The British governed Singapore before WWII as a Crown Colony under the Straits Settlements. It was ruled from London through the Governor, with input from the Executive and Legislative Councils. Locals had little involvement beyond a few members of the Legislative Council. Law and order issues included secret societies, vice activities, and piracy. The British improved policing, established a Chinese Protectorate, and increased social services like education and healthcare to address public health issues and support their colonial economic interests. However, there was racial discrimination with preferential treatment for Europeans.