Before the American Revolution, the American colonies were ruled by Great Britain. Great Britain’s king and Parliament made and enforced laws for the colonies. After declaring independence, the new American states altered their form of government. Which of the following describes the transition of America's government during the Revolutionary period?

- The American colonial government went from an absolute monarchy to a limited monarchy.
- Great Britain governed by dictatorship until the colonies formed a republic after the war.
- Great Britain controlled the colonies through a limited monarchy until they became a republic.
- The American colonies were ruled by a monarchy and then became a parliamentary democracy.