<P> The Governor - General was always advised by a Council on the exercise of his legislative and executive powers . The Governor - General, while exercising many functions, was referred to as the "Governor - General in Council ." </P> <P> The Regulating Act 1773 provided for the election of four counsellors by the East India Company's Court of Directors . The Governor - General had a vote along with the counsellors, but he also had an additional vote to break ties . The decision of the Council was binding on the Governor - General . </P> <P> In 1784, the Council was reduced to three members; the Governor - General continued to have both an ordinary vote and a casting vote . In 1786, the power of the Governor - General was increased even further, as Council decisions ceased to be binding . </P> <P> The Charter Act 1833 made further changes to the structure of the Council . The Act was the first law to distinguish between the executive and legislative responsibilities of the Governor - General . As provided under the Act, there were to be four members of the Council elected by the Court of Directors . The first three members were permitted to participate on all occasions, but the fourth member was only allowed to sit and vote when legislation was being debated . </P>

Who was the first governor general of independence india