Which territories in British West Africa did the colonial government exercise limited jurisdiction?

Analyze the question: It asks which type of territory the British colonial government governed with only limited jurisdiction.

Explain the concept: In British West Africa, there were different categories of territory:

• Colony: Territory directly annexed or ceded to Britain (e.g., Lagos Colony, Gold Coast Colony, Sierra Leone Colony). Britain had full jurisdiction and ruled directly under British law.
• Protectorate: Territory (e.g., Northern Nigeria, Ashanti Northern Territories, Sierra Leone Protectorate) where local rulers kept their traditional authority and institutions. Britain gave "protection" and controlled foreign affairs and defence, but its jurisdiction over internal matters was limited. This is why indirect rule worked there.
• Mandated territories: Former German colonies (Togoland, Cameroons) handed to Britain by the League of Nations after World War I. They were administered under League supervision.
• Trust territories: The same mandated territories after 1946, now under United Nations supervision.

Step-by-step reasoning:

1. "Limited jurisdiction" means Britain did not have complete legal sovereignty over the land.
2. Colonies were under full control, so they do not fit.
3. Protectorates were governed through treaties with local rulers, and Britain's legal authority was limited. This fits.
4. Mandated and trust territories were governed under international oversight. Their status was about accountability to the League or UN, not about the nature of British jurisdiction. They are less directly fitting.
5. "Conquered states" is not a formal legal category of territory.

Answer: The protectorates, option C.

Exam tip: Remember it this way: Colony = Complete control; Protectorate = Partial control. Whenever you see "limited jurisdiction" in a colonial administration question, think "protectorate."