Colonial legislatures had the power to levy taxes on their own citizens, without the approval of the British Parliament. This gave them a significant amount of control over the finances of the colony.
2. Control over spending
Colonial legislatures also had the power to decide how to spend the money they raised through taxation. This gave them a great deal of control over the development of the colony.
3. Control over elections
Colonial legislatures had the power to set the rules for elections, including who could vote and who could be elected. This gave them a significant amount of control over who represented the colony in the legislature.
4. Control over the judiciary
Colonial legislatures had the power to appoint judges and other members of the judiciary. This gave them a great deal of control over the administration of justice in the colony.
5. Control over the military
Colonial legislatures had the power to raise and maintain a militia, which was the main form of military defense in the colonies. This gave them a significant amount of control over the security of the colony.
In short, colonial legislatures had a great deal of power and control over the governments of their colonies. This power was often used to promote the interests of the colonists, rather than the interests of the British Crown.