The colonial politics in America in the 1760s was not democratic in the modern sense. While there were some democratic elements, such as representative assemblies and town meetings, the colonies were still ruled by a small group of wealthy and influential individuals. The suffrage was limited to a small minority of white males, and many people, such as women, African Americans, and Native Americans, were disenfranchised. The governors of the colonies were appointed by the British Crown, and they had the power to veto any laws passed by the colonial assemblies. The British Parliament also had the power to pass laws that affected the colonies, and the colonists had no representation in Parliament.