(a) What is a crown colony? (b) Highlight four functions of the Secretary of State for the colony under the British colonial system.

Answer Details

(a) Meaning of a crown colony

A crown colony was a territory that was directly under the control and administration of the British Crown through the Colonial Office in London, rather than being self-governing. In such a colony, executive and legislative authority was vested in a Governor appointed by and answerable to the British monarch, and the local inhabitants had little or no say in their own government. Lagos, for example, was administered as a crown colony. It contrasted with a protectorate, which retained its traditional rulers under British protection.

(b) Four functions of the Secretary of State for the Colonies under the British colonial system

1. Overall supervision of the colonies: He was the head of the Colonial Office and exercised general supervision and control over the administration of all British colonies on behalf of the Crown.
2. Appointment and control of the Governor: He advised the Crown on the appointment of Governors, issued instructions to them and received their reports, so that the Governor was directly answerable to him.
3. Formulation of colonial policy: He formulated and directed the general policies to be applied in the colonies and approved or disapproved of measures proposed by colonial governments.
4. Approval of colonial laws and vetoing legislation: He reviewed laws passed in the colonies and could assent to, amend or veto (disallow) such legislation before it became binding.

He also linked the colonies with the British Parliament, answering questions on colonial affairs and defending colonial policy before Parliament.