What are some examples of the ways colonies began to self-govern? Select all that apply.
- Mayflower Compact: The Mayflower Compact was a written agreement signed by the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. It established self-governance in the Plymouth Colony and served as a basis for future self-governing institutions in New England.
- Virginia House of Burgesses: The Virginia House of Burgesses was established in 1619 and was the first representative assembly in the American colonies. It allowed settlers in Virginia to have a voice in the functioning of their colony and played a significant role in the development of democratic principles.
- New England Town Meetings: New England colonies, such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, held town meetings where eligible citizens could gather to discuss and make decisions about local affairs. These meetings allowed for direct democratic participation and self-governance at the local level.
- Fundamental Orders of Connecticut: The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was a document drafted in 1639 that established the government of the Connecticut Colony. It is considered the first written constitution in North America and provided a framework for self-governance in the colony.
- Maryland Toleration Act: The Maryland Toleration Act of 1649 was passed to protect religious freedom and ensure a degree of self-governance for the colony of Maryland. It granted religious toleration to all Christians and allowed for the establishment of multiple Christian denominations.
- Carolina Fundamental Constitutions: The Carolina Fundamental Constitutions were a set of laws written in 1669 that governed the Carolina colony. They provided a blueprint for self-governance and established a feudal-like system in the colony, with attempts to create a hierarchical social structure.
- New York Charter of Liberties and Privileges: The New York Charter of Liberties and Privileges was a document issued in 1683 which granted additional freedoms and self-governance to the colony of New York. It protected the rights of colonists and established representative assemblies.
- Pennsylvania Frame of Government: The Pennsylvania Frame of Government, also known as the Charter of Privileges, was a constitution drafted by William Penn in 1682 for the Province of Pennsylvania. It provided for representative government and allowed colonists to have a voice in their own administration.