Q1. The Simon Commission’s report did NOT recommend which of the following?
- Abolition of Dyarchy in provinces
- Establishment of an All-India Federation
- Extension of communal representation to Depressed Classes
- Introduction of full responsible government at the Centre
Correct Option: 4. Introduction of full responsible government at the Centre.
Explanation: The Simon Commission recommended responsible government only at the provincial level and retained dyarchy at the Centre. Full responsible government at the Centre was not proposed.
Q2. Which of the following changes was introduced by the Indian Independence Act, 1947, to ensure immediate transition without a written Constitution?
- The appointment of Indian judges to Federal Court
- Governance of dominions under modified Government of India Act, 1935
- Merger of princely states into provinces
- Establishment of a Sovereign Parliament immediately after independence
Correct Option: 2. Governance of dominions under modified Government of India Act, 1935.
Explanation: The Indian Independence Act stipulated that until new Constitutions were framed, both India and Pakistan would continue to be governed under the modified 1935 Act, ensuring administrative continuity post-independence.
Q3. The Communal Award of 1932 extended separate electorates to:
- Only Muslims and Sikhs
- Depressed Classes in addition to already recognized minorities
- Muslims, Sikhs, and Princely States
- Depressed Classes with joint electorates
Correct Option: 2. Depressed Classes in addition to already recognized minorities.
Explanation: The Communal Award (1932) extended separate electorates to the Depressed Classes (Scheduled Castes), in addition to Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans. It was opposed by Gandhiji and modified through the Poona Pact.
Q4. The Central Public Service Commission, established in 1926, was a result of the provisions of:
- Government of India Act, 1919
- Government of India Act, 1935
- Indian Councils Act, 1909
- Government of India Act, 1858
Correct Option: 1. Government of India Act, 1919.
Explanation: The 1919 Act provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission, leading to the formation of the Central Public Service Commission in 1926, the forerunner of the modern UPSC.
Q5. The Indian Independence Act, 1947, did not provide for which of the following?
- Lapse of British paramountcy over princely states
- Empowerment of dominions to legislate for their territories
- Framing of new Constitutions by the British Parliament
- Abolition of the office of Secretary of State for India
Correct Option: 3. Framing of new Constitutions by the British Parliament.
Explanation: The power to frame Constitutions was given to the Indian and Pakistani Constituent Assemblies, not the British Parliament. In fact, it explicitly removed British Parliament’s authority to legislate for the dominions post-August 15, 1947.