Charter Colonies in the New World

• Charter colonies were governed by people within their own colony. The governors as well as lieutenant governors and councilmen were chosen by free men. This type of colony was the least controlled by the crown. To become a charter colony, the king had to issue a charter of incorporation to the colony. Massachusetts was an example of a charter colony.
  
  

Royal and Proprietary Colonies in the New World

• The royal colonies in the New World were in the control of the king, who appointed the governors. Virginia was considered a royal colony. Proprietary colonies were owned by an individual or group of people who appointed a governor for its people and served in a type of miniature monarchy. Pennsylvania was considered proprietary.
  
  

Change in Colony Status

• The kings who ruled over the colonies changed the status of the colony if they saw fit. Issues such has land, property, war and discovery heavily influenced how liberal the king's rule was over the colonies.