UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 38: History and Culture
In the Federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
The Government of India Act, 1935 divided powers into three lists: Federal, Provincial and Concurrent. Residuary powers, covering matters in none of the lists, were not given to the Federal or the provincial legislatures. The Governor-General was empowered to decide, at his discretion, which legislature would deal with such a matter. This differs from the Constitution of India, where residuary powers lie with Parliament (Article 248).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: the Federal Legislature did not hold residuary powers.
- (b) Right: the Governor-General held residuary powers.
- (c) Wrong: provincial legislatures did not hold them.
- (d) Wrong: provincial Governors did not hold them.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.