What types of government did the Americans have in the 1600s and the 1700s?

In the 1600s and 1700s, the American colonies were primarily governed as part of the British Empire, with various forms of colonial administration. Most colonies operated under a charter system, where they had some degree of self-governance through elected assemblies, while others were directly controlled by the Crown or proprietors. The political landscape varied significantly, with some colonies practicing more democratic forms of governance and others maintaining strict control from Britain. Overall, the period was marked by a gradual move towards greater self-rule, culminating in the push for independence in the late 1700s.