"In each colony in 1750 were to be found two sets of governing organizations, - the local and the general"

Albert Bushnell Hart, a prominent historian, is emphasizing the double system of governance that defined the American nests in 1750. This quote highlights the existence of two distinct layers of governmental organizations that operated within each colony: regional and general.

1. ** Local Governance **: At the regional level, governance was usually handled by town meetings or county authorities. These entities were responsible for resolving the immediate requirements and issues of the community. Regional governance may include managing local roadways, schools, and churches, along with handling small judicial matters. Regional authorities were often chosen by the citizens, enabling a degree of direct democracy and responsiveness to the specific requirements of a neighborhood.

2. ** General Governance **: On a wider scale, the general governance in a nest usually consisted of a governor, council, and an assembly. The governor, frequently appointed by the British crown or a colonial owner, was the highest authority in the colony. The council worked as an advisory body, frequently composed of prominent people selected by the governor. The assembly, a chosen body, held the power to enact laws and was responsible for choices affecting the entire nest. This structure allowed for a combination of designated and elected authorities, aiming to balance the power of the crown with a degree of representation for the colonists.

By highlighting this duality, Hart mentions the intricacy and elegance of colonial governance. These structures were not merely extensions of British rule but rather incorporated local aspects that eventually contributed to the development of American political culture. Such a system enabled versatility, adaptability, and even conflict between local autonomy and broader colonial policies, setting the phase for the progressing dynamics that would later lead to colonial discontentment and the ultimate push for self-reliance. Understanding this double governance is essential for comprehending the political and social foundations that affected the early governance structures of the United States.