Study Notes on Government Development in the Commonwealth Caribbean

Government Systems in the Commonwealth Caribbean

  • Constitutional Monarchies: Independent nations under the Queen; examples include Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica.

  • Republics: Headed by a President; examples are Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

Proprietary Government

  • Colonies granted to Lord Proprietors by the King.

  • Governors appointed by Proprietors; governance involved a Governor, a nominated Council, and an elected Assembly.

Old Representative System

  • Crown took control from Lord Proprietors; the Governor became Crown's representative.

  • Similar structure to Proprietary Government, featuring a Governor, nominated Council, and elected Assembly.

Crown Colony Government

  • Most colonies surrendered elected assemblies.

  • Government included a Governor with executive, legislative, and judicial powers, alongside advisory councils.

Modification to Crown Colony

  • Reintroduced elective principles; Legislative Council included officials, nominated, and elected members. Development of political parties began.

Ministerial Government / Responsible Government

  • Universal adult suffrage introduced.

  • Premier from the majority party appointed; Governor retains control of defense and external affairs.

Full Internal Self Government

  • Ministers took charge of internal affairs; foreign affairs remained British responsibility.

  • Governor acted on ministerial advice, with the Premier leading the Cabinet.

Independence and Republicanism

  • Political independence leads to limited powers for the Governor-General.

  • Shift from monarch leadership to Presidents in some nations (e.g., Trinidad, Dominica).

Key Points on Crown Colony and Government Evolution

  • Abolition of elected assemblies in Crown Colony.

  • The Governor had comprehensive powers.

  • Ministerial responsibilities outlined; full internal self-government achieved post-independence.

Democracy

  • Defined as "rule by the people" with characteristics including political party participation, free elections, press freedom, and decentralization of power.