How was power divided in New France's colonial government?

Power in New France's colonial government was divided between the Governor, the Intendant, and the Bishop.

In the colonial government of New France, the power was divided into three main roles: the Governor, the Intendant, and the Bishop. Each of these roles had distinct responsibilities and areas of authority, creating a system of checks and balances within the colonial administration.

The Governor was the highest-ranking official in the colony and was appointed by the King of France. His primary responsibilities were military defence and diplomatic relations. He was in charge of the colony's defence against foreign threats, particularly from the British and the Native American tribes. He also represented the King in all official matters and was responsible for maintaining good relations with the Native American tribes.

The Intendant, on the other hand, was responsible for civil administration. This included overseeing the colony's finances, justice system, and police force. The Intendant was also appointed by the King and was expected to ensure the smooth running of the colony's day-to-day affairs. He had the power to issue ordinances, which were laws specific to the colony, and was in charge of the colony's economic development.

The Bishop was the head of the Catholic Church in the colony and was responsible for religious matters. This included overseeing the education system, as most schools were run by the Church. The Bishop also had a significant influence on social matters, as the Church played a central role in the lives of the colonists.

This division of power was designed to ensure that no single individual or institution had absolute control over the colony. Each of the three roles had its own area of authority, and they were expected to work together for the good of the colony. However, this system also led to conflicts and power struggles, particularly between the Governor and the Intendant, who often had different priorities and visions for the colony. Despite these challenges, this system of governance allowed New France to maintain a degree of stability and order during its existence as a French colony.