The colonial assemblies not only attempted to control the number of representatives and the extent of each constituency (see Part IV), but they also favored triennial and biennial acts whereby they might insure a meeting of the colonial assembly every three or two years regardless of whether or not the governor summoned one. The reason behind such acts was a desire to continue unbroken colonial self-government. The colonials referred to English precedent, particularly the Triennial Act 01 1694, adopted by Parliament to guard against the possibility of arbitrary government by a king who might try to rule without reference to or consultation with Parliament.
The North Carolina assembly, while still under proprietary rule, passed the Biennial Act of 1715. The act states forthrightly the expectations of assembly rule and the assembly's role in the colonial government. Note that no reference is made to being summoned by the governor, and in many respects, the governor and his powers are ignored. But the act incorporates the colonial arguments for legislative action as a fundamental ingredient in the operation of the political system of the colonies and the empire.