Final answer:
The Mexican colonial system and the French colonial system were similar as both were based on mercantilism, focusing on the economic benefits for the mother countries through tight control over the colonies' resources and trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mexican colonial system, as a part of the Spanish Empire, shared similarities with the system that existed in France, specifically in terms of mercantilism. Both colonial systems were driven by a mercantilist economic philosophy, wherein the colonies existed largely to benefit the mother country through strict control over trade and resource exploitation. While the Mexican system operated under the encomienda system, granting colonists rights to forced labor and tribute from the indigenous population, French colonial America also sought economic advantage through trade and control over resources.
Therefore, the correct answer to how the Mexican colonial system was similar to the system that had existed in France is d) Both systems were based on mercantilism. The other options, such as promoting religious freedom and establishing representative assemblies, do not reflect the practices common to both colonial empires, which were more focused on economic gains and control.