Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Constitutional Development in India-Government of India Act, 1935
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Textual Questions
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What was the condition applied for the formation of union under the Act of 1935?
Answer:
The condition under the formation of a union applied under the Act of 1935 was that 50 per cent of population of all native states should have the wish to join the union.
Question 2.
What were the names of two houses of central legislative assembly formed under the Government of India Act, 1935?
Answer:
- Federal assembly
- state council
Question 3.
Name the discriminatory powers provided to the governor-general under the Act of 1935.
Answer:
- Security
- Foreign affairs
- Residual powers
Question 4.
What do you mean by the term ‘provincial autonomy’?
Answer:
The term ‘provincial autonomy’ means the limited independent power of governance granted to the provincial governments.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Describe any four main characteristics of the act of 1935.
Answer:
Four main characteristics of the Government of India Act, 1935 have been given below:
1. A detailed Act:
There were 415 sections and 15 schedules in the Act but it lacked an introduction. It was the largest Act in India formed by the British government till date.
2. Provincial autonomy:
In this Act of 1935, the provincial diarchy system was removed, and instead of this, the provincial governments were given complete autonomy. The entire provincial rule was handed over to the ministers.
3. The establishment of diarchy system at the center:
The diarchy system was abolished from the states, and instead, it was established at the center. The subjects such as deference, foreign and religious affairs and tribal matters were kept under the governor-general.
4. Power sharing:
The powers were shared between the center and the provinces for the purpose of establishing a federation.
Question 2.
“The responsible government in the provinces was imperfect”. Explain it.
Answer:
By the Act of 1935, responsible government was established in the provinces. Removing the diarchy, they were provided autonomy. All the provincial subjects were kept under the control of ministers who were the members of legislative assemblies and were collectively responsible to the legislative assembly. It was also decided that the cabinet would work on the basis of the principle of collective responsibility.
But this type of governance in the provinces was imperfect. According to the Act, though the provinces were given autonomy, yet there was a gap due to the discretionary and retaining powers of governor and also the governor-general. The central governance had such types of powers that they could interfere at large in the working of the provinces. The subject of law and order was kept under the provinces but the liability to maintain peace in the state was kept under the governor.
Under cover of this liability, governor could suppress the movements and throttle civil liberties. The position of ministers was weak. There was a lack of collective responsibility. In this way, it can be said that the responsible government in the provinces was imperfect.
Question 3.
Describe the formation of federal court.
Answer:
Formation of federal court:
A federal court was established by the Act of 1935. The domain of this court was expanded to the provinces and princely states. There was a provision of appointing a chief magistrate and two other magistrates. The retirement age of magistrates was 65 years. The monthly salary of chief magistrate was ₹ 7000 and of other magistrates was ₹ 5500 each.
The court was given some fundamental and appeal-related rights. The duty of federal court was to interpret the constitution and ensure that central as well as provincial governance might not come across in way of each other. The full and final powers were given to Privy Council, situated in London.
Question 4.
Describe any four demerits of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
Main demerits of Government of India Act of 1935 are given below:
1. Preposterous Act:
According to viewpoint of Indians, there was neither a provision of autonomy nor colonial self governance in this Act. It was preposterous for Indians.
2. No solution to Indian problems:
The demand for freedom was rising continuously in India. The British intellectuals and the leaders of labor party considered that the Act did not provide any solution to the Indian problem.
3. Faulty reservation and tutelage system:
The provision of reservation and tutelage system provided in the Act of 1935 was a perplan to render the responsible governance in India a failure. These provisions were a device to protect British imperialism in India. The discretionary powers related to minorities, civil services and native states were provided to governor general and provincial governors. The discretionary power given to governor and governor general was against the democratic spirit.
4. Lack of the right of self determination:
In the Act of 1935, there was no chance of framing a new constitution. The Indians were not given a chance of building their fate. The British parliament and India minister had the right to control India as it was before.
Question 5.
Was the governor not the constitutional head? Explain.
Answer:
Under the Government of India Act, 1935, the diarchy system in provinces was removed and the provinces were provided a form of autonomous political units. They were provided freedom from central interference. The provinces were given legal, administrative and financial powers in 54 subjects from the provincial list. The governor was to work in a role of constitutional head in provincial autonomy, but this act made the governor a powerful president instead of constitutional president.
He had the power to control the entire provincial governance. He could issue ordinances. He had a right to accept or refuse or to return a bill for reconsideration. He could keep a bill safe for the approval of governor general. In this way, we can say that the governor was not a constitutional president.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Essay Type Questions
Question 1.
Critically examine the provisions of Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
Prof. Michael Copeland considered the Government of India Act, 1935 as, “A great sucecss of a constructive political thought.” According to his opinion, the Act of 1935 transferred the Indian fate from British hands to Indians. This transfer could be only done by this act. After a deep study of the Act, no one could agree with Copeland. Many Indian leaders gave their reaction on this Act.
The Congress leaders, fighting for the freedom of India, were not satisfied with this Act. They considered that the Act opposed the Indian aspirations. According to Madan Mohan Malviya, “The Act has been imposed over us externally, it seems to be a democratic system, but it is absolutely hollow internally.” C. Rajagopalachari considered the Act worse than the diarchy system. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru declared it, “A Manifesto of Slavery”. Due to the reservation and tutelage system provided in the act, British political scholar Alali said, “It is a symbol of distrust.”
1. Criticism in England:
The British moderates thought that the rights and responsibilities which were being provided to Indians through the Act of 1935, were not in their favor.
2. Preposterous Act:
According to Indian viewpoint, there was neither a provision of autonomy in this act nor colonial self governance was mentioned. It was a meaningless and useless act.
3. The act was only a betrayal and mere show:
The Indian critics considered that, in the Act, no real power was provided to the Indians, so it was a betrayal for the common Indian people, and a mere show.
4. No solution to Indian problem:
The British intellectuals and the leaders of labor party considered that the Act provided no solutions to the problems of India.
5. No participation of Indians in the formation of the Act:
There was no role of Indians or their representatives in the formation of the Act. Jawaharlal Nehru declared it a “Manifesto of Slavery.”
6. Faulty federal system:
Although, planning of all Indian federation proposed in the act of 1935 had many features of federal system such as power sharing, written and strong constitution, free and just governance and bicameral system, yet it had many serious deficiencies in it. There was an effort to combine the opposite units in federation.
7. Provincial autonomy a myth:
The Act of 1935 made provisions of provincial autonomy, and the members of provincial assembly were to be elected. The executive council was responsible before the assembly, but central governance had such powers by which it could interfere in the matters of the provinces. After the declaration of emergency, governor could put a full-stop on provincial autonomy.
8. The faulty system of reservation and tutelage:
The reservation and tutelage system provided in the Act of 1935 was a per-plan to render the responsible governance in India a failure. In fact, these provision were nothing, but a device of promoting British imperialism in India.
9. Expansion of communal electorate system:
The communal electoral system was expanded even more by this Act. Separate electorates were provided to Anglo-Indians, Europeans, Indian Christians and Harijans. As a result, the Indian political scene became bitter.
10. Lack of the right of self determination:
The Indians had no right to decide their fate under this Act. There was no reduction in the control of British parliament or India secretary over India. So, there was no programmer for development of India in this Act.
Question 2.
Describe the formation, powers and position of central legislature.
Answer:
Central Legislature:
The form of central legislature was kept bicameral in the Government of India Act, 1935. Out of these, one house was federal legislature and the other was state council. The number of members in the federal legislature was 375, and it was 260 in the state council. The election of central legislature would be by direct method (Adult Suffrage) and of state councils by indirect method. At the provincial level, 6 legislatures out of 11 were made bicameral.
In this Act of 1935, the right to vote was extended. More people got this right then before, but every citizen of the country could not get this right. The tenure of central legislature was fixed at 5 years. The state council was made a permanent house. The membership of this house was for 5 years but one – third of its members retired after every three years.
The electoral constituencies of the federal legislature and state council were decided on the basis of communities and different groups. Formation of central Legislature under Government of India Act, 1935. Construction of provincial legislature was as given in the table below:
The Powers of Central Legislature:
More powers were provided to the central legislature under the Government of India Act, 1935. Cabinet was made responsible towards the assembly. The assembly was provided the right of controlling the cabinet by questioning and cross-questioning and by bringing several motions. The legislature was provided more powers related to budget than before.
Question 3.
What was the federal plan proposed in the Government of India Act, 1935?
Answer:
The Federal Plan proposed in the Government of India Act, 1935:
In the Government of India Act, 1935, it was proposed that a federation should be built at the center by combination of British provinces and Indian estates. This federation was to be formed by joining 11 British provinces, 6 chief commissioners’ provinces and those native states, which wanted to do so voluntarily. According to the Act, it was essential for provinces to join the federation, but this was optional for the princely states.
According to the Act, the native states who wished to join the federation were to sign an acceptance letter or an induction letter. In the acceptance letter, the state mentioned the conditions on which it was going to join the federation. The units of the federation had autonomy in their internal matters. A federal court was established to solve the disputes arising between the union and its units. In the center, central legislature and bicameral assembly were established, but in spite of repeated efforts finally, this federation could not be established.
A Critical Review of Proposed Federal Plan:
All political parties were in favor of the foundation of federation, but due to their vested interest, they were in opposition of one another. So, many characteristics of an appropriate federal system were not included in it. Main points of the criticism of this plan are as under:
1. The necessity of joining the federation was not alike for every unit:
It was essential for all British provinces to join the union, but the native states were left on their wish. Some native princely states wished to join the federation, but not all.
2. Lack of equal level:
There was an equality in the expansion of executive powers between the center and the provinces, but in the matter of native states, this equality was not seen.
3. The arbitrary powers of governor – general:
Some important subjects, like defense, foreign affairs and residual powers were kept with governor-general. The legislature neither had the right of questioning him nor his decisions were under that purview.
4. Lack of autonomy in the units of union:
Autonomy was provided to the provinces and native states in all-India federation, but a responsible government was not there at the center. The governor – general retained all the powers with him and he was not answerable to anybody.
5. Sharing of powers was improper:
According to the federal system, the rights and powers were divided between the center and the provinces. Central, provincial and concurrent list enabled the sharing of the powers, but residual powers were given to governor – general and the administrators of native states.
6. Unitary element in federal system:
The governor – general had most of the rights to interfere in the way of provinces. Due to this, the autonomy of the units became less, while the union was all – powerful.
Question 4.
What do you understand by provincial autonomy mentioned in the Act of 1935? What were the restrictions imposed on it, that made it marginalized?
Answer:
Meaning of Provincial Autonomy mentioned in the Act of 1935:
Provincial autonomy was the most important characteristic of Government of India Act of 1935. There may be two meanings of provincial autonomy:
1. The provinces should have the right and power of working independently in their region, i.e. the provinces should be free from external control in their respective area,
2. Establishment of responsible governance in the provinces. In other words, the governance of the provinces must be kept with a cabinet of popular ministers, who are responsible and liable towards the legislature as well as towards the public. The diarchy system was introduced in the provinces and they were given a form of autonomous political unit. They were made free from central interference. They were provided legal, administrative and financial rights on 54 subjects of the provincial list. It was known as provincial autonomy.
Restrictions that made Provincial Autonomy Weak:
The provincial autonomy established by the Government of India Act, 1935 was far from reality. Several internal and external restrictions were imposed on it that made it weak. The chief restrictions are given below:
(A) External restrictions on provincial autonomy:
Several arrangements of central interference on provincial autonomy were made under the Government of India Act, 1935, while it should have been free from any boundation. The main external restrictions on provincial autonomy are given below:
1. Declaration of emergency:
Under Section 102 of the Act of 1935, the governor – general could declare emergency in specific conditions of crisis, serious internal disorder or unrest and real or probable danger of wars. After declaration of emergency, federal legislature could make laws related to provincial subjects.
2. Control of center on provinces:
Under Section 156, the governor – general could release the advisory to provincial governance on peace and safety. Under these circumstances, the governor could declare the failure of constitutional system under Section 93, and the entire provincial governance would come under him.
3. Governor – General’s control over provincial laws:
Some special type of bills could not be approved in the assembly without per-permission of the governor-general.
4. Governor kept the bills safe for the acceptance of governor – general, approved by provincial legislature:
The governor kept the bills safe for the acceptance of governor-general, which, the provincial legislature had already approved. The governor – general could also keep these types of bills safe for the approval of the British emperor through India secretary.
5. Discretionary Powers of governor – general:
To fulfill these rights and liabilities, governor general could interfere in the working of the provinces and give directions to ministers. .
(B) Internal restrictions on provincial autonomy:
The provincial governance was also not free internally. The following internal limitations and boundations were imposed over provincial autonomy:
1. The constitutional role of governor in provinces was greater than that of constitutional president:
For real provincial autonomy, governor should play a role of constitutional president, but the governor was made its real head. Entire province was under his hold. He had the right to pass bill, refuse a bill approved by the provincial assembly and to keep it safe for the acceptance of the governor – general.
2. Unlimited financial powers of governor:
The governor was given unlimited financial powers. The provincial budget was formed under his guidelines. He had the right or liability to make a bill passed in the assembly. The approval or refusal or an amendment of a bill passed by provincial legislature, was dependent on the wish of the governor.
3. Governor’s control on the ministers:
The governor had a right to appoint or to dismiss the ministers or to distribute the departments among them. The Governor also called the meeting of cabinet. These powers of the governor made the provincial autonomy weak.
4. Non – cooperation of civil servants with ministers:
The behaviour of civil officials was non – cooperative with the ministers, which was unfavorable for provincial autonomy.
In this way, it can be said that provincial autonomy was a mere pretense. So there was a great dissatisfaction in the Indians for it. For the implementation of real provincial autonomy, they organised several movements.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
The number of members in the lower house, the federal legislature of central assembly, was:
(a) 260
(b) 375
(c) 250
(d) 545
Answer:
(b) 375
Question 2.
Till what age did a judge of federal court remained in office ?
(a) 65 years
(b) 60 years
(c) 55 years
(d) life long
Answer:
(a) 65 years
Question 3.
According to Government of India Act, 1935, to whom were the residual powers handed over?
(a) To the governor
(b) To the central legislature
(c) To the governor-general
(d) To the India secretary
Answer:
(c) To the governor-general
Question 4.
What were the number of articles and appendices in the Government of India Act, 1935?
(a) 450 and 11
(b) 460 and 12
(c) 395 and 15
(d) 451 and 15
Answer:
(d) 451 and 15
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Other Important Questions
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
In which year of the following, a white paper related to future reforms plan to solve the constitutional problem of India was published?
(a) March, 1933
(b) April, 1922
(c) May, 1935
(d) August, 1947
Answer:
(a) March, 1933
Question 2.
How many Sections were there in the Government of India Act, 1935?
(a) 401
(b) 102
(c) 515
(d) 451
Answer:
(d) 451
Question 3.
Main characteristic of Government of India Act, 1935 was:
(a) A detailed Act
(b) Diarchy system at the center
(c) Provincial autonomy
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 4.
How many British provinces were to be included in the proposed All-India Federation, under the Act, of 1935?
(a) 10
(b) 8
(c) 11
(d) 6
Answer:
(c) 11
Question 5.
By which Act of the following was provincial autonomy provided?
(a) By the Act of 1909
(b) By the Act of 1919
(c) By the Act of 1935
(d) By the Act of 1947
Answer:
(c) By the Act of 1935
Question 6.
A proposal to establish an All-India Federation of how many provinces was presented in the Government of India Act, 1935:
(a) By joining 11 British provinces
(b) By joining 6 chief commissioner regions
(c) By joining all the native states
(d) By joining all these
Answer:
(d) By joining all these
Question 7.
By which of the following acts, the diarchy in provinces was ended and introduced in the center?
(a) Government of India Act, 1935
(b) Act of 1892
(c) Act of 1909
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Government of India Act, 1935
Question 8.
Main demerit of the proposed plan of the formation of an All-India Federation was:
(a) Lack of equality level
(b) Lack of autonomy in the federal units
(c) Improper division of powers
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 9.
The fundamental feature of federal system of the proposed federal plan wars:
(a) Rigid and written constitution
(b) Two governments and division of power between them
(c) An importial judicialy
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 10.
How many subjects were kept in the union list under the Government of India Act, 1935?
(a) 35
(b) 59
(c) 54
(d) 5
Answer:
(b) 59
Question 11.
How many subjects were kept in the provincial list under the Government of India Act, 1935?
(a) 36
(b) 54
(c) 59
(d) 26
Answer:
(b) 54
Question 12.
The number of subjects included in the concurrent list under the Government of India Act, 1935, were:
(a) 36
(b) 54
(c) 46
(d) 60
Answer:
(a) 36
Question 13.
The total number of members of the state council fixed under the Act of 1935 was:
(a) 260
(b) 375
(c) 590
(d) 120
Answer:
(a) 260
Question 14.
Under the Act of 1935, the right of making the law regarding concurrent list was provided to:
(a) To the central government only
(b) To the provincial government only
(c) To both central and provincial governments
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(c) To both central and provincial governments
Question 15.
Under which Act of the following was the federal court established?
(a) By the Act of 1935
(b) By the Act of 1919
(c) By the Act of 1909
(d) By the Act of 1947
Answer:
(a) By the Act of 1935
Question 16.
The India council was removed:
(a) By the Act of 1919
(b) By the Act of 1935
(c) By the Act of 1909
(d) All these
Answer:
(b) By the Act of 1935
Question 17.
Which of the following new groups was provided a separate representation under the Act of 1935:
(a) Anglo – Indians
(b) Indian Christians
(c) Harijans
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 18.
Burma was separated from India under the Act:
(a) Government of India Act, 1919
(b) Government of India Act, 1935
(c) Indian Council Act, 1909
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Government of India Act, 1935
Question 19.
Under which Section of Act of 1935, in the event of constitutional failure, the governor could take the provincial governance in his hands:
(a) Section 93
(b) Section 75
(c) Section 102
(d) Section 135
Answer:
(a) Section 93
Question 20.
The external restriction on the provincial autonomy was:
(a) Control of center on provinces
(b) The declaration of emergency
(c) Discretionary powers of governor-general
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 21.
The internal restriction imposed on provincial autonomy was:
(a) Governor’s control on the ministers
(b) Unlimited financial powers of governor
(c) The role of governor was greater than that of constitutional president in province
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 22.
Under the Act of 1935, the provincial governments had been formed after provincial autonomy was implemented:
(a) In July, 1937
(b) In April, 1937
(c) In August, 1947
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) In July, 1937
Question 23.
Which of the following acts has affected the present Indian Constitution Act the most:
(a) Indian Council Act, 1909
(b) Government of India Act, 1919
(c) Government of India Act, 1935
(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer:
(c) Government of India Act, 1935
Question 24.
There was a provision related to Act of 1935 which was adopted in Indian Constitution:
(a) Federal plan
(b) Proposal of bicameral legislature
(c) Post of governor
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 25.
“Act of 1935 is a Manifesto of Slavery,” This statement is made by:
(a) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) C. Rajagopalachari
(c) Vallabh Bhai Patel
(d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer:
(a) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Write any two characteristics of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
- Planning of all – India federation
- Provincial autonomy
Question 2.
What type of government system was suggested under the Government of India Act, 1935?
Answer:
It was federal governance system.
Question 3.
How many Sections and Schedules were there in the Act of 1935?
Answer:
451 Sections and 15 Schedules.
Question 4.
Write any two main characteristics of the Indian federation as proposed under the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
- Written and rigid constitution
- federal court.
Question 5.
Write any two demerits of All – India federal plan.
Answer:
- The necessity of joining the federation was not same for all,
- Arbitrary power of the governor-general.
Question 6.
By which Act was the diarchy system removed from the provinces and implemented in the center?
Answer:
By Government of India Act, 1935.
Question 7.
How many lists were provided in the Government of India Act, 1935, for division of powers between center and provinces?
Answer:
Three lists were provided:
- Federal list
- Provincial list
- Concurrent list.
Question 8.
Name any four subjects included in the federal list under the Act of 1935.
Answer:
- Navy, army and air force
- foreign matters
- post and telegraph of that time
- insurance.
Question 9.
Name any four subjects included in the provincial list under the Act of 1935.
Answer:
- Peace
- justice
- education
- local self – government.
Question 10.
With which Act were tutelage and reservation related?
Answer:
With Government of India Act, 1935.
Question 11.
What rights were provided to the federal court established under the Act of 1935?
Answer:
The federal court was given the rights of constitutional interpretation and checking the central as well as provincial governance from coming across in each other’s ways.
Question 12.
Where could the appeal be filed against the judgement of federal court established under the Act of 1935?
Answer:
In the Privy Council situated in London.
Question 13.
What was the provision related to India Council under the Act of 1935?
Answer:
The India Council was ended.
Question 14.
To which new groups were given separate representation under the Act of 1935?
Answer:
Anglo-Indians, Indian Christians, Europeans and Harijans.
Question 15.
Which provinces were separated from India under the Act of 1935?
Answer:
- Burma
- Aden.
Question 16.
Mention any two internal restrictions imposed on provincial autonomy.
Answer:
- Unlimited financial powers of governor
- Governor’s control on the ministers.
Question 17.
Mention any two external restrictions imposed on provincial autonomy.
Answer:
- Declaration of emergency
- Control of center on the provinces.
Question 18.
What is mentioned in the Section 102 of the Government of India Act, 1935?
Answer:
Under Section 102 of the Government of India Act, 1935, it was mentioned, that “In the conditions of serious internal crisis or trouble and real or possible dangers of war, governor could declare an emergency.”
Question 19.
What was mentioned under Section 156 of Government of India Act, 1935?
Answer:
Under Section 156 of the Government of India Act, 1935, it was mentioned that, “Governor general could release an advisory for provincial governance to maintain peace and security.”
Question 20.
When were the provincial governments formed according to the Act of 1935?
Answer:
In July, 1937.
Question 21.
Under the Act of 1935, in which provinces were the elections held after they gained provincial autonomy ?
Answer:
The provinces were United Provinces, Bihar, Orissa, Madras, Bombay, Central Provinces, Assam, Bengal, North-west tern Frontier Province, Punjab and Sindh.
Question 22.
In which provinces did Congress get a clear majority?
Answer:
In United Provinces, Bihar, Orissa, Bombay, Madras and Central Provinces.
Question 23.
In which state did the communist party get majority?
Answer:In the province of Punjab.
Question 24.
In which province did Muslim league get majority?
Answer:
In Sindh.
Question 25.
Write any two effects of the Act of 1935 on the present constitution of India.
Answer:
(a) Federal planning
(b) The idea of bicameral legislature.
Question 26.
What criticism of the Government of India Act, 1935 was made by C. Rajagopalachari?
Answer:
C. Rajagopalachari declared that the government of India Act was worse than the diarchy system.
Question 27.
What did Madan Mohan Malviya say about the Government of India Act, 1935?
Answer:
According to Madan Mohan Malviya, “The new Act has been imposed over us externally, it looks like a democratic system, but it is hollow internally.”
Question 28.
Describe any two demerits of Government of India Act, 1935?
Answer:
- Faulty federal system
- Provincial autonomy was a mere pretense.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Describe the factors responsible for the implementation of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
The Government of India Act, 1935 could not meet the people’s expectations. The Indians were very angry with the British policy. They seeded up the freedom movement. The non – cooperation movement turned the national movement into a mass movement. The civil disobedience movement also made the public ready to join the freedom movement.
So, to lessen the public dissatisfaction, British government had to make reforms. On the basis of round-table conferences of 1930, 1931 and 1932, British government had to release a white paper regarding the reforms to be done in future. On the basis of the suggestion of that white paper, in February 1935, bill was passed in British parliament, which was known as the Government of India Act, 1935, after the approval of British crown.
Question 2.
Mention two characteristics of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
Two main characteristics of government of India act 1935 are given as follows :
1. A detailed Act:
There were 451 Sections and 15 Schedules in the Act of 1935, but it lacked an introduction. The British parliament had never drafted such a large Act before.
2. Supremacy of British parliament:
In this Act, the provincial assembly or federal legislature was given no right to make any type of change in the executive or legislature. The British parliament kept all related powers with itself. The central and provincial legislatures could recommend an amendment under some specific limitations. In this way, the governance remained in the hands of the British parliament.
Question 3.
Describe main features of federal legislature established by the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
Main features of federal legislature established by the Government of India Act, 1935 are:
1. Proposal of All – India Federation:
Under the Government of India Act, there was a proposal to form an all – India federation by joining 11 British provinces, 6 chief commissionaires and native states. The native states were given an option to join, or to remain separate from this federation. The princely states had been given option to join and not to join the All-India federation.
2. Provincial autonomy:
The units of federation had the right of self-governance in their internal matters.
3. Federal court:
To decide the disputes between the federation and its units, an establishment of federal court was proposed.
4. Division of powers:
The division of powers between the provinces and federation was made through the lists federal, provincial and concurrent, but residual powers were kept with the governor-general, not with the provincial legislature.
Question 4.
Mention any three demerits of federal plan proposed by the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
Three demerits of federal plan proposed by Government of India Act, 1935 were:
1. Lack of equality level:
There was equality in the expansion of constitutional and executive powers of center and provinces, but it was not so in the matters of princely states.
2. Unitary element in federal system:
The governor – general had the over – riding right to interfere in the provincial matters. This is why the provincial autonomy was decreased and became limited, while in a real federation, this type of situation should never exist.
3. Lack of the autonomy in the federal units:
In the all – India federation, provinces and princely states had autonomy, but there was not a perfect responsible government in the center. The governor – general had the greatest power with him and he was responsible towards none.
Question 5.
Describe the sharing of the powers in All-India Federation, as proposed under the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
The sharing of the powers in all-India federation between central and provincial governance under the Government of India Act, 1935 has been given as:
1. Federal schedule:
Under this schedule, 59 subjects of national importance were included, among which, coin and currency, federal public services, communication, banks and insurance were the main ones. The central legislature had right to make laws on these subjects.
2. Provincial schedule:
54 subjects of local importance were included in it, among which, peace, justice, judiciary, provincial public services, local self governance, hospitals, public heath services, agriculture, canals, forests, education and roads, etc. were included. The provincial governance was given the right to make laws on these.
3. Concurrent schedule:
Under this schedule, 36 subjects, such as civil and criminal laws, marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, trust, factories and labor welfare were included.
4. Residual powers:
These powers were provided to the governor-general. He could ask the central or provincial legislature to pass the laws.
Question 6.
Describe the tutelage and reservation system as mentioned in the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
The British governance was showing caution in providing a responsible government to Indians. The British emperor considered that India might make mistakes in operating the responsible governance. They wished to make enough arrangement for the interests of the minorities.
The governor – general and the governor both were provided sufficient rights to interfere in the central and provincial responsible governance in different conditions. These rights and powers provided to governor and governor – general were the tutelage and reservations of the law. This arrangement of tutelage and reservation of law and regulation was not in line with democratic system.
Question 7.
Describe external restrictions imposed on provincial autonomy.
Answer:
External restrictions imposed on provincial autonomy are given as under:
1. Declaration of crisis:
Under Section 102 of Government of India Act, 1935, it was mentioned that in a situation of internal serious crisis or trouble and real or possible danger of war, governor – general could declare an emergency. There was also a provision that after this declaration, central legislature could make the laws on the provincial subjects.
2. Control of center on provinces:
According to Section 156 of Government of India Act, 1935, governor-general could release an advisory to the provinces to maintain the essential peace and safety.
3. The control of governor-general on provincial legislature:
Without proper acceptance from governor-general, several types of bills and amendments could not be approved in the provincial legislature.
4. Rights of governor-general:
The bills passed in provincial assembly were put before the governor general by the governor for consideration. The Governor could keep them safe to put before the British empire through the governor-general.
5. The discretionary powers of the governor general:
The Governor general could interfere in the functioning of provinces and release an advisory.
Question 8.
Mention internal restrictions imposed on provincial autonomy.
Answer:
Major internal restrictions imposed on provincial autonomy are given as below:
1. Role of governor in provinces was not constitutional but real:
The role of governor in the provinces must be that of constitutional president, but he was made a real president. Entire province worked under his control. He was given all the rights of approving a bill, accepting a bill passed by the assembly, to keep it safe for the approval of governor general.
2. Unlimited financial powers of governor:
The budget was made under the specific instructions given by the governor. He also kept a right and responsibility to pass it in the assembly. Any amendment suggested by the assembly depended on his wish.
3. The governor’s control on the ministers:
A state minister’s appointment, dismissal and distribution of portfolios was a right and at the discretion of the governor. The assembly could be called only by the governor. These powers of the governor made the autonomy weak.
4. Civil officials did not cooperate with the ministers:
The civil officials did not cooperate with the ministers, which was very harmful for the provincial autonomy. On this basis, it was said that the provincial autonomy was nothing but a mere pretense. So, the Indians expressed their dissatisfaction towards it and demanded for real autonomy.
Question 9.
How was the implementation of provincial autonomy done? Explain.
Answer:
Implementation of provincial autonomy:
Through the Government of India Act, 1935, British governance tried hard to implement the provincial autonomy mentioned in the Act. The dates for the elections were also declared in the year 1937. The election were concluded by April 3,1937. Congress got a clear majority in 6 provinces – United Provinces, Bihar, Orissa, Bombay, Madras and Central Provinces out of 11 provinces and emerged as the largest party in three states – Assam, Bengal and North – western Frontier Province.
The communist party was in majority in Punjab, while it was the Muslim League in Sindh. In the beginning, all the political parties showed interest in forming governments with the governor’s cooperation. Then, in July 1937, provincial governments were formed. Some of the governments did quite commendable work.
Question 10.
Mention any three effects of the Government of India Act, 1935 on the constitution of independent India.
Answer:
Main effects of the Government of India Act, 1935 on the constitution of independent India are:
1. Federal plan:
The plan of All – India Federation proposed in the Act of 1935 can be seen in present position of the union of India. The units of federation, providing more powers to the center, sharing the power, etc. are influenced by the Act of 1935 broadly.
2. The idea of bicameral governance:
The present bicameral governance functioning in some of the provinces and center according to the Indian constitution is very much influenced by the Act of 1935.
3. The provision of constitutional crisis:
After constitutional crisis if emerges in a state, the central government can take over the governance system of the related state through the President of India. This is also based on the system mentioned in the Act of 1935.
Question 11.
Write down the importance of Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
The importance of the Government of India Act, 1935 has been given in the following points:
1. Establishment of a responsible government:
Due to the Government of India Act, 1935, responsible of government was established in provinces.
2. An effort towards the political unity of India:
The Act of 1935 paved the path of political unity in India.. The planning to include the princely states in all-India federation was an effort to make India united.
3. The basis of the constitution of Independent India:
The constitution of independent India was created on the basis of Government of India Act, 1935.
4. Providing political training:
The Indians got political training related to provincial autonomy through the Act of 1935. This training was very useful in the formation of the Indian constitution and to operate the Indian government after it got independence.
Question 12.
How can we prove the Government of India Act, 1935 to be defective ?
Answer:
Although, there were many features of federal system in the planning of all – India federation proposed by the Government of India Act, 1935, like power sharing, written and rigid constitution, independent provincial governance and bicameral system, etc., but there were many demerits in it also.
There was an effort to join two different type of states in the federation, the proposed federation neither transferred the governance to Indians, nor it had a provision of self determination and common electorate. Both governor and governor – general had over – riding powers which hurt the federal system. The federal court’s powers were not supreme. An appeal against its judgement could be filed in the Privy Council situated in Britain.
Question 13.
It is said about the Government of India Act, 1935, that, “The provincial autonomy provided by it was nothing but a myth”. Explain it.
Answer:
The Government of India Act provided provincial autonomy. The members of provincial legislature were elected. The executive was made liable before legislature, but the central government has such powers, by which they could interfere in any of the provincial jurisdictions.
By declaring an emergency, governor – general could mark an end to provincial autonomy. The governors had many special rights which compromised the autonomy. The position of ministers was quite weak. There was lack of collective responsibility. So, it is clear that provincial autonomy provided in Government of India Act, 1935, was nothing but a myth.
Question 14.
In the Government of India Act, 1935, there was “lack of self determination for Indians”. Explain it.
Answer:
In the Government of India Act, 1935, there was lack of self determination. There was no provision for Indians to determine their fate. This act was considered a decider of the progress of India. With the continued control of British parliament on Indian ministers, Position of India remained in this Act as it was before, and there was no change in it. There was no programme related to progress of India. This Act was believed to be formed to fulfill the national demands, but in fact, it was a promoter of the imperialistic interests in disguise.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 18 Essay Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain main characteristics of Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer:
Main characteristics of Government of India Act, 1935:
1. A detailed Act:
The Government of India Act, 1935 was a detailed Act, in which there were 451 Sections and 15 Schedules, but it lacked an introduction. It was the largest Act ever formed by British parliament.
2. Proposal of All – India Federation:
In the Government of India Act, 1935, it was decided that by combining the British provinces and princely states, a federation should be formed at the center. The federation was to be formed by combining 11 British provinces, 6 chief com-missionary provinces and those princely states who wished to do so. According to the Act, joining the federation was essential for all British provinces and the states who wished to be included in the federation were to sign an acceptance letter or an admission article.
The units of the federation had the right to self governance in their internal affairs. A federal court was also established to resolve the disputes arising among the units. A federal executive and bicameral legislature was established at the center. But due to unfavorable circumstances, the conditions mentioned could not be fulfilled. The all – India federation could not be established.
3. Establishment of diarchy at the center:
The diarchy system was removed from provinces and implemented at the center. The federal subjects were divided into two parts – reserved and transfer-ed subjects. Peace and safety, religious and foreign affairs, problems and arrangement of tribal areas were included in the reserved subjects. These matters were kept with governor-general. For the governance of transferred subjects, a cabinet of ministers was arranged for the help of governor-general.
4. Provincial autonomy:
The provincial diarchy system was dissolved under the Act of 1935 and provinces were provided autonomy. The entire provincial rule was handed over to the elected ministers.
5. Power division:
Under the Government of India Act, 1935, three fists were formed for the division of power between center and provinces. These fists were federal fist, provincial fist and concurrent fist. 59 subjects of national importance were kept in the federal fist. 54 subjects of provincial importance were kept in the provincial fist and there were 36 subjects in the concurrent fist.
6. The arrangement of Tutelage and Reservation:
The British Government considered that the Indians might commit mistakes in carrying out the responsible governance, so they wanted to make all the arrangements for the safety of the minorities. In the Act, governor-general and governors were given comprehensive rights to interfere in the way of center as well in provinces in different circumstances.
7. Expansion of legislature and an increase in right to vote:
Under this Act, two houses were arranged in the federal legislature, out of which, one was federal assembly and other was council of states. The membership of the federal assembly was fixed at 375 and it was 260 in the states council.
8. Federal court:
To resolve the disputes among the units of federations (center, provinces and princely states), there was an arrangement of federal court in the Act of, 1935. A chief magistrate and two judges were to be appointed in the proposed federal court. The federal court was given fundamental and appeal – related rights. The full and final power was kept with Privy Council situated in London.
9. Supremacy of British parliament:
Under this Act, the federal legislature and provincial executives had no right to make any type of change. All rights related to it were provided to the Privy Council.
10. Dissolving of Indian council:
Indian Council had been working against the interest of India since the very beginning and hence the Indians were demanding its dissolution. So, under the Government of India Act, 1935, this council was dissolved, and instead, some advisers for India secretary were appointed.
11. Burma, Berar and Aden:
Under this Act, Burma was separated from India and Aden was taken out from Indian control. The control of Hyderabad over Aden was accepted only for name, but it was made a part of Central Provinces with administrative point of view.
12. An expansion of communal electorate:
It was clear that the communal electorate was not in the favor of Indian interest, but the British government used the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy and so different communities and groups were given separate representation in the federal legislature and provincial executive under this Act. They also expanded the reservation system to Anglo-Indians, Indian Christians, Europeans and Harijans.
Question 2.
Describe the impact of Government of India Act, 1935, on the constitution of independent India.
OR
“The Government of India Act, 1935 impressed the constitution of independent India largely”. Explain the statement.
Answer:
The effects of Government of India Act, 1935, on present constitution of India:
1. Federal plan:
The plan of formation of an the All – India Federation proposed in the Government of India Act, 1935, can be seen in the present Indian constitution. The units of federation, provision of more power to center, power division and sharing, etc. are largely influenced from the Act of 1935.
2. The concept of bicameral assembly:
The arrangement of bicameral assembly in some of Indian states is based on the Act of 1935.
3. The provision of constitutional crisis:
In the condition of constitutional crisis, the central government can take away all rights of legislature and executive from the provinces through the President of India. This provision is inspired from the Act of 1935.
4. The post of the governor:
The concept of post of the governor has been taken from the provision of governor mentioned in the Government of India Act, 1935.
5. A detailed constitutional Article:
The Indian constitution is a detailed article just like the government of India Act, 1935. The arrangement of main bodies of central government along with the provincial government system was done in the Act of 1935.
6. Declaration of emergency by president:
The concept of declaration of emergency by President in the present Indian constitution has been taken from the Government of India Act, 1935. The provision of declaration of emergency under section 352 and 353 in Indian constitution is just like the Section 102 of the Act of 1935.
7. The use of executive power of state:
Under Section 256 of the present constitution, it has been said the power of state executive will be used according to the guidelines given by the Indian Parliament and legislature. This Section of Indian Constitution is just like the Section 126 of Government of India Act, 1935.
8. Accreditation to federal law:
Under Section 256 of present Indian constitution, it is said that the federal law will be provided supremacy in the case of contradiction between the federal law and state law. This provision of Indian constitution is based on the Section 126 of the Government of India Act, 1935.