Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What is the definition of royal colonies in the context of colonial America?

1. Colonies governed by the local population

2. Colonies controlled by a charter granted to individuals

3. Colonies directly controlled by the English monarchy

4. Colonies established for patent rights

The correct answer is: Colonies directly controlled by the English monarchy

Royal colonies in the context of colonial America were those that were directly controlled by the English monarchy. This meant that the governor of the colony was appointed by the king or queen and the government structure was closely monitored by the crown. The primary intention behind establishing royal colonies was to maintain tighter control over the colonies, particularly as they became more economically significant and strategically important to the British Empire. In royal colonies, the governor had substantial powers, including appointing council members and managing colonial affairs, which were often in alignment with the interests of the monarchy. This contrasted with other colony types, such as proprietary colonies, where individuals or groups were granted land and had more autonomy, or self-governing colonies, where local populations largely managed their own affairs. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the varying degrees of political autonomy and governance experienced in colonial America.