Dyarchy, rejected by the Simon Commission, was provided for in the Federal Executive.
The Federal Legislature was to have two chambers (bicameral)—the Council of States and the Federal Legislative Assembly. The Council of States (the Upper House) was to be a permanent body.
There were to be three subject lists—the Federal Legislative List, the Provincial Legislative List, and the Concurrent Legislative List. Residuary legislative powers were subject to the discretion of the governor-general
There was a provision for joint sitting in cases of deadlock between the houses. Residuary legislative powers were subject to the discretion of the governor-general.
Even if a bill was passed by the federal legislature, the governor-general could veto it, while even Acts assented to by the governor-general could be disallowed by the King-in-Council.
Dyarchy in the provinces was abolished and provinces were given autonomy, i.e., the distinction between Reserved and Transferred Subjects was abolished and full responsible government was established.
Provinces derived their power and authority directly from the British Crown. They were given independent financial powers and resources.
Provincial legislatures were further expanded. Bicameral legislatures were provided in the six provinces of Madras, Bombay, Bengal, United Provinces, Bihar, and Assam, with the other five provinces retaining unicameral legislatures.
The principles of ‘communal electorates’ and ‘weightage’ were further extended to depressed classes, women, and labor.
The franchise was extended, with about 10 percent of the total population getting the right to vote.
The Act also provided for a Federal Court with original and appellate powers, but the Privy Council in London was to dominate this court.
The India Council of the Secretary of State was abolished.
The British government decided to introduce provincial autonomy on April 1, 1937, but the Central government continued to be governed in accordance with the 1919 Act.
Government of India Act, 1935