The Pennsylvania colony was governed under a proprietary government, established by its founder, William Penn. This unique form of governance allowed Penn substantial control over the colony, as he was granted the land by the King of England.
Penn designed the government to be a representative assembly, which meant that the colonists had a voice in their governance. This assembly was responsible for making laws and managing local affairs, which was relatively progressive for its time. Penn’s vision was to create a place where religious freedom and tolerance were deeply valued, attracting a diverse group of settlers.
Under the proprietary system, Penn also had the authority to appoint the governor, who was responsible for the administration of the colony. This meant that while Penn allowed for local representation, he maintained ultimate control and influence over the colony’s decisions.
Overall, the government of Pennsylvania was characterized by a blend of proprietary control and representative democracy, reflecting William Penn’s ideals of liberty and justice.