Why did great britain allow the colonies so much freedom in setting up their governments? great britain was too far away to effectively raise and collect taxes. great britain had granted parliamentary representation for the colonists, limiting the monarchy's power. great britain had been involved in the seven years war and did not have the time or resources to oversee or control the colonies. great britain saw an opportunity to gain profits if the colonies successfully built businesses for the british empire. great britain was under pressure from the catholic church to expand its influence.