The Crown Colony system

The Crown Colony system is a form of colonial governance where a territory is directly administered by the government of a sovereign state, typically the UK, through appointed officials rather than local elected governments. These colonies are regarded as extensions of the empire, with the Crown holding ultimate authority. Administrators oversee the territory’s affairs, enforce policies, and provide stability, often with limited local input. This system emphasizes direct control to maintain order, facilitate economic interests, and project political influence, especially in regions lacking established self-governance structures prior to colonization.