- Policy decisions regarding Empire lay with elected government and a separate Colonial Office department had been established to deal specifically with Empire. Formerly established in 1801 with War Office but functioned separately in 1854.
- A separate office for India was established in 1858 after the Indian Mutiny.
- Office headed by Colonial Secretary.
- Dominions, where white-settlers were of a substantial representation, elected their own assemblies and ministers.
1838 Durham Report established Canada, New Zealand and Australia into Dominions.