The colonial governments of the Spanish colonies were highly centralized and authoritarian, while the English colonies had more decentralized and representative governments.
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The colonial governments of the Spanish and English colonies differed in various ways. One of the most significant distinctions between the two systems was that the Spanish colonies had highly centralized and authoritarian governments, while the English colonies had more decentralized and representative systems of governance.
In the Spanish colonies, ultimate power and control were held by the Spanish Crown and its appointed officials. The king of Spain appointed viceroys to govern the various regions of the colonies, and these viceroys wielded significant authority over both political and economic matters. At the local level, “alcaldes mayores” (magistrates) served as judges and oversaw the administration of justice.
On the other hand, the English colonies had more decentralized and representative systems of governance. Colonists in these colonies had the right to elect their own representatives to colonial assemblies, which had the power to pass laws and levy taxes. Unlike the Spanish colonies, the English colonies did not have viceroys or other appointed officials who held ultimate power.
This difference in governance had far-reaching consequences for the political development of the two sets of colonies. Spanish colonies developed centralized systems of governance that were often characterized by corruption and the abuse of power. Meanwhile, the democratic traditions established in the English colonies helped build the foundation for the representative systems of government that exist in modern-day North America.
As John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, once put it, “The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people… This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.” The democratic principles that were established in the English colonies helped lay the groundwork for this “real American Revolution” and continue to shape the political landscape of the United States and other countries today.
Here’s a table summarizing some of the key differences between the Spanish and English colonial governments:
| Spanish Colonies | English Colonies | |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Power | Spanish Crown | Colonial Assemblies |
| System of Governance | Centralized | Decentralized |
| Authority at Local Level | Alcaldes Mayores (Magistrates) | Elected Officials |
In conclusion, the Spanish and English colonies had distinct systems of governance that had a significant impact on their political development. The Spanish colonies were highly centralized and authoritarian, while the English colonies were more decentralized and representative. These differences continue to shape the political landscape of North America and the world today.
Other approaches of answering your query
Answer:c. Spanish colonies were controlled by the Spanish King the English had more local controlExplanation:In British Colonies the king and the British parliament allowed colonists to have local governments and representative assemblies. They could tax themselves as long as they did not take up arms against the Crown. For example, the English Colonies in North America had their own governments, the English Monarch had the ultimate authority over all colonies.Spanish Colonies were controlled by the Spanish King, he appointed viceroys and governors that were responsible for those colonies. They needed to obey the king’s laws and could not have any assembly.
Video answer to “How did the colonial governments of the Spanish and English colonies differ Brainly?”
The video provides an overview of how English influence and ideas of governance impacted the colonial governments of North America. The settlers brought with them the concept of limited government, the rule of law, and the Enlightenment’s ideas. The Mayflower Compact, Virginia’s House of Burgesses, and elected legislatures were created, and English common law became the foundation of America’s court system. Colonial governments varied in democratic freedom depending on the type of colony, leading to tension between the colonists and England. Town meetings became a platform to call for more freedom and democratic practices, leading to the desire for self-government as tensions rose with royally appointed governors. The video also invites viewers to subscribe to Mr. Raymond’s Social Studies Academy on Teachers Pay Teachers.
People also ask
The names of these different types of government were Royal, Charter and Proprietary. These three types of government were implemented in the colonies and a colony would be referred to as either a Royal Colony, a Charter Colony or a Proprietary Colony.