In 1876 the Temporary Council was dissolved and a new council was appointed under the "Northwest Territories Act". Members could be elected to join the council if an area of had 1000 inhabitants. The first such electoral districts were created in 1881. According to the Act, when the council reached twenty members, it would gain control of territorial affairs from the crown. The Council achieved this requirement in 1886. The council was renamed to an assembly and was dissolved in 1888. Twelve elections to rotate and elect members to new districts were held during the period between 1876 and 1888.