<P> The legislative body, which went by various names from colony to colony and through time, was elected by the enfranchised voters . By 1755, most free white men could vote . In colonial New England there were annual town meetings, where each colonist had a voice . </P> <P> Diplomatic affairs were handled by London, as were some trade policies . The colonies generally handled domestic matters (and wars with the Native Americans), but England--and after 1707, Great Britain--handled foreign wars . </P> <P> Governor's council members were appointed, and they served at the governor's pleasure, who in turn served at the monarch's pleasure . Often the councilors' terms of service lasted longer than the governor's . The usual first act of a new royal governor was to re-appoint or continue the council members in their offices . </P> <P> When there was an absentee governor or an interval between governors, the council acted as the government . </P>

Who controlled the elected assemblies in the southern colonies