Colonial government in the Thirteen Colonies

The organization and structure of Colonial governments in America shared many attributes. While each of the 13 colonies destined to become the United States has its own history and development, there emerged over time some common features and patterns to the structure and organization of the governments of these provinces. By the time of the American Revolution, many of these features applied to most of the colonies, and this article reviews those features as they appeared in the 1764 to 1775 time frame.

Origins

There were originally three forms taken by ventures that created colonies. These are usually described as Proprietary colonies, Royal colonies, and Corporate colonies. The Proprietary Colonies were created when large grants of land and authority were made to one or a small group of men, known as the proprietors. The Royal Colonies were created by a grant of authority under the kings patent to a group. The Corporate Colonies were creatures of both Parliament and the king, and their authority came though a charter.

The actual form of these governments could and did change. Charters were granted and revoked, and new patents were issued as various colonial schemes gained favor. By the time of the revolution, only Connecticut and Rhode Island maintained a unique status as chartered corporate colonies. The others had very similar governments based on the royal model, although terminology and usage varied.

The Governor

The role of the Governor and the use of the office evolved throughout the colonial period, just as the form of the government had. In the earliest days, the governor was the leader of the colonizing expedition. Then there was a period where an absentee governor became normal. The position was almost a sinecure, viewed as a source of revenue. But towards the end of the colonial era, governors tended to be resident civil servants, and their relation to the colony became more standard.

Standard does not mean that it was simple. A new governor would arrive and present his Commission to the leaders of the Colony, usually the Council. This commission or appointment came from the British minister who was the Secretary of State responsible for the Colonies. Early in this time that was the Secretary of State for the Southern Department, but after 1768 this was the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

But, the governor served several masters. Any instructions contained in his commission were public, and were usually reviewed with colonial leaders. However, the Board of Trade could and did issue additional instructions to the governor. So could the military or the navy. These were considered private, and weren't usually shared. This was somewhat duplicitous, since the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State were frequently the same man. While the actions of the governor weren't constrained by the colonial legislature, it also exerted considerable influence since they appropriated money to pay the governor and his staff. The Massachusetts Government Act in 1774 changed this situation, and it became one of the immediate causes of the American Revolution.

The powers of the Governor were broad and sweeping. No action of the legislature became law without his approval. He appointed judges at all levels, commanded the militia, and could order the legislature disbanded. He had some direct authority and could order actions by British Naval or regular army forces in his colony.

Further reading

• Hawke, David F.; The Colonial Experience; 1966, Bobbs-Merrill Company, ISBN 0023518308.