During the 1580's and 1590's, the English granted various proprietors and chartered companies the authority to establish colonies in America. In the following century the British created 12 colonies stretching up and down the eastern coast of America, South Carolina; North Carolina; Virginia; Maryland; Pennsylvania; Delaware; Connecticut; New Hampshire; Rhode Island; Plymouth; New Netherlands and Massachusetts Bay. Georgia became one of the original 13 colonies during the 18th century. Each colony was a private venture, overseen by the English.
Therefore the type of government in each colony varied. Eight of the thirteen were proprietary colonies, seven were royal colonies, and five were corporate (see accompanying chart for better explanation). Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware were under proprietors who chose governors themselves. While Connecticut and Rhode Island their own governors under self-governing charters. By the late seventeenth century however, most of the political systems were roughly similar.
Each had appointed or elected governors who were responsible for executing laws, administering justice and appointing most administrative and judicial officers. They also had commanders in chief who were responsible for provincial defense and diplomatic relations with Indians and other colonies. Finally, they held the exclusive power to grant lands from the enormous royal and proprietary domains.
Practically every colony had a two legislative body, upper and lower houses. The upper house, or council was appointed by the crowning royal colonies, by the proprietor in proprietary colonies. The council was used for the passage of laws; they acted as a superior court. The lower house was elected by the people, house who owned enough property to be considered voters. They were used for the expression of political demands.
The variations among the colonies were noticeable at the local government level.
