A photograph in the chapter on framing the Constitution shows Edwin Montague, the author of the reforms of 1919 that bear his name. What did these reforms allow?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Some form of representation in provincial legislative assemblies
Option (1) An executive made largely responsible to the provincial legislature — Incorrect. This came later, under the Government of India Act of 1935. In 1919 the executive was made only partly responsible to the provincial legislature.
Option (2) Some form of representation in provincial legislative assemblies — Correct. The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 allowed some form of representation in provincial legislative assemblies. They were one of a series of Acts that slowly widened Indian participation.
Option (3) Elections in which the Congress came to power in eight provinces — Incorrect. The Congress won eight of the 11 provinces in the elections of 1937, held under the 1935 Act.
Option (4) A Constituent Assembly to frame a constitution for India — Incorrect. The 1919 reforms worked within British rule and only widened representation in the provinces. Framing India's constitution was the work of a later body.
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