Final answer:
When the new states wrote their own state constitutions, they apportioned power between the executive branch and the legislative branch by establishing a system of checks and balances. Most state constitutions had the legislature choose the governor on an annual basis to prevent the governor from becoming too powerful. They also limited the number of consecutive terms a governor could serve and curbed their power of patronage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the new states wrote their own state constitutions, they apportioned power between the executive branch and the legislative branch by establishing a system of checks and balances. Most state constitutions had the legislature choose the governor on an annual basis to prevent the governor from becoming too powerful. They also limited the number of consecutive terms a governor could serve and curbed their power of patronage. Additionally, the states supported the separation of powers, ensuring that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches were as independent and separate from each other as possible.