North Carolina instructed its delegates they could vote for independence, but only while "reserving to this colony the sole and exclusive right of forming a constitution and laws for this colony."

  Virginia passed Lee's resolutions but "provided that the power of forming government for, and the regulations of the internal concerns of each colony, be left to the respective colonial legislatures."

  Pennsylvania's delegate's instructions had the clause; "... reserving to the people of the colony the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police of the same."

  New Jersey's had;"...always observing that whatever plan of confederacy you enter into, the regulating of the internal police of this province is to be reserved to the colony legislature."

  Connecticut's instructions included; "...saving that the administration of government and the power of forming governments for, and the regulation of the internal concerns and police of, each colony ought to be left and remain to the respective legislatures."