Here is a general outline of the steps involved in setting up a royal colony:
1. Charter
The English government would grant a charter to a group of colonists. The charter would specify the location and boundaries of the colony, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the colonists.
2. Government:
A governor was appointed by the English Crown to represent the king or queen in the colony. The governor was responsible for enforcing the laws and maintaining order.
- There was a council that advised the governor. The council was usually made up of prominent colonists who were appointed by the governor.
- An assembly was elected by the colonists to represent them in the colony's government. The assembly had the power to make laws, as long as they were approved by the governor.
3. Commerce and Trade
The English government closely regulated commerce and trade in the colonies. The colonists were required to trade exclusively with England and other English colonies, and they had to pay taxes on their goods.
4. Laws
The laws of the colony were based on English common law. However, the colonists were allowed to make their own laws, as long as they were approved by the governor and were consistent with English common law.
5. Religion
In most royal colonies, the Church of England was the established church. This meant that the government supported the Church of England, and all colonists were required to pay taxes to support it. However, some colonies, such as Rhode Island and Maryland, had more tolerant religious policies.
6. Expansion:
As the population of a royal colony grew, it would often expand its territory by creating new counties or districts. These new areas were usually governed in the same way as the rest of the colony.