Which of the following definitions best describes the term devolution?

The development of the colonial government occurred as follows:

The colonies first were allowed limited self-government as set out by the Imperialist Rulers eg Great Britain. The American colonies were far away from Great Britain so it created a safe distance for the colonist to learn how to govern themselves. The English tried to control Amerian trade, but the coastline was far too long for the English to police successfully. Colonial merchants soon started operating outside English law. In summary, the colonial government was expected to operate within the British models of government. The British believed that the colonies existed to enrich Great Britain.