Analyse the main features of the Government of India Act, 1919. Why did it fail to satisfy nationalist aspirations?
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Act of 1919 & Non-cooperation Movement
Topic: Act of 1919 & Non-cooperation Movement
Q2. Analyse the main features of the Government of India Act, 1919. Why did it fail to satisfy nationalist aspirations? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question Because 1919 Act marks the first attempt of constitutional reforms after WWI, introducing dyarchy and limited representation, but also exposing the gap between nationalist demands and colonial concessions. Key Demand of the question The question asks to analyse the structural features of the Act and then explain why it fell short of nationalist aspirations, covering both institutional design and political limitations. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Place the Act in its context of Montagu-Chelmsford reforms and WWI. Body Main features: Dyarchy in provinces, bicameral legislature, franchise expansion, communal representation, PSC creation. Reasons for failure: Limited franchise, overriding powers of Viceroy, unworkable dyarchy, communal electorates, absence of self-government. Conclusion: Acknowledge its role as a step in constitutional evolution but stress that its inadequacies paved way for Gandhian mass politics and demand for Swaraj.
Why the question Because 1919 Act marks the first attempt of constitutional reforms after WWI, introducing dyarchy and limited representation, but also exposing the gap between nationalist demands and colonial concessions.
Key Demand of the question The question asks to analyse the structural features of the Act and then explain why it fell short of nationalist aspirations, covering both institutional design and political limitations.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Place the Act in its context of Montagu-Chelmsford reforms and WWI.
• Main features: Dyarchy in provinces, bicameral legislature, franchise expansion, communal representation, PSC creation.
• Reasons for failure: Limited franchise, overriding powers of Viceroy, unworkable dyarchy, communal electorates, absence of self-government.
Conclusion:
Acknowledge its role as a step in constitutional evolution but stress that its inadequacies paved way for Gandhian mass politics and demand for Swaraj.