Which one of the following statements accurately characterizes the British approach to governing the American colonies prior to 1763?

A) The British were entirely hands-off in their supervision of the colonies, granting them complete freedom to issue their own currency and create their own rules and policies.
B) The British refused to involve the colonies in major conflicts such as the Seven Years' War because they were too far away and the colonies were too poor, thereby causing the colonists to feel excluded.
C) The British emphasized giving the colonists complete economic freedom, on the one hand, but requiring that colonists follow British rules regarding religion and social codes on the other.
D) The British only occasionally intervened in the internal affairs of the colonies, instead remaining focused on protecting the economic interests of the mother country, especially through trade.
E) The British devoted their attention to appointing all positions in colonial government, requiring strict adherence to British rule and mandates, and covering the funding of all military ventures in North America.

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Nicole Batara · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  Prior to 1763, the British largely adhered to a policy known as salutary neglect, under which they interfered minimally in the internal affairs of the colonies. This approach allowed the colonies a degree of autonomy, especially in their economic activities, as long as such activities did not conflict with the broader economic interests of Britain, particularly in terms of trade and commerce.

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