Question

how were the colonial governments similar and different, and how influential was england in colonial governance?

Answer 1

England was only influential in theory because they practiced salutary neglect which means that they didn't bother the colonists as long as the colonies belonged to them and paid taxes. The types of governments depended on who the colony belonged to. Royal colonies listened to the parliament but Charter colonies often did what they wanted. England was influential only up until the point that people were willing to accept.