Indian Councils Acts and Government of India Act 1935: Comparative Analysis

Aspect | 1892 Act | 1909 Act | 1919 Act | 1935 Act

Legislative Councils | Increased members, advisory role | Large expansion, separate electorates introduced | Bicameral legislature, direct elections, Dyarchy in provinces | Provincial autonomy, proposed federation, bicameralism expanded

Electoral System | Indirect election via local bodies | Limited indirect and some direct elections | Direct elections with limited franchise | Expanded franchise (10-14%), direct elections

Communal Representation | None | Separate electorates for Muslims | Extended to Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans | Further extended to depressed classes, women, labor

Legislative Powers | Discuss budget, no voting or amendments | Move resolutions, ask supplementary questions | Responsible government introduced partially via Dyarchy | Full provincial autonomy, Dyarchy proposed at Centre

Executive Control | Executive dominance, official majority | Executive retains veto, Indian members included | Governor retains overriding powers | Governor acts on ministerial advice, some discretionary powers

Government Structure | Advisory councils | Expanded councils, Indian executive members | Dyarchy in provinces, bicameral centre | Provincial autonomy, proposed federation, Federal Court

Franchise | Very limited | Limited, complex | About 3% adult population | 10-14% adult population

Key Reforms | First step towards representation | Expanded participation, communal electorates | Progressive realization of responsible government | Comprehensive autonomy, federal structure proposed

Comparison Notes | Advisory, no real power | Increased size and powers, divisive electorates | Shift to direct elections, Dyarchy introduced | Major constitutional reform, provincial autonomy