Most of the actual governing, however, happened in the colonial (aka the legislature), which represented the towns and directly. In most colonies, the legislature was divided into two parts, a lower house elected by the people and an upper house chosen by the governor. The legislature could pass as long as they didn’t go against the ones in England (otherwise the would use his veto powers). If the legislature didn’t the way the exercised his powers or oversaw the colony, they could refuse to pay him since they had control over his salary. This was a huge check and balance on his power. Legislatures also acted as supreme courts in most colonies.