Today, the legislature is made of two elements: the lieutenant governor (representing the King of Canada)[1] and the unicameral assembly called the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

The legislature has existed since Manitoba was formed out of part of Rupert's Land in 1870.

An upper house, the Legislative Council of Manitoba, was established in 1870 but was abolished in 1876 as a cost-cutting measure and as a condition for federal funding.

[2] Before 1879, candidates in Manitoba elections were not affiliated with political parties.

However, some candidates declared their support for (or opposition to) the administration of the time.