- Controlled directly by the British crown.
- Royal governors were appointed by the king.
- The king also appointed a council to advise the governor.
- Examples: Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York.
2. Proprietary Colonies
- Granted by the king to individuals or groups (proprietors).
- Proprietors had almost complete control over their colony, including the power to appoint governors and make laws.
- Examples: Maryland and Pennsylvania.
3. Charter Colonies
- Established by groups of colonists under a charter from the king.
- The colonists elected their own governors and made their own laws.
- Examples: Connecticut and Rhode Island.