Question

The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for how many lists of divisions of power between the federation (central government) and provinces?

• A. One list
• B. Four lists
• C. Two lists
• D. Three lists

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Three lists

Government of India Act, 1935: Division of Powers

• The Government of India Act, 1935, was a landmark legislation that significantly shaped India's constitutional framework. A key provision of this Act was the establishment of a federal structure with a clear division of powers between the central government (federation) and the provincial governments.

• This division of powers was meticulously outlined in three distinct lists, a concept that would later influence the Constitution of India. These lists were:

  • Federal List (List I): This list contained subjects on which the central legislature had exclusive powers to legislate. These typically included matters of all-India importance such as defence, foreign affairs, currency, banking, and communication.

  • Provincial List (List II): This list comprised subjects on which the provincial legislatures had exclusive powers to legislate. These were matters of local or provincial concern, such as public order, police, education, public health, and agriculture.

  • Concurrent List (List III): This list included subjects on which both the central and provincial legislatures could legislate. In case of any conflict, the law made by the central legislature would prevail. Subjects like criminal law, civil procedure, marriage, and divorce were placed in this list.