GOI ACTs MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for GOI ACTs - Download Free PDF

Key Points

• In 1858, the British Parliament passed the Government of India Act, transferring the rule of India from the East India Company to the British Crown.
• This was a direct consequence of the Revolt of 1857, which exposed the weaknesses and inefficiencies of the East India Company's administration.
• The transfer marked the beginning of the "British Raj," with Queen Victoria assuming the title of "Empress of India" in 1877.
• The Governor-General of India was given the title of "Viceroy" to signify the authority of the Crown.

Important Points

• The British Crown took over the administration of India due to the widespread discontent and unrest that culminated in the Revolt of 1857.
• The East India Company was dissolved, and the British Government assumed direct responsibility for governance.
• The Act of 1858 aimed to pacify Indians by promising reforms and safeguarding their rights, although these promises were rarely fulfilled.
• Lord Canning, who was the last Governor-General of India under the East India Company, became the first Viceroy under the Crown.

The Correct answer is Government of India Act, 1858.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act, 1858 was passed following the widespread revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence.
• This act marked the abolition of the East India Company’s rule in India and transferred the administrative power directly to the British Crown.
• The act provided for the appointment of a Secretary of State for India, based in London, to oversee Indian administration.
• A Council of India was created to assist the Secretary of State in decision-making, comprising members with experience in Indian affairs.
• The act also introduced the post of the Viceroy of India, who would act as the representative of the British Crown in India.
• This act signified a major shift in governance, moving from a commercial entity's control (East India Company) to a formal imperial administration.
• It emphasized the importance of reforms in governance and administration to prevent another large-scale uprising like the 1857 revolt.

 Additional Information

• Government of India Act, 1935
  • The Government of India Act, 1935 was a milestone in the constitutional development of India.
  • It proposed the establishment of federalism in India and introduced the concept of provincial autonomy.
  • This act provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation, although it was never fully implemented.
  • It also extended the system of communal representation and introduced the concept of a bicameral legislature at the provincial level.
• Indian Councils Act, 1909
  • The Indian Councils Act, 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced separate electorates for Muslims for the first time.
  • It increased the size of legislative councils at both the central and provincial levels.
  • It marked a step toward granting limited representation to Indians in governance but fell short of meeting the demands for self-rule.
• Pitt's India Act
  • The Pitt's India Act of 1784 was enacted to address the mismanagement of the East India Company’s rule in India.
  • It created a dual system of governance, dividing powers between the Company and the British government.
  • The act established the Board of Control to oversee the political functions of the Company in India.
  • It aimed at improving accountability and ensuring that British interests were safeguarded in India.

The correct answer is Law Member was made a full member of the Executive Council of the Governor General..

Key Points

• The Government of India Act, 1858, led to the abolition of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors of the East India Company.
• The armed forces of the East India Company were transferred to the Crown.
• The designation of the Governor General of India was changed to the Viceroy of India, representing the British monarch.
• While the Act did reform administrative structures, it did not specifically make the Law Member a full member of the Executive Council of the Governor General.

Additional Information

• Government of India Act, 1858
  • The Act marked the end of the rule of the East India Company and the beginning of direct British governance in India.
  • All administrative and revenue control of India was transferred to the British Crown.
  • The Secretary of State for India, based in London, was given full control over Indian affairs.
  • It introduced a new administrative structure, establishing the office of the Viceroy of India.
• Administrative Reforms
  • The Act aimed to improve governance by centralizing authority and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
  • It led to the restructuring of the Indian Civil Service to ensure better administration.
  • The Indian Council was established to assist the Secretary of State for India.
• Impact on Indian Society
  • Increased British intervention in social and cultural aspects of Indian life.
  • Introduction of new policies and reforms aimed at modernizing Indian society.
  • Heightened sense of nationalism and the beginning of organized movements against British rule.
• Subsequent Acts
  • The Government of India Act of 1919 and 1935 introduced further reforms, paving the way for increased Indian participation in governance.
  • These acts laid the groundwork for the eventual independence of India in 1947.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act 1858 is also referred to as an 'Act of Good Governance.' This terminology reflects the British aim to introduce reforms for better administration following the 1857 revolt.
• The Act transferred the powers of the East India Company to the British Crown, thereby vesting control of Indian territories directly in the Queen.
• The Act led to the establishment of the office of the Secretary of State for India, who was responsible for overseeing Indian affairs.
• It marked the end of the East India Company's rule and the beginning of direct British governance in India.
• The Governor-General of India was re-designated as the Viceroy, symbolizing the Crown's direct control over India.

Additional Information

• Revolt of 1857: Also known as the First War of Indian Independence, it was a major uprising against the British East India Company.
• East India Company: A British trading company that controlled large parts of India before the Government of India Act 1858.
• Secretary of State for India: A British cabinet position established to manage Indian affairs post-1858.
• Viceroy: The highest official in British India, representing the Crown.
• Queen Victoria's Proclamation: A declaration made in 1858, promising improvements in governance and fair treatment of Indian subjects.

The correct answer is Indian Councils Act of 1861.

Key Points

• The Indian Councils Act of 1861 marked a major milestone in introducing Indian representation in the legislative process of British India.
• It allowed the Viceroy to nominate Indians as non-official members to his Legislative Council.
• Three Indians were nominated in 1862, including Raja of Benaras, Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao.
• The Act also provided for the inclusion of Indians in the law-making process, though their role was largely advisory and limited to certain areas.
• The primary aim was to placate Indian opinion and include local elites in governance post the 1857 Revolt.

Additional Information

• Charter Act of 1813:
  • This Act ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India, except for trade in tea and with China.
  • It marked the beginning of British efforts to introduce Western education in India.
  • However, it did not contain any provisions for Indian representation in governance.
• Charter Act of 1853:
  • The last of the Charter Acts, it separated legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General's Council.
  • It introduced an open competition system for civil services but did not allow Indian representation in the legislature.
• Indian Councils Act of 1892:
  • This Act expanded the Legislative Councils and allowed limited discussion on budgets but did not grant Indians substantial legislative powers.
  • It introduced an indirect election process for some members, but the electorate was highly restricted.
• Significance of the 1861 Act:
  • The Indian Councils Act of 1861 is considered the first step toward Indian political participation in the governance of British India.
  • It laid the groundwork for future reforms, like the Acts of 1892 and 1909, which gradually increased Indian involvement.

The Correct Answer is Option 4 i.e Indian Council Act 1861.

The correct answer is Social Reform Act.

• Act III, 1872 was a Social Reform Act.
• India Act III, 1872 is also known as the Special Marriage Act.
• It was passed on 2nd March 1872.

Important Points

Some important provisions:

• Marriages may be celebrated under this Act between persons neither of whom professes the Christian or the Jewish, or the Hindu or the Muhammadan, or the Parsi or the Buddhist, or the Sikh or the Jaina religion. 
• The President of the Union may appoint Registrars under this Act for specified areas in the Union of Burma.

The correct answer is Government of India Act of 1858.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act of 1858 was the Act of the British Parliament which stated that a member of the British Cabinet was appointed Secretary of State for India.
• The Government of India Act 1858 was enacted by the British Parliament on 2 August 1858.
• With the passage of the Government of India Act 1858, the East India Company's territories and government were turned over to the British Crown.
• Following the end of the company's administration over British colonies in India, control was transferred directly to the British government.
• Lord Stanley was appointed as the first Secretary of State for India.

Additional Information

•  The Indian Councils Act 1861 was an Act of the British Parliament that changed the executive council of India into a cabinet that utilised the portfolio system.
• The Regulating Act of 1773 was an Act of the British Parliament designed to restructure the East India Company's administration of its rule in India.
• The British Parliament enacted the Charter Act, 1853 to extend the charter of the East India Company.

The Correct Answer is Government of India Act 1858.

Key Points:

The correct answer is the Government of India Act, 1858

Key Points

• Government of India Act 1858 was also known as 'Act for the Good Government of India'. 
• It ended the Dual government scheme initiated due to Pitt's India act.
• This act also ended the doctrine of lapse. 
• The powers of the Company’s Court of Directors were vested with the Secretary of State for India.
• This Secretary of State was to be a British MP and a member of the Prime Minister’s cabinet. He was to be assisted by a council of 15 members.
• The representative of the British government in India was the Viceroy. 

Additional Information

The Correct Answer is Option 3 i.e Charter Act of 1853.

Key Points

• Charter Act of 1853:
  • It laid down a provision that there could be open competition for ICS.
  • Law member was made full-fledged members of the council.
  • For the purpose of the legislation, the council was expanded by six additional members.
  • The legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s council were separated for the first time.

Additional Information

• Charter Act of 1813:
  • The monopoly of EIC was abolished in terms of trade with India.
  • The company still enjoyed the monopoly in terms of tea and china trade for 20 more years.
  • This act provided a grant of one lakh rupees per annum for the promotion of education in India.
  • This act gave power to local governments to impose and collect taxes.
• Charter Act of 1833:
  • This act is also known as Saint Helena Act 1833.
  • Lord William Bentick became the first governor-general of India.
  • 4th member was added as a law member in the council of governor-general but only for the purpose of the legislation as a temporary member. (Lord Macaulay was the first law member)
  • Bombay and Madras were deprived of their power to legislate.
  • The Act legalized the British colonization of the country.
  • The Law Commission was organized under Lord Macaulay to codify all Indian laws.
  • Complete abolition of monopoly even in terms of tea and china trade.
  •  
• Charter Act of 1793:
  • Privileges of EIC were extended for 20 more years.
  • Commander in chief henceforth would not be a member of the council.
  • This act granted the authority to grant licenses to individuals and company employees to carry on trade in India.

The correct answer is The Indian Councils Act, 1909.

Important Points

• The Indian Councils Act,1909 commonly known as the “Morley- Minto reforms” was passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to widen the scope of the legislative councils, increase the participation of Indians in governance, and formally introduced the principle of elections in India for the very first time.

Key Points

• The Indian Councils Act, 1909 
  • The act was formulated by John Morley, secretary of state for India (1905–10).
  • Lord Minto was the then Viceroy of India at that time.
  • It considerably increased the size of the legislative councils, both Central and provincial.
  • It retained an official majority in the Central Legislative Council but allowed the provincial legislative councils to have a non-official majority.
  • It provided for the first time for the association of Indians with the executive councils of the Viceroy and Governors.
  • It introduced a system of communal representation for Muslims by accepting the concept of a separate electorate.
  • Some constituencies were earmarked for Muslims and only Muslims could vote their representatives.

Additional Information

• Government of India Act of 1919 
  • It was the codified version of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms – named after Edwin Charles Montague and Lord Chelmsford. 
  • It demarcated and separated the central and provincial subjects.
  • It introduced dyarchy by dividing the provincial subjects into two parts—transferred and reserved.
  • It introduced, for the first time, bicameralism in the central legislature and direct elections in the country. 
• The Government of India Act 1935
  • It was passed by British Parliament in August 1935.
  • With 321 sections and 10 schedules, this was the longest act passed by British Parliament so far.
  • This act was passed after the Third Round Table Conference.
  • This act ended the system of dyarchy introduced by the GOI Act 1919 and provided for the establishment of a Federation of India to be made up of provinces of British India and some or all of the Princely states.
• The Indian Independence Act. 1947
  • The act was implemented on 15 August 1947.
  • The act provided two dominion status i.e India and Pakistan. 
  • The authority of the British crown over princely states ceased to exist and they were free to join either of the dominions.

the correct answer is 1858.Key Points

• The rule of the English East India Company ended in British India under the Government of India Act of 1858. Under this Act, the governance of India was transferred from the company to the British Crown, marking the start of the period of direct rule, also known as the British Raj.

key features of the Government of India Act of 1858:

• End of East India Company Rule: The Act, coming into force on 2 August 1858, ended the rule of the East India Company after nearly 250 years of control over Indian territories.
• Secretary of State for India: The Act introduced a new official post, the Secretary of State for India, who was a member of the British cabinet. He was given complete control over Indian administration and was aided by a 15-member Council of India.
• Change in Governance Structure: The Governor-General of India, who was now also identified as the Viceroy of India, was the representative of the Crown in India and was responsible for the executive administration of the Indian provinces. This change ended the old "double government" system where the Board of Control and the Court of Directors administrating different roles.
• Retention of Company Troops: Approximately 260,000 soldiers of the existing East India Company became soldiers of the Crown.
• End of Doctrine of Lapse: The 1858 Act ended the much-disputed Doctrine of Lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie in 1848, under which the British annexed any princely state whose ruler was either "manifestly incompetent" or died without a male heir.
• Legal Reform: With this transition, a comprehensive legal system was enforced, including the introduction of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 1860.
• Civil Services: The Act opened doors to the institutionalization of the Indian Civil Services. Although Indians could sit for the civil services examinations after this Act, until 1922. Indians could appear in the Indian Civil Service Examinations which were held in England.

Additional InformationWars:

• Anglo-Afghan Wars: These wars were fought between British India and Afghanistan. By 1858, the first of these wars (1839-1842) had already concluded with a humiliating retreat for the British. Two more Anglo-Afghan Wars would follow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Anglo-Sikh Wars: There were two Anglo-Sikh Wars. The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46) and the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49). As a result of these wars, the Sikh Empire was annexed by the British East India Company.
• Burma Wars: The Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852) led to the British East India Company's annexation of the lower Burma. The third war (1885) would result in the total annexation of Burma by the British.

Social Changes:

• Education Policies: The British tried to reform the education system, grounding it in Western philosophy and ideals. The University of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras were established in 1857.
• Social Reforms: Under the British rule, several old Indian social practices were challenged. For instance, the practice of Sati (the self-immolation of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre) was outlawed by Governor-General William Bentinck in 1829.
• Religious Changes: Christian missionaries were more freely allowed to propagate Christianity, leading to a growth of this minority religion in different parts of India.
• Infrastructure: Infrastructure, including roads and railways, telegraph and postal services were expanded, largely aimed at securing and supporting British military and administrative control.
• Introduction of the Railways: The first passenger railway in India was opened in 1853, prior to the Government of India Act, between Bombay and Thane.

The correct answer is 1918.

Key Points

• The reforms were outlined in the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, prepared in 1918, and formed the basis of the Government of India Act 1919.
• These are related to constitutional reforms.
• This act made the central legislature bicameral.
• Establishment of Public Service Commission.
• The act made a provision for the classification of the central and provincial subjects.
• The provincial subjects were divided into two groups - reserved and transferred.

Additional Information

• Government of India Act, 1919
  • Government of India Act, 1919 is popularly known as Montagu-Chelmsford Report.
  • The Act embodied the reforms recommended in the report of the Secretary of State for India, Edwin Montagu, and the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford. 
  • The Government of India Act 1919 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
  • It was passed to expand the participation of Indians in the government of India.
  • The Act received royal assent on 23 December 1919. 
  • The act came into force in 1921.
  • The Act covered ten years, from 1919 to 1929.
  • It was set to be reviewed by the Simon Commission in 10 years.
  • This Act represented the end of benevolent despotism (the act of authorities enhancing themselves) and began the genesis of responsible government in India.

The correct answer is Indian Councils Act, 1892.

Key Points

• The Indian Councils Act 1892 brought the provision of bringing additional members into the Legislative Council through indirect election. For the first time, the element of an election was introduced into the Indian political system. Provisions of the 1892 act.
• The act increased the number of additional or non-official members in the legislative councils as follows:
  • In 1892, out of 24 members, only 5 were Indians.
  • The members were given the right to ask questions on the budget (which was barred in the Indian Councils Act 1861) or matters of public interest but had to give notice of 6 days for it.
  • They could not ask supplementary questions.
  • The principle of representation was initiated through this act. The district boards, universities, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and zamindars were authorized to recommend members to the provincial councils.
  • The legislative councils were empowered to make new laws and repeal old laws with the permission of the Governor-General.

Additional Information

• ​Indian Council Act, 1861:
  • For the executive functions of the Council, a fifth member was added. Now there were five members for home, military, law, revenue, and finance.
  • Lord Canning, who was the Governor-General and Viceroy at the time, introduced the portfolio system. In this system, each member was assigned a portfolio of a particular department.
  • Lord Canning nominated three Indians to the Council in 1862 namely, the Raja of Benares, the Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao.
  • Any bill related to public revenue or debt, military, religion, or foreign affairs could not be passed without the Governor-General's assent.
  • The Viceroy had the power to overrule the council if necessary.
  • This Act restored the legislative powers of the Governor-in-Councils of the Presidencies of Madras and Bombay (which were taken away by the Charter Act of 1833).
• The Charter Act of 1833:
  • The Governor-General and his Council were given vast powers.
  • The Council got full powers regarding revenue, and a single budget for the country was prepared by the Governor-General.
  • For the first time, the Governor-General's Government was known as the 'Government of India' and his Council as the 'Indian Council'.
  • The Governor-General of Bengal was to be the Governor-General of India.
  • All powers, administrative and financial, were handed over to Governor-General in Council.
  • A Law Commission under Lord Macaulay was constituted for the codification of laws