 The colony 's most powerful executive was its Governor , who was originally elected by the freemen , but was later appointed by the General Court in an annual election . The General Court also elected seven " Assistants " to form a cabinet to assist the governor . The Governor and Assistants then appointed " Constables " who served as the chief administrators for the towns , and " Messengers " who were the main civil servants of the colony . They were responsible for publishing announcements , performing land surveys , carrying out executions , and a host of other duties . 
