Colonial relationship with

Great Britain

Who rules the roost?

But in reality, how do I get

those colonists to obey my rules?

What I say goes!

Colonial Government

British Crown

Royal Governo

r

CouncilColonial Assembl

y

• Appointed by the King (King’s friends)

• Could dismiss the Colonial Assembly

• Oversaw Colonial trade (tax, smuggling)

• Had final approval on laws created on the local level

• Appointed by Governor (aligned with King’s side of things)

• Advisory board to governor

• Acted as highest court in each colony

• Elected by Colonial residents

• Made local laws• Had authority to

tax (local taxes)

• AKA…The King

Colonial Government

When it comes down to it… British Monarchy – ultimate authority Each colony created their own local

government(Influenced by political changes in England)

New England

Town meeting – discussion and decision (close knit) Colonial courts (reflected ideals of local community:

Pilgrims, Puritans, education) South

County officials (spread far apart) Colonial courts (reflected ideals of local community:

slavery, cash crops, plantations) Middle

Combination of NE and S Colonial courts (reflected ideals of local community:

Quakers, trade)

Local Politics

Let’s remind ourselves again …

…why did Great Britain want colonial territory?

England’s reason for

establishing/controlling colonies = $ Mercantilism = making money through

trade Exports>Imports

Colonies meant to Mother England… Resource for raw materials A market for selling finished goods

Trade