The Dominion of New England was an example of a unitary system of government. This system is characterized by the central government having the primary authority, with any administrative divisions (such as colonies) exercising powers that the central government chooses to delegate.
In 1686, the British government merged several New England colonies into a single administrative entity, the Dominion of New England, effectively increasing central control and reducing the autonomy of individual colonies. This was a shift from the previous colonial governance, which allowed for more self-governance and local authority. The Dominion was intended to strengthen royal control, streamline governance, and curb the power of colonial assemblies.