Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
11
Why did most political parties in India condemn the federal system introduced by the Act of 1935?
Answer:
Because it did not possess the true nature of federation and lacked individual liberties
Political parties condemned the Act because the proposed federal system gave overwhelming authority to the British Parliament and the Viceroy. There was no guarantee of fundamental individual liberties or rights, and the 'Federation' was seen as a way to use the Princely States to neutralize the nationalist elements.
12
How did Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah describe the constitutional scheme of the 1935 Act?
Answer:
Thoroughly rotten, fundamentally bad, and totally unacceptable
Quaid-e-Azam was highly critical of the 1935 Act, famously describing it as 'thoroughly rotten, fundamentally bad, and totally unacceptable.' He felt that the Act failed to provide genuine power to Indians and maintained British hegemony through various safeguards and the Viceroy's discretionary powers.
13
Which territories were officially separated from the administration of British India by the Government of India Act 1935?
Answer:
Burma and Aden
The 1935 Act significantly altered the map of the British Empire in the East by separating Burma from the Indian administration. Similarly, the strategic port of Aden was also separated from India and placed directly under the British Colonial Office.
14
Which two regions were established as new provinces or separated from existing presidencies under the Act of 1935?
Answer:
Sindh and Orissa
The Act brought significant territorial changes by separating Sindh from the Bombay Presidency to make it a separate province. Additionally, Orissa (Orisa) was formed as a new province, addressing the long-standing demands of the people in those regions.
15
The historic 1937 General Elections in the subcontinent were conducted under the provisions of which Act?
Answer:
Government of India Act 1935
The 1937 elections were the first to be held under the expanded franchise and provincial autonomy provisions of the Government of India Act 1935. These elections led to the formation of provincial ministries across the 11 provinces of India.
16
The Act of 1935 provided for a Federal Court consisting of a Chief Justice and how many other judges?
Answer:
6 other judges
To resolve disputes between provinces and the center, the Act established a Federal Court. This judicial body was composed of one Chief Justice and six other judges, serving as the highest judicial authority within the borders of British India.
17
Under the 1935 Act, what percentage of federal subjects was placed under the direct control of the Viceroy?
Answer:
80%
One of the major criticisms of the Act was the limited power given to Indian representatives. The Viceroy was granted discretionary control over approximately 80% of federal subjects, leaving only a small fraction for the elected Indian ministers to handle.
18
According to the Act of 1935, for what term was the Governor-General appointed, and where did the executive powers reside?
Answer:
5 Years; Viceroy/Governor-General
The Governor-General was appointed for a standard term of 5 years. Despite the introduction of provincial autonomy and federal features, the Act ensured that the ultimate executive authority remained concentrated in the hands of the Viceroy (Governor-General), maintaining British control.
19
How many provinces was the subcontinent divided into under the Government of India Act 1935?
Answer:
11 Provinces
The Act redefined the internal boundaries of British India, dividing the subcontinent into 11 provinces. This reorganization was intended to streamline administration and recognize the distinct political and cultural identities of various regions.
20
What significant administrative change did the Act of 1935 introduce regarding the 'Principle of Dyarchy'?
Answer:
Abolished Dyarchy in the provinces and introduced it at the center
The 1935 Act sought to grant more local control by abolishing the failed system of Dyarchy (double government) in the provinces and replacing it with Provincial Autonomy. Simultaneously, it introduced Dyarchy at the Federal Center, dividing central subjects into 'Reserved' and 'Transferred' categories.