Final answer:
The townspeople could buy a charter of freedom from the king if they wanted to manage their own affairs in colonial America.
Step-by-step explanation:
The townspeople could buy a charter of freedom from the king if they wanted to manage their own affairs. This is because in colonial America, the charters were issued by the king of England or Parliament, providing direct rule. The charters granted governing authority and allowed the colonists to establish their own form of government.