Colonial government in the Thirteen Colonies

Quick Facts: Who was Colonial government in the Thirteen Colonies?

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Colonial government in the Thirteen Colonies

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The evolving political structures of British America from chartered rule to revolution.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The governments of the Thirteen Colonies of British America developed in the 17th and 18th centuries under the influence of the British constitution. The British monarch issued colonial charters that established either royal colonies, proprietary colonies, or corporate colonies. In every colony, a governor led the executive branch, and the legislative branch was divided into two houses: a governor's council and a representative assembly. Men who met property qualifications elected the assembly. In royal colonies, the British government appointed the governor and the council.

Career & Major Achievements

In proprietary colonies, the proprietors appointed the governor and his council. In corporate colonies, voters elected these officials. By the mid-1700s most colonies were royal colonies, a few were still proprietary or corporate. In domestic matters, the colonies were largely self-governing on many issues; however, the British government did exercise veto power over colonial legislation, and regardless of the type of colonial government, retained control of the law and equity courts; judges were selected by the British government and served at the king's pleasure. Diplomatic affairs were handled by the British government, as were trade policies and wars with foreign powers (wars with Native Americans were generally handled by colonial governments).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The American Revolution (1775–1783) was a dispute over the British Parliament's right to enact domestic legislation for the American colonies. The British government's position was that Parliament's authority was unlimited, while the American position was that colonial legislatures were coequal with Parliament and outside of its jurisdiction. As the revolution progressed, the colonial governments were replaced by temporary provincial congresses and ultimately by state constitutions establishing republican governments. The colonial experience informed and shaped the new state constitutions and, ultimately, the United States Constitution adopted in 1789. After the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Great Britain was governed as a constitutional monarchy with sovereignty residing in the King-in-Parliament.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1688: 1688 Milestone — After the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Great Britain was governed as a constitutional monarchy with sovereignty residing in the King-in-Parliament.
2. 1775: 1775 Milestone — The American Revolution (1775–1783) was a dispute over the British Parliament's right to enact domestic legislation for the American colonies.
3. 1789: 1789 Milestone — The colonial experience informed and shaped the new state constitutions and, ultimately, the United States Constitution adopted in 1789.

Notable Quotes by Colonial government in the Thirteen Colonies

“The American position was that colonial legislatures were coequal with Parliament and outside of its jurisdiction.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Colonial government in the Thirteen Colonies

True or False: “Did the British government always have undisputed authority over all aspects of colonial law, including local judicial matters?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the British retained control of law and equity courts, many colonies were largely self-governing in domestic matters.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Colonial government in the Thirteen Colonies