1. Crown colonies: These colonies were directly controlled by the British government. The British government appointed a governor to rule the colony, and the governor was responsible for making all decisions.
2. Proprietary colonies: These colonies were owned by a private individual or company. The owner of the colony had the power to make laws, appoint officials, and collect taxes.
3. Charter colonies: These colonies were established by a group of people who had been granted a charter by the British government. The charter gave the colonists the right to govern themselves, but they still had to obey British laws.