1. Government of India Act, 1858

The Act is also known as the ‘Act for the Good Government of India’. After the 1857 revolt, the rule of the company was ended and transferred the powers of government, territories and revenues to the British crown.

The Act was largely confined to improvement of the administrative machinery. It did not alter significantly the system of government that prevailed in India.

Few other important features were:

♤ It ended the system of double government by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors.

♤ It established a new office of Secretary of State for complete authority and control over Indian administration.

o The Secretary of State would be a member of the British Cabinet and was responsible to the British Parliament.

o He was assisted by a 15-member Council in India.

 The Council was an advisory body.

 The Secretary of State was its chairperson.

o Thus, it established control of British Parliament over Indian affairs. Administration of the country was now highly centralized.

2. Indian Councils Acts: They were total 3 in number: 1861, 1892 and 1909.