Although the american colonies were never autonomous, they had a taste of self-rule because

I believe the answer is: the colonies had their own charters authorizing representative assemblies with the authority to draft laws

The representatives assemblies that the colonies had at that time was given with similar duties as Congress that we see in our current society. They were chosen by the people that represent them and had the vote to pass a certain legislation during the assembly.

answer; ///i believe the correct answer is the empire state building;

idk if you found them already or not but you probably did but the one closer to sea level is raleigh.