The Crown Colony policy introduced some progressive institutions of governance in West Africa such as the

Analyze the question: The question asks which progressive institution of governance came with the Crown Colony policy in British West Africa (e.g., Lagos, Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, Gambia).

Concept: A Crown Colony was a territory governed directly by the British Crown through a Governor, who was assisted by an Executive Council and a Legislative Council. Because the territory was ruled directly, Britain introduced its own institutions there:

• English law and a Western-style court system
• Legislative and Executive Councils
• Western education and Christian missions
• Civil service structures

Step-by-step evaluation of the options:

• A. Creation of the rigid class system: This is not a progressive institution. Colonial rule did create social divisions, but it was not a governance reform.
• B. Education of the traditional rulers: Educating chiefs was more a feature of Indirect Rule, which worked through traditional rulers. It was not a Crown Colony institution.
• C. Introduction of the Western legal system: Correct. Crown Colonies introduced English common law, magistrate and High Courts, and the Supreme Court, replacing or sitting alongside customary law. This is a lasting institution of governance.
• D. Introduction of military academy: Colonial authorities were not known for setting up military academies as part of Crown Colony governance.

Answer: The Western legal system is the progressive institution of governance introduced under the Crown Colony policy, so the answer is C.

Exam tip: Remember the contrast:

• Crown Colony = direct rule, Governor and Councils, English law and courts
• Indirect Rule = ruling through traditional rulers

If an option mentions law, courts, or councils, think Crown Colony. If it mentions chiefs, think Indirect Rule.