Colonial government

Definition

The term refers to the system of governance established by a colonizing power in a colony. It involves the imposition of political, economic, and social control over the indigenous population.

Related terms

Imperialism: The policy or practice of extending a nation's power by gaining control over other territories.

Viceroyalty: A territorial division ruled by a viceroy on behalf of a monarch.

Encomienda System: A labor system used during colonization where indigenous people were forced to work for Spanish settlers in exchange for protection and religious instruction.