• First, all of the colonies had legislatures that were elected by the colonists. These legislatures had the power to make laws, levy taxes, and appropriate funds. Second, many of the colonies had governors who were appointed by the British Crown, but who were responsible to the colonial legislatures. Third, the colonists had the right to petition the British government for redress of grievances.
However, the colonies were not fully representative governments in several ways.
• First, only white male property owners were allowed to vote in most colonies.
• Second, the legislatures were often dominated by wealthy elites.
• Third, the British government could veto any laws passed by the colonial legislatures.
• Finally, the British government could impose taxes on the colonies without the consent of the colonists.