Properties of the matrix elements of baryon transition operators are derived from a minimal set of assumptions about the algebra of observables. Poincaré invariance, SU(3) classification, and V–A transitions are assumed. SU(3) is treated as a spectrum generating group rather than a symmetry group, and the usual form factors are expressed in terms of form factors which are invariant with respect to the spectrum generating SU(3). As a particular case, it is shown that the condition that the form factors be first class with respect to the spectrum generating SU(3) does not lead to a vanishing pseudotensor contribution.