the north carolina constitution of 1776 created a strong legislature and a weak executive. the constitution created a bicameral legislature consisting of a senate made up of one representative from each county and a house of commons with two members from each county and one member from each of seven designated districts, including washington district. house members had to own at least 100 acres of land and senate members had to own at least 300 acres of land. members were not paid for their services. the governor was chosen annually. thus, richard caswell was chosen the first governor of the state of north carolina. the governor had no veto power and little control over patronage, he could not convene, prorogue, or dissolve the legislature.