Final answer:
The American colonies governed themselves using three systems: royal, proprietary, and corporate, each with a unique method of selecting a governor. Assemblies, elected by property-holders, and governors, appointed by the king or proprietor, shared power, with assemblies gaining more influence over time. This system allowed for a significant degree of self-governance within the framework of British oversight.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-Governance in the American Colonies
The American colonies established various forms of self-governance while still under British control. The three primary models were the royal colony, the proprietary colony, and the corporate colony. Despite the model, each colony had a legislature with an upper house, typically appointed by the governor, and a lower house, elected by property-holding males.
Governors were powerful figures, appointed by the king in royal colonies or by the proprietors with the king's approval in proprietary colonies. In corporate colonies, however, the governor was elected directly by the voters without needing royal approval. Their role was multifaceted, including overseeing militia commands, deciding legislative meeting times, approving or vetoing assembly legislation, and communicating with London. The role of the legislature and the royal governor played a central part in the governance of the colonies.
The power dynamics between governors and colonial legislatures shifted over time, especially during the eighteenth century. Assemblies grew in power, often looking to expand their influence over colonial affairs. Governors, on the other hand, sought to enforce policies and maintain the mercantilist system benefitting the mother country, though they frequently acquiesced to assembly demands to retain their positions. This interaction strengthened the colonies' tradition of self-rule, which was influenced by multiple factors, including the geographic distance from England, slower communications, and British distraction with other global affairs.
In summary, while the colonies were governed with British oversight, there was significant autonomy that allowed for self-governance to take root, as the colonists expected lax enforcement of royal dictates and assumed control over most colonial matters. This expectation was indicative of the strong belief in British liberties and the rights of citizens, including the right to protest objectionable policies.