In South Africa, the system of racial segregation, called apartheid, allowed settlers to have representation in local governing bodies, however the native populations did not.

In Australia and New Zealand, the aboriginal and Maori native populations received more rights during the 20th century.

Britain appointed the governor or other official of a colonized country to govern the colony.

The appointed parliament or local governing body could only make decisions that the mother country approved of or accepted.

In South Vietnam, the people were ruled entirely by the French government, with no native administrators.

Britain had a large army to prevent its colonies from rebelling and overthrowing their imperial rule.

Britain often allied with local rulers and recruited and trained natives to be government officials.