1919 and 1935

Question 1

Nature of Reforms

Answer 1

1919 Act: Introduced diarchy at the provincial level; limited self-governance.
1935 Act: Abolished diarchy in provinces; introduced provincial autonomy and diarchy at the center.

Question 2

Federal Structure

Answer 2

1919 Act: No federal structure; focused on provincial reforms.
1935 Act: Proposed a federal system with Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent lists.

Question 3

Electoral Provisions

Answer 3

1919 Act: Limited voting rights; 10% of the population eligible to vote.
1935 Act: Expanded the electorate; broader representation including Scheduled Castes, women, and workers.

Question 4

entral and Provincial Relations

Answer 4

1919 Act: Central authority dominated provincial governments.
1935 Act: Greater provincial autonomy, but Governors retained significant powers.

Question 5

Bicameralism

Answer 5

1919 Act: Introduced bicameralism at the center (Council of State and Legislative Assembly).
1935 Act: Extended bicameralism to some provinces like Madras, Bombay, and Bengal.

Question 6

Role of Governor and Governor-General

Answer 6

1919 Act: Governors and Governor-General held extensive powers over provinces and the center.
1935 Act: Governors operated under provincial autonomy; Governor-General retained key powers over defense and external affairs.

Question 7

Establishment of Institutions

Answer 7

1919 Act: No major institutions introduced.
1935 Act: Established the Reserve Bank of India and the Federal Court.

Question 8

Representation of Communities

Answer 8

919 Act: Separate electorates for Muslims and minorities.
1935 Act: Extended separate electorates to Scheduled Castes, women, and workers.

Question 9

Defects and Limitations

Answer 9

1919 Act: Inadequate for India’s demands; excessive British control.
1935 Act: Did not grant dominion status or fundamental rights; rejected by Indian leaders