What were the limitations of the Constitutional reforms during the colonial period?
The Constitutional reforms, during the colonial period, were in the response to the increasing demand of representative government. But Indians had no direct role in the passing of these different Acts (1909, 1919 and 1935). They were also enforced by the colonial government. There was definitely an expansion of the electorate that elected the provincial bodies. But even in 1935, this right remained limited to 10-15% of the adult population. Till then, there was no arrangement of Universal Adult Franchise. The legislatures which were elected under the Act of 1933 were operating within the framework of colonial rule. They were responsible to the Governor appointed by the British.
