Final answer:
The American colonies were primarily driven by economic interests as part of the British mercantilist system, which influenced their social and political development. The success of colonial experiments varied based on land, economics, religious freedom, and governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American colonies developed their social, political, and economic institutions mainly due to a combination of factors, but were primarily driven by economic interests. Under the British mercantilist system, the colonies were a source of raw materials for England and in turn received manufactured goods. This trade network facilitated economic growth and an increased standard of living. Political institutions developed as the colonists established their rights under a system that featured a colonial governor and assembly, cultivating a growing sense of political identity and rights. Socially, the colonies were influenced by the Great Awakening and the Enlightenment, which shaped community ties and attitudes toward authority and education. Some colonial experiments were more successful than others due to factors such as the availability of land, the presence of a market for certain crops, religious freedom, and how closely they were governed by the mother country.