The Congress in the first twenty years of its formation was “moderate” in its objectives and methods.

1. During this period it demanded a greater voice for Indians in the government and in administration.

• It wanted that the Indians should be given more representation in the Legislative Councils and given more power.
• Legislative councils should be introduced in provinces where it did not exist.
• It demanded that Indians be placed in high positions in the government.
• For this, it called for civil service examinations to be held in India as well, not just in London.

2. Other demands of the Congress included:

• The separation of the judiciary from the executive
• The repeal of the Arms Act and
• Freedom of speech and expression.

3. The early Congress raised numerous economic issues.

• The Congress demanded:
• reduction of revenue
• cut in military expenditure
• more funds for irrigation

4. It passed various resolutions on:

• The salt tax
• Good treatment of Indian laborers abroad
• The sufferings of forest dwellers.

5. The Moderate leaders wanted to develop public awareness about the unjust nature of British rule. For this, they published newspapers, wrote articles, and showed the economic ruin of the country by the British.

• They criticised British rule in their speeches and sent representatives to different parts of the country to mobilise public opinion.

6. Congress talked about many other issues concerned with the Indians, besides those of professional groups, zamindars, and industrialists.

7. The Moderates felt that the British had respect for the ideals of freedom and justice.

• So they would accept these demands if they made the government aware of the feelings of Indians.