One key difference between colonial governments and the British government was the level of autonomy and self-governance granted to the colonies. While the British government had overall authority and control over the colonies, the extent to which the colonies were allowed to govern themselves varied. Some colonies, such as the Thirteen Colonies in North America, had relatively high levels of self-governance, with elected assemblies and local laws. Other colonies, particularly those in the early stages of colonization or with significant indigenous populations, had more direct control from the British government and less autonomy. The level of autonomy granted to the colonies was often influenced by factors such as the colony's distance from Britain, the size and composition of its population, and the perceived need for centralized control.