Re Call - MCQ - Political Changes In Sri Lanka Under The British -Donoughmore Constitution — O/L Past Papers & Revision Courses

#1. Who headed the commission that arrived in Sri Lanka in 1927 to gather public opinion for a new constitution?

Lord Donoughmore

Lord Soulbury

W.H.G. Colebrooke

Sir William Manning

#2. What was a major impact of the introduction of universal franchise under the Donoughmore Constitution?

It decreased the political power of the middle class.

It led to politicians addressing the issues of the general public.

It resulted in the boycott of the State Council by all ethnic minorities.

It limited voting to only educated males.

#3. Which two revolutionary features were the cornerstones of the Donoughmore Constitution of 1931?

The establishment of a Prime Minister and a Cabinet.

The abolition of the governorship and full independence.

Universal franchise and the executive committee system.

A bicameral legislature and a Supreme Court.

#4. According to the text, what percentage of the population could vote before the introduction of universal franchise in 1931?

10%

20%

50%

4%

#5. The State Council, established in 1931, was composed of how many members in total?

49 members

61 members

37 members

72 members

#6. Under the Donoughmore Constitution’s executive committee system, how were ministers appointed?

The chairperson of each of the seven committees automatically became the minister.

The governor handpicked all seven ministers from the elected members.

Ministers were directly elected by the people in separate elections.

All members of the State Council voted to elect a single cabinet of ministers.

#7. The Donoughmore reforms introduced universal franchise, granting voting rights to whom?

Only to male citizens who owned property.

Only to individuals who could read and write English.

To all males and females above 21 years of age.

To all citizens above the age of 18.

#8. How many elected members, chosen on a provincial basis, were part of the 61-member State Council?

37

8

3

50

#9. What was the primary weakness of the Donoughmore Constitution, despite increasing local participation in governance?

The State Council had no power to pass any laws.

State security, financial matters, and legal affairs remained under the control of British state officials.

The ministers could be dismissed by the governor at any time without reason.

The executive committee system was too complex and was never implemented.

#10. Who were the three unelected state officials who held seats and significant power in the State Council?

State Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Legal Secretary.

Governor, Chief Justice, and Head of the Civil Service.

Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Education.

Army Commander, Head of Police, and Chief of Staff.

#11. The State Council was divided into how many Executive Committees, each handling a specific subject like Health or Education?

10

5

7

9

#12. The text highlights which two projects as key achievements of the new ministers working through the Executive Committee system?

Building a new railway network and expanding the military.

Nationalizing all foreign-owned estates and banks.

Establishing a national airline and a new currency.

Launching agricultural villages and introducing free education.

Re Call – MCQ – Political Changes in Sri Lanka under the British -Donoughmore Constitution

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