Question 61 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Modern History

Question

The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments

Strategy: Focus on the core reform of the Government of India Act of 1919: the formal division of subjects and powers between the centre and provinces. This distinguishes it from other potential reforms, such as the separation of powers between the judiciary and legislature or the specific powers of the Secretary of State and Viceroy, thereby confirming the correct option.

Key Info: The Government of India Act, 1919, also known as the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms, was a significant legislative measure that introduced the system of Dyarchy in Provincial Governments. The Act's primary contribution was the demarcation of subjects and powers between the central and provincial legislatures.

**Key Provisions:**
- It formally divided subjects into Central and Provincial lists.
- Central subjects included defence, foreign affairs, and railways.
- Provincial subjects covered education, public health, and local government.

The Act led to a relaxation of central control and fostered the emergence of responsible, though limited, provincial governments. It did not address the separation of powers between the judiciary and legislature, nor did it define the specific powers of the Secretary of State and the Viceroy. The Act's significance lies in laying the groundwork for a federal structure in India, influencing later constitutional developments like the Government of India Act, 1935.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: the separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: the powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: None of the above