The British colonies were political entities created by the British Empire beginning in the 16th century, and were largely administered from the mother country. Colonial politics was distinct from British politics in several important ways because for much of the time the colonies had limited autonomy and limited representation in the British government. This article will discuss the ways in which colonial and British politics differed from one another and the extent to which those political systems overlapped.
Comparison of Colonial and British Political Structures
Before discussing specific policies of the two political systems, one must first understand the differences in their respective governmental structures.
British Political Structure
The British political system was characterized by the principles of limited government, representative democracy and rule of law. The government was structured as a constitutional monarchy, with a complex system of legislative, executive and administrative branches. Each of these branches was led by the monarch and held various offices that were elected by the people.
Colonial Political Structure
In contrast, the colonial political system was far more authoritarian in nature. The governors and other administrative officers were appointed, rather than elected, and were all answerable to the Crown. There was a considerably less intricate system of parliamentary representation and courts were also given limited jurisdiction. Moreover, the colonies were subject to regulations made by the British government and could only be represented in London through chosen delegates.
Comparisons of Voting Rights
One of the major differences between colonial and British politics was in the realms of voting rights.
British Voting Rights
In the British political system, voting rights were limited to free, adult, male property-owners. This meant that the majority of the population was not allowed to vote, including women and people from different ethnic backgrounds.
Colonial Voting Rights
In the colonies, however, voting rights were much more expansive. Almost everyone had the right to vote (at least theoretically) regardless of property or other qualifications. Additionally, as many of the colonies had smaller populations, voting rights were far more evenly distributed. This configuration was an attempt to prevent elite factions from having too much influence.
Comparisons of Property Rights
Property rights were another area in which there were significant variations between the two political systems.
British Property Rights
The British government outlined very specific regulations related to property ownership. To own property, one must have held a certain amount of money, which acted as a sort of insurance policy against being taken to court. Additionally, property ownership was seen as a source of status and power, and as such, was heavily regulated and strongly enforced.
Colonial Property Rights
In the colonies, however, property ownership was much more lax. Colonists were generally free to own and trade land, goods and services with little interference from the government. This allowed for entrepreneurial endeavours such as farming and trade, which in turn contributed to the growth of the colonies.
Comparisons of Tax Policies
Taxation policies were another area in which the colonial and British political systems differed.
British Tax Policies
The British government had a highly complex set of taxation policies, dictating taxes on income, goods, and other commodities. These taxes were seen as necessary to support the military and other national interests.
Colonial Tax Policies
In the colonies, taxes were far simpler and more straightforward. Taxes were primarily collected for the maintenance of local infrastructure and for the benefit of the colonies rather than for the coffers of the British government. Additionally, many of the colonies implemented their own taxes as a means of generating revenue and providing services for their citizens.
Considering the overall political structures, voting rights and property rights, it can be clearly seen that colonial and British politics were very different from one another. For much of the colonial period, the colonies were administered by the British government with limited autonomy and representation in the British legislature. Furthermore, the colonial political system was far more expansive in terms of voting rights and laxer in terms of property rights. Finally, the two systems had vastly different taxation policies, although this was largely driven by practical necessity on the part of the colonies.