Important Acts in Indian Constitutional History for Competitive Exams: Sample Q&A

Historical Background of the Indian Constitution
Before independence, India was under British rule, and several acts were passed to administer the country. These laws later influenced the drafting of the Indian Constitution in 1950. Here’s a breakdown of the key acts:

1. Regulating Act of 1773
First step by the British Parliament to regulate the East India Company’s rule.
Established the Governor-General of Bengal (Warren Hastings).
Created an Executive Council of four members.
Introduced the Supreme Court in Calcutta (1774).
Banned company officials from private trade and accepting bribes.

2. Pitt’s India Act (1784)
Separated commercial and political functions of the East India Company.
Created the Board of Control for political affairs.
Renamed company territories as “British possessions in India.”
Established Governor’s Councils in Madras and Bombay.

3. Charter Act of 1813
Ended the East India Company’s monopoly over Indian trade (except tea and opium).
Opened trade to all British merchants.

4. Charter Act of 1833
Governor-General of Bengal became Governor-General of India (Lord William Bentinck).
Removed legislative powers from Bombay and Madras Presidencies.
Transformed the company into an administrative (non-commercial) body.

5. Government of India Act (1858)
After the 1857 revolt, the British Crown took direct control from the East India Company.
Created the Secretary of State for India (assisted by a 15-member council).
Governor-General became Viceroy (Lord Canning).

6. Indian Councils Act (1861 & 1892)
1861 Act: Allowed Indians in the Viceroy’s Council and introduced portfolio system.
1892 Act: Introduced indirect elections and expanded legislative functions.

7. Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)
Introduced separate electorates for Muslims (communal representation).
Increased legislative council members from 16 to 60.

8. Government of India Act (1919)
Introduced diarchy (dual governance) in provinces.
Established a bicameral legislature (later Rajya Sabha & Lok Sabha).
Extended voting rights to ~10% of the population.

9. Government of India Act (1935)
Proposed an All-India Federation (never implemented).
Divided powers into Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent Lists.
Abolished diarchy in provinces but introduced it at the centre.
Established the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

10. Indian Independence Act (1947)
Declared India an independent and sovereign nation.
Transferred power to the Constituent Assembly.
Ended British rule, making India a dominion until 1950.


Sample Questions & Answers for Competitive Exams
Q1: Which act ended the East India Company’s trade monopoly in India?
✅ Answer: The Charter Act of 1813 ended the monopoly except for tea and opium trade.
Q2: What was the significance of the Pitt’s India Act (1784)?
✅ Answer: It separated the East India Company’s commercial and political functions, creating the Board of Control.
Q3: Which act introduced diarchy in provinces?
✅ Answer: The Government of India Act (1919) introduced diarchy (dual governance).
Q4: What change did the Government of India Act (1935) bring?
✅ Answer: It proposed an All-India Federation, divided powers into Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent Lists, and established the RBI.
Q5: When did India become a sovereign republic?
✅ Answer: On 26 January 1950, when the Indian Constitution came into effect.