Final answer:
Colonial representative governments had C. the power to tax and regulate internal trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colonial representative governments emerged in the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. Examples include the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Massachusetts General Court. These assemblies allowed colonists to elect representatives, shaping early democratic principles and contributing to the foundation of American governance.
The power exercised by colonial representative governments was the right to tax and regulate internal trade. This means that colonial representative governments had the authority to impose taxes on goods and services within their jurisdiction and to oversee and control trade activities that occurred within their territories.