Nearly all of the state constitutions written in the late 1770s placed most of the power in the legislatures. These constitutions generally created strong legislative bodies, often unicameral or bicameral, that held the primary governing authority. Governors were often weaker, with limited appointment powers or veto authority, and were frequently elected by the legislature rather than by popular vote. This structure reflected a reaction against perceived executive tyranny under British colonial governors, emphasizing legislative control as a safeguard of republican government and popular sovereignty.