[1] The Governor's Council was first convened in 1683 during the governorship of Thomas Dongan, 2nd Earl of Limerick, which passed an act entitled "A Charter of Liberties" that decreed that the supreme legislative power under the Duke of York (later King James II) shall reside in a governor, council, and the people convened in general assembly.

[2] The council, when full, consisted of twelve members, who were appointed by the King, and who enjoyed the same authority as the lords in parliament.

They acted as a privy council to the governor in matters of civil government, and held their office at the will of the Crown.

Messages to the assembly were carried by one of their members, and the house always arose at his entrance and received him standing.

[5] From 1692 forward, the English Privy Council administered the Province of New York, appointed the royal officials (Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Attorney-General and members of the Governor's Council) and served as the court of final appeal for the Province.