- The governors were appointed by the British crown and held extensive powers, including the ability to veto laws passed by the colonial assemblies.
- The assemblies, which were elected by the freeholders (white men who owned land), had limited power and could only pass laws with the governor's approval.
- The suffrage was restricted to white men who owned land, which meant that the political system was dominated by the wealthy planter class.
- The Southern colonies also had a strong tradition of local government, with counties and parishes playing an important role in the administration of justice and the provision of public services.