2012 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I
Question 83: Polity and Governance
The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the scheme provided in the
aMorley-Minto Reforms, 1909
bMontagu-Chelmsford Act, 1919
cGovernment of India Act, 1935
dIndian Independence Act, 1947
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The Constitution's three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Centre and States, with Union, State and Concurrent Lists, comes from the Government of India Act 1935, which first provided such lists. The Morley-Minto reforms and the 1919 Act did not provide this federal scheme, and the Indian Independence Act 1947 only created the two dominions.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: the 1909 reforms did not set out a Centre-State list of powers.
- (b) Wrong: the 1919 Act separated central and provincial subjects but had no three-list scheme.
- (c) Correct: the 1935 Act's three lists are the source.
- (d) Wrong: the 1947 Act only created two dominions.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.