The Beginnings of Representative Governments in North America

Reasons why Representative Governments Developed in the 13 Colonies These factors led to the Development of Representative Government in America Great Distance from Great Britain Need for local Laws Familiarity with British political traditions (Parliament)

Virginia House of Burgesses Fundamental Orders of Connecticut Mayflower Compact 1619 1620 1639 1st Representative Assembly in North America. 1st Self governing Colony in North America. 1st written Constitution in North America.

Religious Groups were the first to Create self governing communities. Puritans created the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the 1st written Constitution in America. Pilgrims created the Mayflower Compact, and the 1st Self Governing Colony in America. THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN FORMING REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENTS Religion Puritans offered all male members a vote in their local governments (Town hall Meetings). William Penn, a Quaker created a Colonial Legislature granting individuals religious freedom and representation. Religious Groups were the first to Create self governing communities.

The First Great Awakenings New Protestant Religions were created, like Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian The founding religions Anglican, Puritans, and Catholic congregations shrunk. The First Great Awakenings This taught colonist to question the authority of the Church of England and Puritan teachings.