The New York Colony initially had a proprietary government when it was under Dutch control as New Netherland. After the English took over in 1664, it became a royal colony. This meant that the colony was directly governed by the English crown, and a royal governor was appointed to oversee the colony.
The government structure included a governor, a council, and an assembly. The governor was appointed by the king and had significant power, including the ability to veto laws passed by the assembly. The council, also appointed by the king, acted as an advisory body to the governor. The assembly was elected by the colonists and had the power to create laws and levy taxes, although these laws could be vetoed by the governor or the king.
This system of government allowed for some degree of self-governance among the colonists, but ultimate authority rested with the English crown. The New York Colony’s government was designed to maintain control over the colony while also providing a framework for local administration.