Question

why did it take the new york colonists nearly 20 years to establish a legislature?

new york was still under the direct control of the english crown and parliament.
the colonists wished to prove that they could be successful without a strong government.
the colonists were too divided among themselves to establish a central government.
the duke of york controlled the colony and didnt care to listen to colonists.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of colonial New York

Following the English takeover of New Netherland in 1664, King Charles II granted the territory to his brother, James, the Duke of York, making New York a proprietary colony. As the sole proprietor, the Duke of York held absolute authority over the colony's governance and administration.

Evaluate the Duke of York's stance on representative government

The Duke of York was highly autocratic and strongly opposed to representative assemblies, viewing them as breeding grounds for rebellion and democratic instability. Consequently, he refused to allow the establishment of an elected legislative assembly in New York for nearly two decades, preferring to govern directly through his appointed governors and laws (such as the Duke's Laws).

Assess the options provided in the question

• Option 1: "New York was still under the direct control of the English Crown and Parliament." This is incorrect because New York was initially a proprietary colony owned by the Duke of York, rather than a royal colony under direct Crown and Parliamentary administration during this 20-year period.
• Option 2: "The colonists wished to prove that they could be successful without a strong government." This is incorrect; the colonists actively petitioned and agitated for an assembly to have a voice in taxation and local governance.
• Option 3: "The colonists were too divided among themselves to establish a central government." This is incorrect; despite ethnic and religious diversity, there was widespread consensus among the colonists regarding the desire for a representative assembly.
• Option 4: "The Duke of York controlled the colony and didn't care to listen to colonists." This is correct. The Duke of York maintained strict proprietary control and resisted the colonists' repeated demands for a representative legislature until financial pressures and local resistance finally forced him to temporarily concede to the creation of the Charter of Liberties and Privileges in 1683.

Answer:

• (A) New York was still under the direct control of the English Crown and Parliament.
• (B) The colonists wished to prove that they could be successful without a strong government.
• (C) The colonists were too divided among themselves to establish a central government.
• (D) The Duke of York controlled the colony and didn't care to listen to colonists. (Correct answer)