Final answer:
The French focused on the fur trade in North America with decentralized governance, the Dutch used trade and piracy in the Caribbean under corporate control, and the English developed varying systems of colonial government allowing for different levels of autonomy in British North America.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French, English, and Dutch methods of colonial political administration differed significantly in the Americas, reflecting the distinct goals and strategies of each empire. The French engaged in the fur trade, setting up trading posts and alliances with indigenous tribes, with their administration focused on economic extraction rather than extensive colonization. The political ties to the motherland were less direct, with local governors handling regional affairs but ultimately reporting back to France.
Meanwhile, the Dutch colonists, utilizing a mercantile approach, established a foothold in the Caribbean through lucrative trade and leveraged piracy to economically undermine the Spanish Empire. The Dutch West India Company wielded significant power, making the administration more corporate, with major decisions being economically driven.
The English colonial administration evolved through various systems including royal, proprietary, and corporate colonies. The political system often consisted of a governor, an appointed upper house, and an elected lower house by the property-holding men, allowing for varying degrees of autonomy and involvement from the English crown.