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The province was granted to James, Duke of York, following the acquisition of the New Netherlands colony from the Dutch in the 1670s, and was thereafter the possession of the holder of the title of the Duke of York. In principle, the form of government was absolutism, with the Duke of York holding supreme control. In practice, many decisions were carried out by provincial governor, appointed by the Duke of York, as well as a provincial legislature, which was elected among landholders.