Theory question 107
Colonial Administration(a) Describe the Crown Colony system.
(b) Give four reasons why the Crown Colony system was unpopular among the educated elite.
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(a) The Crown Colony system was the British method of ruling colonies (e.g. Lagos, Freetown) directly through a Governor appointed by the Crown, advised by an Executive Council of officials and a Legislative Council dominated by official and nominated members; the Governor answered to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
(b) Any four: the educated elite were excluded or had very few seats; the Governor had wide veto and reserved powers, making the councils rubber stamps; official majority meant Africans could not influence laws; no elected members at first / limited franchise; discrimination against Africans in senior posts; taxes and laws imposed without consent; it gave chiefs more say than the elite in the protectorates.
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