What are some examples of the ways colonies began to self-govern?

Question

Mercantilists established a set of taxes that colonists were required to pay.
Mercantilists established a set of taxes that colonists were required to pay.

Puritans held town meetings to discuss important issues.
Puritans held town meetings to discuss important issues.

When first starting to self-govern, Virginia colonists could only vote in government matters if they owned land.
When first starting to self-govern, Virginia colonists could only vote in government matters if they owned land.

Colonists elected government representatives.

Answer 1

Colonists elected government representatives to make decisions on their behalf and represent their interests.

Colonists formed colonial assemblies or legislatures to create and enforce laws.

Colonists formed local governments, such as town councils, to address local issues and make decisions for their communities.

Colonists created committees or conventions to organize protests and resistance against British rule, such as the Committees of Correspondence and the First Continental Congress.

Some colonies established their own courts to handle legal matters and maintain order within their communities.

Colonists formed militias or volunteer military units to protect themselves and their colonies.

Colonists established their own economic systems, such as farming, trade, and commerce, to support their communities and develop their own sources of wealth.

Colonists established their own educational institutions, such as schools and colleges, to provide education and promote literacy within their colonies.

Colonists developed their own religious institutions and practices, allowing for religious freedom and self-governance in matters of faith.