At first the Governor, with one assistant, was elected annually by general suffrage; but in 1624, at the request of Governor Bradford, a Council of five assistants (increased to seven in 1633) was annually elected.

In this Court, or Executive Council, the Governor had a double vote.

In the third year, 1623, trial by jury was established.

During eighteen years, from 1620 to 1638, the legislative body, called the General Court, or Court of Associates, was composed of the whole body of freemen.

It was not until 1639 that they established a House of Representatives.