The British Parliament passed the Government of India Act in August 1935. The Government of India Act of 1935 established a federal government framework comprising His Majesty and two chambers, namely the Council of States and the House of Assembly (also known as the Federal Assembly in this Act). The Federal Legislature's chamber would be called to meet at least once a year. The federal legislature's chamber could only be summoned, adjourned, or dissolved by the Governor-General, who obtained these powers under the Government of India Act, 1935. The language that could be used in the proceedings of the Federal Legislature could only be English. The Governor-General had additional legislative powers under this Act, but he couldn't do anything without His Majesty's permission. In this article, we will discuss the Federal Level of Government of India Act, 1935 which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Federal Level (Govt of India Act, 1935) - Features

Executive

• The governor-general was the pivot of the entire Constitution.
• The Governor-General could use his discretion in carrying out his special responsibilities for India's security and tranquillity.
• The subjects to be administered were divided into reserved and transferred subjects.
  • Reserved Subjects - Foreign affairs, defense, tribal areas, and ecclesiastical affairs were to be exclusively administered by the governor-general on the advice of executive councilors. Executive councilors were not to be held accountable to the central legislature.
  • Transferred subjects - It included all other subjects and was to be administered by the governor-general on the advice of ministers elected by the legislature. These ministers were to report to the federal legislature and resign if the body's confidence was shaken.

Legislature

• The bicameral legislature was to have an upper house (Council of States) and a lower house (Federal Assembly).
• The Council of States was to be a 260-member house, partly elected directly from British Indian provinces and partly (40%) nominated by the princes.
• The Federal Assembly was to be a 375-member house, partly indirectly elected from British Indian provinces and partly (one-third) nominated by the princes.
• Surprisingly, the election to the Council of States was direct, whereas the election to the Federal Assembly was indirect.
• The Council of States was supposed to be a permanent body, with one-third of its members retiring every three years. The assembly was supposed to last 5 years.
• For legislative purposes, three lists were to be created: federal, provincial, and concurrent.
• Members of the Federal Assembly may propose a vote of no-confidence in ministers. The Council of States was unable to pass a vote of no-confidence.
• The system of religious and class-based electorates was expanded.
• 80% of the budget was non-votable.
• The Governor-General possessed residuary powers.

Establishment of Federal Courts

• Through the Act of 1935, a Federal Court was established to adjudicate the matters concerning the interpretation of the constitution and interstate disputes.
• The court was set up in 1937.

Federal Railway Authority

• The Government of India Act, 1935 vested the control of the Railway in a new 7 member body called the Federal Railway Authority.
• The Railway Authority was given freedom and kept free from the control of ministers and councilors.

Conclusion

The Government of India Act of 1935 established a federal system of government in India. This act abolished the dyarchy introduced by the Government of India (GOI) Act 1919 and established a Federation of India comprised of provinces of British India and some or all of the Princely states.

FAQs

Q1: What was the significance of the Government of India Act, 1935?

Q2: What were the major features of the Government of India Act, 1935?

Q3: What is dyarchy and how was it implemented in the provinces under the Government of India Act, 1935?

Q4: Did the Government of India Act, 1935, grant full independence to India?

Q5: How did the Government of India Act, 1935, pave the way for India’s independence?

MCQs

1. Which of the following was a feature of the Government of India Act, 1935?

A) Introduction of a federal structure

B) Full Indian independence

C) Establishment of universal suffrage

D) Complete dyarchy in central government

2. What is dyarchy as introduced by the Government of India Act, 1935?

A) A system of dual governance in provinces

B) A complete federal structure

C) A bicameral legislature at the center

D) A system of direct elections at the center

3. The Government of India Act, 1935, created which of the following?

A) Indian National Congress

B) All-India Federation

C) Indian Constituent Assembly

D) Indian Independence Act

4. How did the Government of India Act, 1935, affect the Indian electorate?

A) It established universal suffrage for all adults

B) It expanded the electorate to include more people but did not grant full suffrage

C) It gave voting rights only to British citizens

D) It restricted voting rights to landowners only

5. Which of the following did the Government of India Act, 1935, establish at the central level?

A) Federal Court

B) Supreme Court

C) Constituent Assembly

D) National Assembly

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the main provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935, and its significance in the context of Indian history. 

Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935, was a pivotal legislation that introduced a federal system of governance, marking a significant shift in the relationship between Britain and India. It aimed to create a balance of power between the central government and the provincial governments, allowing for some degree of self-governance, though the British retained control over critical areas like defense, foreign affairs, and finance. The Act introduced dyarchy in provinces, where some areas were controlled by elected representatives and others by appointed governors. It also created an All-India Federation, though the princely states had the option to join or not. The bicameral legislature at the central level, consisting of the Council of States and the Legislative Assembly, further formalized India's political structure. Though it expanded the electorate, the Act did not grant full independence, but it laid the groundwork for the Indian Independence Act of 1947.

Q2: How did the Government of India Act, 1935, contribute to the political development of India? 

Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935, contributed significantly to India’s political development by introducing a federal structure that laid the groundwork for self-rule. It established the framework for dividing power between the central government and provinces, marking a step toward decentralization of authority. The introduction of dyarchy in provinces allowed for some areas, like education and health, to be managed by elected representatives, though crucial functions such as finance and law and order remained under the governors. The Act also created the All-India Federation, linking the provinces and princely states, though it was not fully operational until the states agreed to join. It expanded the electorate, allowing more Indians to participate in elections, which led to increased political awareness and activism. While the Act did not grant full independence, it laid a strong foundation for constitutional reforms that would eventually lead to India's independence in 1947.

Q3: Evaluate the significance of the Government of India Act, 1935, in shaping India's path towards independence. 

Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935, was a critical step in shaping India’s path toward independence. Although it did not grant full self-rule, the Act introduced important political reforms that laid the foundation for future democratic governance. The creation of a federal system with a clear division of powers between the center and provinces set the stage for the political structure of post-independence India. Dyarchy, while flawed, allowed for greater Indian representation in provincial governments, creating a more inclusive political environment. The All-India Federation concept introduced the idea of uniting provinces and princely states under one umbrella, though it was not fully implemented until later. The expansion of the electorate and the introduction of a bicameral legislature further promoted political participation and awareness. These developments, along with growing nationalist movements, ultimately led to the creation of a more autonomous governance system that culminated in the Indian Independence Act of 1947.

Previous Year Questions on  Federal Level

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: "Discuss the impact of the Government of India Act, 1935, on the political landscape of British India."

Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935, marked a significant shift in India’s political landscape by introducing a federal structure, expanding the electorate, and establishing a bicameral legislature. While it provided some autonomy to provincial governments, it also entrenched British control over critical areas, delaying full self-rule.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: "How did the Government of India Act, 1935, pave the way for India's independence?"

Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935, introduced reforms that increased Indian participation in governance, with a federal structure and an expanded electorate. Though it fell short of granting full independence, it provided a framework for future democratic processes, leading to the Indian Independence Act of 1947.