The way the colonies in America were governed was quite different from one region to another. This was due to their unique economies, cultures, and social situations.

1. New England Colonies:

   • These colonies were mainly run by direct democracy, which means people took part in town meetings.
   • In town meetings, men who owned property could vote on local issues. This encouraged them to get involved in their communities.
   • Massachusetts started the General Court, which was a two-part legislature, in 1634.

2. Middle Colonies:

   • This region had a mix of different kinds of governments, including proprietary and charter systems.
   • Pennsylvania, started by William Penn, had a single-chamber legislature called the Provincial Assembly.
   • In 1700, New York set up a more centralized government with a royal governor and a council that was appointed.

3. Southern Colonies:

   • The Southern Colonies had large farms called plantations, and they depended a lot on slave labor.
   • Virginia created the House of Burgesses in 1619, which was the first elected assembly in America.
   • This government was more controlled by a few wealthy landowners who had most of the power.

4. Influence of Colonial Assemblies:

   • Colonial assemblies became important places where colonists could express their worries about unfair rules.
   • By the 1750s, most colonies had elected assemblies that could collect taxes and make laws. This showed that about half of the population was involved in government.

In summary, even though all the colonies were under British rule, the way they were governed led to different political experiences. This caused unique social and political changes across colonial America.