The Secretary of State for the colonies was responsible for

Analyze the question: It asks about the main responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a British official in London who headed the Colonial Office.

Explain the concept: The Secretary of State for the Colonies was a member of the British Cabinet. He was the link between the British government and the colonies. He was answerable to Parliament and the Cabinet, not to the colonial peoples. His office:

• Formulated and initiated colonial policies
• Gave instructions and directives to colonial governors
• Approved colonial budgets, laws, and appointments
• Reported to the British Parliament on colonial affairs

Governors in the colonies, such as the Governor of Nigeria, carried out these policies on the ground.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Democratization of local governments: This was not his main duty. Local government reforms were carried out by governors and colonial administrators, such as the 1950s reforms.
• B. Initiating colonial policies: Correct. Policy direction came from the Secretary of State in London.
• C. Fighting for the interest of the people: He represented British interests, not those of the colonized people.
• D. Working with traditional rulers: This was done by the District Officers and Residents on the ground under indirect rule, not by the Secretary of State.

Answer: B. Initiating colonial policies.

Exam tip: Link the title to the location. The "Secretary of State" sat in London and made policy, the "Governor" sat in the colony and implemented policy, and the "Resident/District Officer" dealt directly with local chiefs. Questions about who does what in colonial administration often test this chain of command.