The government has been chosen by elections since 1961 elections, when Barbados achieved full self-governance. Before then, the government was a Crown colony consisting of either colonial administration solely (such as the Executive Council), or a mixture of colonial rule and a partially elected assembly, such as the Legislative Council.
The governMent haS bEen ChoSen by eleCtIOnS SINce 1961 ElEcTIons, wHeN bARBados achieved full self-GovernancE. befOre THen, thE goveRNMeNt was a crown coLoNy consIsting of EiTHer COlonial AdminisTrATion sOlEly (sUch as tHe eXecUTive coUncil), Or A Mixture oF CoLOnial Rule and a parTiAlly electEd asSemblY, sUch aS thE lEGiSLatIvE councIl.