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Administrative History
The "Charter of Liberties and Privileges" passed by the provincial Assembly on October 30, 1683 (part of the so-called "Dongan Laws") provided that bills passed by the Assembly and approved by the Governor and Council should become law. This act was rejected by the King (disallowed or vetoed by the crown) and never had the force of law.
However, the royal commission to Governor Thomas Dongan, dated June 10, 1686, empowered him and his council to pass "laws, statutes and ordinances" for the government of the colony. Commissions to succeeding governors reaffirmed this power. Chapter 10 of the laws passed by the Assembly and approved by the Governor and Council in 1691 set up a "general Assembly" for the colony which would share legislative power with the Governor and Council. It appears that New York's laws were passed under this authority until 1775.
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