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The functions and powers of the Governor under the Crown Colony system of administration
Introduction
Under the Crown Colony system of administration, the Colonial Governor was appointed
by the British Crown but this is based on the recommendations of the Secretary of State for the
Colonies. The governor resided in the colony and was mainly responsible for the day-to-day administration of the colony.
FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR
Formulates and implements policies
One
of the functions of the Colonial Governor was to formulate and
implement policies for the development of the colony and ultimately for
the interest of the British government. He also ensures that he carries
out the day-to-day administration of the colony.
Prerogative of Mercy
One other function of the Governor was to exercise the royal prerogative of
mercy. In other words, the Governor, the only representative of the
British Crown in the colony, could pardon a convicted criminal, commit a
death penalty to life imprisonment or release those who have serves
more than half of their jail term.
Appointment of members of the Executive Council
Also, the governor as the head of the Executive Council,
had the power to appoint all the members of the Council.
Appointed officials
The Governor had the power to
appoint people worked in the Colonial Civil Service. He also appointed
Senior members heading the various departments and agencies. The
Governor also had the power to promote officials, to transfer them or even dismiss them when they fall foul of the tenets of their engagement.
Power of veto
The
power of veto gives the Governor the power to reject any legislation emanating from the Legislative Council if he does not support it. The
power of Certification, on the other hand, allowed him to pass into law,
a bill that has been rejected by the majority of the members of the
Legislative Council.
Accent to legislation
Another
function of the colonial Governor was to accent to legislation by
the Legislative Council before it could become effective. was subject to
the Governor's assent, which could be withheld at his
discretion.
LIMITATIONS TO THE POWERS OF THE
GOVERNOR
Follow policy guideline
One
of the limitations to the powers of the Governor was that he could
never deviate from the policy direction of the colonial office in
London. He had to ensure that he toed the official line. Any attempt to
sideline official policy guidelines were met with swift resistance.
Annual report
The governor was required to prepare an annual report and submit the same to the office of the Secretary of State for the colonies. In this report, the Governor detailed all his activities in the previous year. The Secretary of State could question him on any aspect of the report with he finds a problem of a breach.
Annual report
The governor was required to prepare an annual report and submit the same to the office of the Secretary of State for the colonies. In this report, the Governor detailed all his activities in the previous year. The Secretary of State could question him on any aspect of the report with he finds a problem of a breach.
Powers of the Secretary of State
Though
the Governor had the power to use his veto, anytime he did, he had to
inform the Secretary of State about the grounds on which exercised the
veto. Apart from that, where the Secretary of State felt compelled by
circumstances on the ground, he could override
the Governor’s veto power.
Approval of major civil works
The Governor needed to seek the
approval of the Secretary of State before any major public works could be
undertaken in the colony.
Executive and Legislative Council
The
Executive and the Legislative
Council could advise the Governor on certain aspects of his
administrative work. Though the governor could discard their advice,
nonetheless, it served as a check on the exercise of his powers.
Petition by the locals
Another
limitation on the powers of the Governor was that the natives right to
petition the colonial office in London against some of his policies.
When the petition is upheld, the particular policy had to be withdrawn
completely, or modified.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. Highlight six functions and the
powers of the colonial Governor under the Crown Colony system of
administration.
2. Examine six ways in which the
powers of the Colonial Governor was controlled.
3. Examine six factors that show that
the Colonial Governor was not a dictator.
4. a. Highlight three functions of
the Colonial Governor.
b. In which three ways were the powers discussed above controlled?
5. Examine the view that the colonial
Governor was a virtual dictator.6. a. Describe the status of the Colonial Governor of British West Africa.
b. In which five ways were the functions of the Colonial Governor controlled?
ALSO READ:
The functions of the Legislative Council under the Crown Colony system of administration
The functions of the Executive Council under the Crown Colony system of administration
What were the functions and powers of the Secretary of State for the colonies under the crown colony system of administration?
