Test: Historical Development of Indian Consitution - CLAT PG MCQ

The Government of India Act, 1858 brought a significant change by transforming the position of the Governor-General to that of the Viceroy of India. This change followed the Indian Rebellion of 1857, after which the British government decided to end the rule of the East India Company and assume direct control over India.
The title of Viceroy symbolized the British Crown’s direct authority in India. The Viceroy was appointed as the representative of the Crown and had broader powers, being directly accountable to the British monarchy. This change marked the beginning of more centralized British rule, with the Viceroy overseeing all major decisions and policies in India.
The shift to a Viceroy signified the establishment of a more structured and authoritative governance system, reinforcing the Crown’s control over the Indian subcontinent, a role that continued until India gained independence in 1947.

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 was significant for decentralizing legislative powers, empowering the Bombay and Madras Presidencies and allowing the establishment of new legislative councils for various provinces. This act aimed to involve more local governance and representation in the legislative process, marking a step towards greater Indian participation in government, albeit still under British control. A notable aspect of this act was the introduction of the Portfolio system, which organized governance by assigning specific departments to council members.

The Regulating Act of 1773 was pivotal as it laid the foundation for the administrative structure in India by establishing the Supreme Court of Calcutta. This marked the beginning of a formal judicial system under British rule, where one Chief Justice and three other judges were appointed to oversee legal matters, ensuring some degree of legal oversight in the Company's governance. Additionally, it aimed to regulate the affairs of the East India Company, setting a precedent for future legislative measures.

Answer: (D) All of the above are correct
The Government of India Act, 1935 abolished dyarchy, provided separate electorates for various communities, established the Reserve Bank of India, and gave the Viceroy residuary powers.

The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) brought several key changes:

1. Increased the number of members in the Central Legislative Council from 16 to 60, expanding representation.
2. Introduced separate electorates for Muslims, allowing them to elect their representatives separately.
3. Established the portfolio system in Indian administration, where Indian members were given responsibility for specific departments.

Thus, all the points are correct, making D: All of the above are correct the correct answer.

The significance of Pitt's India Act of 1784 lies in its formal recognition that the territories under the East India Company's control were considered British possessions. This act established a dual government structure, with the Court of Directors managing commercial affairs and a new Board of Control overseeing political matters, thus marking a significant shift in the governance of India and increasing British governmental oversight over the Company's activities. This was a crucial step in the transition toward more direct British rule in the following decades.

The Act of Settlement, also known as the Amending Act of 1781, specifically safeguarded the Governor-General and his council from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. This act was essential in protecting the Company's officials from legal repercussions for their official actions, thus ensuring a degree of autonomy in administering Company affairs without interference from the Supreme Court.

The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was pivotal as it established India and Pakistan as independent dominions, marking the end of British rule in India. This act allowed both nations the right to secede from the British Commonwealth and empowered their respective Constituent Assemblies to frame their own constitutions. An interesting fact about this act is that it was a direct response to the communal tensions and demands for partition fueled by the Muslim League, ultimately leading to the creation of two separate nations and shaping the subcontinent's political landscape.

The Charter Act of 1853 introduced a competitive examination system for the Indian Civil Services, allowing Indians to compete for positions within the administration. This was a significant reform, as it marked the beginning of a more merit-based approach to civil service appointments in India, which had previously been dominated by British nationals. This move was aimed at gradually increasing Indian participation in governance, reflecting the changing attitudes toward Indian capabilities and aspirations for self-governance. An interesting fact is that the first competitive examination for the Indian Civil Services was held in 1855, leading to increased opportunities for educated Indians.

One of the key features of the Government of India Act, 1919, was the introduction of bicameralism and direct elections in the legislative councils. This marked a significant step towards a more representative governance structure in India, allowing for a limited form of political participation among the Indian populace. The Act allowed for some Indian members in the Viceroy's executive council, acknowledging the need for Indian involvement in governance. Interestingly, this act was a response to increasing demands for political reform in India, reflecting the British government's attempt to placate nationalist sentiments.