India, such as army, railways, post and telegraph, income tax, safety, currency, coins, shipping, trade, civil and criminal law, religious matters and all India public services, etc. were kept under the purview of the central government.
The provinces were given the subjects related mainly to provinces,i.e.local autonomous rule, public works, education, public health and medical care, irrigation, rescue and help to drought effected people, revenue, agriculture, forests, jail, police and judiciary, etc.
Question 19.
Write a short note on Chamber of Princes established by the Act of 1919.
Answer:
Giving regards to the importance of princely rulers, the Montague – Chelmsford report suggested for the establishment of Chamber of Princes. The Act of 1919 was limited only to British India. There was no change in the position and condition of the native rulers, but to bring them closer to British government, the Chamber of Princes was established on February 9, 1921.
The president of this chamber was the Viceroy. It was nothing but an advisory institution. The total membership of this institution was 121, in which 109 representatives were choose from the larger princely states and remaining 12 from the smaller princely states. This chamber put the problems of native rulers before British government. They also raised their voice. It was not necessary that all native rulers should join the chamber. The first chancellor of this chamber was the king of Bikaner, Ganga Singh.
Question 20.
How was the execution of Diarchy brought into practice ?
Answer:
The execution of Diarchy:
Diarchy system was established in Indian provinces under Government of India Act, 1919. Diarchy system was applied for the first time in 8 provinces of India – Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Madras, Bombay, United Provinces, Central Provinces and Punjab on April 1, 1921. It was also applied in the north – western frontier province in 1932.
This system remained in effect till March 31, 1937. Upon the emergence of constitutional obstruction in Central Provinces and Bengal, it was suspended after some time. Under Government of India Act of 1935, the provincial autonomy system was arranged, and along with the implementation of the provincial autonomy system, diarchy system in provinces was abolished.
Question 21.
An inappropriate, prejudiced and impracticable division of the subjects was the main cause of the failure of Diarchy System. Explain.
Answer:
The division of subjects under diarchy system was irrational, prejudiced, unscientific and impracticable. The division of the subjects was made in such a way that some one part of the subjects touched other one and lay under both the subjects. For example, education was a transferred subject, but education related to Europeans and Anglo – Indians was a reserved subject. The division of subjects was so irrational that such impracticable division cannot be imagined.
In diarchy system, the agriculture minister did not have irrigation department under him. Moreover, the industry ministers were made without giving them the departments of labor, factories, hydroelectric power and minerals. All these decisions were absolutely impracticable. There was lack of cooperation among the members and ministers. As a result, diarchy system failed.
Question 22.
Describe external circumstances responsible for the failure of the plan of diarchy system.
Answer:
The external circumstances responsible for the failure of the plan of diarchy system are as given below:
1. Negative Behaviour of Bureaucracy:
The British public servants were not ready to work under Indian ministers. Their behaviour was always negative.
2. Non – cooperation of Congress and Muslim League:
There was no mutual reciprocity between two important political parties of British India – Congress and Muslim League. The British policy of “Divide and Rule” had resulted into increase in animosity between them. Both parties were engaged in making their position sound instead of administrative reforms.
3. Inciting Events:
Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Khilafat movement and hard and repressive laws like Rowlatt Act created distrust towards British government among the Indians and caused civil unrest.
As a result, an indifferent feeling took place in the hearts of Indians towards reforms started by British government.
Question 23.
Describe any two disadvantages of Government India Act, 1919.
Answer:
Two main disadvantages of Government India Act, 1919 are given below:
1. The planning of diarchy system in provinces was faulty:
The planning of diarchy system in provinces was not satisfactory. The executive division line between executive council of governor and the ministers was not clear.
The financial rights were kept with the governor and his executive council. They interfered in the way of ministers. There was lack of harmony between the ministers and public servants. The arbitrary powers of governor and lack of collective responsibility, etc. were main deficiencies of diarchy system. .
2. Lack of powerful legislature at the center:
Although bicameral legislative assembly and state council were established at the center, yet neither their formation was democratic nor they were given enough powers and rights. There were many restrictions over legislature and state council.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Essay Type Question
Question 1.
Evaluate Government of India Act, 1919.
Answer:
Indian Councils Act, 1909 could not fulfill the aspirations of the of Indian people. The anger in common man towards the British government was increasing rapidly. The report of Indian Decentralization Commission 1909, transfer of Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi, the beginning of First World War, etc. motivated Indian public movement.
So, on the basis of suggestions of Montague – Chelmsford report on 20th August, 1917, a bill was tabled on May 28, 1919 before the lower house of the British Parliament. The British Parliament passed the bill on December 23, 1919. After getting assent of British emperor, the bill was called the Government of India Act, 1919.
Demerits / Critical Evaluation of the Government of India Act, 1919:
1. The planning of diarchy system was unsatisfactory:
This was an important demerit of this Act. Under this Act there was no division of executive jurisdiction between the governor and his executive council, and the ministers.
All financial rights were kept with governor and his executive members. They, at large, interfered in the way of ministers. There was no harmony among the ministers and the public servants working under them. Arbitrary powers of the governor was the greatest demerit of diarchy.
2. Lack of a strong legislature at the center:
Although, by the Government of India Act, 1919, bicameral legislature was established at the center, yet neither its formation was completely democratic nor it was given enough powers. There were several restrictions over it.
3. Autocracy of Governor – General:
The governor – general was given extensive powers and rights. Entire administration of the country worked under his control. He could interfere in the routine working of the legislative council in pretense of peace and security whenever he wanted. Indians opposed it as they could.
4. Inappropriate expansion of communal election:
Communal election was expanded under this Act, which was an extremely inappropriate step. It was applied for Sikhs, Europeans, Zamindars, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Anglo – Indians and Indian Christians along with Muslims. Intellectuals considered this situation harmful for the entire country.
5. The control of home governance was not satisfactory:
The Indians were demanding for lesser control and interference in home governance in India. But under this Act, the rights of India secretary were not altered and control of home governance remained as it was before.
Importance of Government of India Act, 1919:
Importance of Government of India Act, 1919 is given under the following points:
- The Government of India Act, 1919 heralded the beginning of responsible government in India.
- For the very first time, elections to the legislatures were made open for the people and this created political consciousness among the masses.
- Through the Act of 1919, the Indians came in direct contact with administration for the first time.
- It was also for the first time that a number of Indian women got right to vote.
- Many reforms were seen in the central and provincial legislature. They were also extended.
- Indians got membership and representation in executive councils of governor and governor- general.
- The powers were decentralized.
- Indians got opportunity of political training and exposure.
- The British public servants worked under the control of Indian ministers for the very first time.
- Under Indian ministers, several far-reaching measures were taken such as enactment of Madras state, aid to Industries Act 1923, the Bombay Primary Education Act, the Bihar and Orissa Village Administration Act, The Bombay Local Boards Act, 1923, etc.