For several generations in the American colonies, politics were very archaic. Leadership structures were weak and undefined, socialization low, and political consciousness undeveloped. Under these conditions, public life was unstable and would-be leaders jockeyed with one another for power, prestige, and wealth.
However, through the primary sources documents one can clearly see that there were some major points and mindsets present during the colonial era. These are democratic ideas and a representative government.
In this colonial government, governors were responsible for enforcing British trade laws and carrying out other commands. This is primarily the same responsibilities governors have today. However, the biggest difference being that the governors don't answer to a foreign power, but rule for their own homeland, and for the vbest interest of the people who they serve.
In addition, the governor and assistants of the court were to be elected every year. Every town would set uop court meetings where laws were discussed and decided on. This is pretty muh exactly hat happens in today's contemporary political system.
In addition, governors were responsible for executing laws, administering justice, and appointing most administrative and judicial officers. They were also responsible for the colonists" relations with the Native Americans and the other colonies. They also had the power to veto over all laws and took an active role in the legislative process. This is also another similarity to the politics of today, the people of early America realized that there had to be laws, and that is why the legislative assembly existed. So people could abide by those laws be punished accordingly.
In addition, the lower houses of the colonial assemblies were the equivalents of the British House of Commons. They were composed of elected representatives from local constituencies, they were the primary instruments for the expression of political demands.
