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The Government of India Act, 1935 was based on
Explanation
The Government of India Act, 1935, was a landmark legislation that introduced the federal concept to the Indian constitutional framework. It proposed an 'All India Federation' comprising British Indian provinces and Princely States as autonomous units [2]. The Act established a bicameral legislature at the center and introduced provincial autonomy, replacing the system of dyarchy in the provinces with responsible parliamentary government [4]. While it aimed for a 'complete responsible government,' it did not accept Indian independence or the demand for a Constituent Assembly; in fact, the Indian National Congress rejected the Act specifically because it lacked these elements and demanded a Constituent Assembly instead [3]. The Act maintained British parliamentary supremacy over constitutional amendments and did not allow for the secession of provinces [3]. Thus, the core principles were the federal structure and the expansion of the parliamentary system through provincial autonomy.
Sources
- [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 20: Debates on the Future Strategy after Civil Disobedience Movement > Government of India Act, 1935 > p. 410
- [2] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > p. 60
- [4] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 4: OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF OUR CONSTITUTION > Incidents of Paramountey. > p. 50
- [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Government of India Act, 1935 > p. 513