The constitutional reforms enacted by the Government of India Act, 1919, named after Secretary of State Edwin Montagu and Viceroy Lord Chelmsford, best known for introducing dyarchy in the provinces.
- Followed the August Declaration of 1917, in which Montagu announced the goal of "responsible government" in India through the gradual association of Indians with administration.
- Introduced dyarchy (double rule) in the provinces: subjects were divided into "transferred" subjects (handled by ministers responsible to the legislature) and "reserved" subjects (handled by the Governor and his executive council).
- Separated, for the first time, central and provincial subjects, beginning a federal distribution of powers.
- Introduced bicameralism at the Centre (a Council of State and a Legislative Assembly) and direct elections for the first time, though on a narrow, property-based franchise.
- Extended separate electorates further (to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans) and created the office of the High Commissioner for India in London.
Dyarchy in the provinces, the August Declaration of 1917, and the introduction of bicameralism and direct elections are central constitutional-development facts.
The 1919 Act introduced dyarchy in the provinces; the Government of India Act, 1935, abolished provincial dyarchy and introduced dyarchy at the Centre instead.
1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford): dyarchy in provinces, central-provincial subject split, bicameralism and direct elections at the Centre.