Final answer:
The relationship between the colonies and the British government in the 16th century was one of close supervision and control. The British government used mercantilism to benefit from the colonies' economic activities. Tensions eventually led to the colonies declaring independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
During much of the 16th century, the relationship between the colonies and the British government was one of close supervision and control. The British government saw the colonies as a source of wealth and sought to benefit from their economic activities through a system called mercantilism. They passed laws like the Navigation Acts to regulate trade and ensure that raw materials from the colonies were used to support British industry.
The British government also sought to extend political control over the colonies. They reorganized the colonies as royal colonies and created new proprietary colonies subject to greater royal authority.