Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Diarchy is a type of government where two people rule together. This can be seen in history with rulers like William and Mary of England. In India, it was a system of government introduced in 1919 that divided the provincial executives into two sections: one authoritarian and one popularly responsible. The system ended in 1935 when full provincial autonomy was granted.
Definition: A form of government where two people share the ruling power.
For example, William and Mary of England ruled together as a diarchy. Another example is the Roman principate, where sovereignty was shared between the princes and the senate.
In India, diarchy was introduced as a constitutional reform in 1919. It divided the provincial executives into two sections: authoritarian and popularly responsible. The authoritarian section was composed of councillors appointed by the Crown, while the popularly responsible section was composed of ministers appointed by the governor and responsible to the provincial legislative councils. This system ended when full provincial autonomy was granted in 1935.
The examples illustrate how diarchy is a form of government where power is shared between two individuals or groups. It can be seen as a way to balance power and prevent one person or group from having too much control.