Constitutional History of British India (Miscellenous MCQs)

All three are correct: Pitt’s Act created the Board of Control; the 1858 Act transferred power to the Crown; and the Regulating Act established the Supreme Court (1774). Together they show the evolution of British control over India’s administration.

The 1858 Act abolished the Company’s rule, transferred control to the Crown, created the office of Secretary of State for India, and changed the Governor-General to Viceroy. Dyarchy, bicameralism, and communal electorates came later with 1919 and 1935 Acts.

The Charter Act of 1853 introduced an open competition system for recruitment to the ICS, following Macaulay’s recommendations. This ended nomination by patronage. The first such exams were held in London in 1855, though initially only a few Indians managed to qualify.

The 1935 Act proposed an All-India Federation of provinces and princely states and vested residuary powers in the Viceroy. It did not grant dominion status or adult franchise, and provincial governors still retained overriding powers.

The 1861 Act recognized the portfolio system, whereby each member of the Governor-General’s Council handled a department and could issue orders independently. This system, initiated by Lord Canning in 1859, helped distribute work efficiently in the expanding colonial bureaucracy.

The 1935 Act did not provide for no-confidence motions against governments. It did, however, reserve 80% of the federal budget as non-votable, divided federal powers, and gave princes nominated seats in the Council of States. Parliamentary responsibility was limited.

The Constitution adopted many administrative features from the 1935 Act—Governor’s office, emergency powers, three lists, public service commissions, federal court model. Rights, principles, judicial review came from other sources (USA, Ireland, UK). Thus, A is correct.

Ramsay MacDonald’s Communal Award extended separate electorates to Depressed Classes along with Muslims, Sikhs, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, etc. Gandhi opposed this and fasted in Yerwada Jail. The Poona Pact (1932) replaced it with joint electorates plus reserved seats for Depressed Classes.

The Plan proposed a weak Union limited to defence, foreign affairs, communications, and finances for those. Provinces had residuary powers. It also provided for groupings of provinces and the Constituent Assembly. Thus both statements are correct.

The Cabinet Mission comprised Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander. Prime Minister Attlee announced the plan but did not travel. This mission laid the basis for the Constituent Assembly.

Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy and the first Governor-General of independent India (Aug 1947–Jun 1948). He was succeeded by C. Rajagopalachari, the only Indian Governor-General (1948–50). The office was abolished in 1950 when Dr. Rajendra Prasad became President. MCQs – Constitutional Development in British India (1892–1947) Format: Statement → Options (a–d) → Correct Answer → Explanation (3–4 lines) Indian Councils Act, 1892

The Act enlarged councils and allowed limited discussion of the budget and questions to the executive (with notice), but no voting rights over finances.

District boards, municipalities, universities, chambers of commerce and zamindars recommended names; the government then nominated them—hence indirect election.

Despite more non‑officials, officials retained majority strength, keeping executive control intact. Regarding questions asked by members under the 1892 Act: (a) Supplementary questions were freely allowed (b) No prior notice was required (c) A formal notice period applied and supplementaries were restricted (d) Questions were banned entirely Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Members could ask questions with prior notice; supplementary questions were generally not permitted.

Separate electorates arrived later with the 1909 reforms; 1892 only cautiously widened participation.

By using recommendations from representative bodies, the Act edged toward representative institutions without embracing direct elections. Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley–Minto Reforms)

Minto II’s tenure (1905–1910) coincided with the reforms negotiated with Secretary of State John Morley.

The reforms bear both names—Minto (Viceroy) and Morley (Secretary of State).

The 1909 Act accepted communal representation for Muslims through separate electorates. The size of the Imperial (Central) Legislative Council under the 1909 Act became: (a) 30 members (b) 45 members (c) 60 members (d) 90 members Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: The central council’s strength rose sharply to 60; provinces also saw enlarged councils.

Members could move resolutions and ask supplementaries; however, control over the executive remained limited.