Final answer:
Most states limited gubernatorial power and adopted bicameral legislatures as safeguards against tyranny and to maintain liberty through separation of powers and equal representation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The states limited the power of their governors to prevent the emergence of an overly authoritative figure, akin to a monarch, which they felt could undermine the liberties they were fighting for. For example, most state constitutions had the legislature choose the governor, not the people, and governors were selected on an annual basis to ensure they would not become too powerful. Furthermore, they imposed term limits and restricted the governor's patronage power to prevent the development of independent sources of power. All these measures supported the concept of separation of powers, deemed essential for liberty and preventing the concentration of power in any one branch of government.
To ensure representation and check governing power, states adopted bicameral legislatures, which contained two separate bodies. This approach divided the legislative powers and also reflected the respect for the British system of mixed and balanced government. Some states, however, like Pennsylvania, pursued more radical ideas by not having a governor and instead utilized an elected governing council appointed by the legislature.