Summary of Systems of Government in the British Caribbean

Question 1

Old Representative system 1660’s to 1800’s (4)

Answer 1

• Governor of English birth represented the Crown
• A council whose members were selected by the Governor. They served only as advisors
• Assembly whose members were elected from among white planters and merchants

Question 2

Crown Colony Government 1800s to 1950s

Answer 2

• Governor of English birth represented the Crown
• A council whose members were selected by the Governor. They served only as advisors
• No Assemblies existed

Question 3

Ministerial Government (Constituals development after adult suffrage- early 1950s)

Answer 3

• Governor of English birth represented the Crown
• A legislative Council whose members were elected under Adult Suffrage
• Leader of political party with most seats in the Legislative Council became Chief Minister
• An executive Council, led by the Governor, who chose the majority of members: Other members chosen by the Chief Minister

Question 4

Cabinet Government (Internal self-government- late 1950s)

Answer 4

• Governor of English birth represented the Crown
• A legislative Council whose members were elected
• Premier replaced Chief Minister
• Cabinet replaced the Executive Council
• Premier in charge of Cabinet: Premier chose all members of the Cabinet

Question 5

Associates States 1960s

Answer 5

• Countries which did not become independent or republics remained as Associated States of Britain
• A Governor represented the Crown
• The Premier, being leader of the party with majority seats in the local Legislature, controls political and internal affairs
• The Crown is responsible for defence and international affairs

Question 6

Independence 1960s

Answer 6

• Governor General of local birth replaced the Governor as the Crown’s representative
• Prime Minister replaced the Premier
• Prime Minister selects a Cabinet of which he is the Head
• The Government has full control of its national and international affairs
• Government establishes a Defence Force as the mother country is no longer responsible for defence

Question 7

Republics 1970s

Answer 7

• A President, who has been a citizen, replaced the Governor General and is Head of State
• Citizens elect the representatives in parliament
• Government in total control of its country’s internal and international affairs
• Government is responsible for defence