Fundamental Orders of 1638

Definition

The Fundamental Orders of 1638 were a set of laws that established a framework for government in the Connecticut Colony, often considered the first written constitution in America. This document outlined the structure of the government, emphasizing the principles of popular sovereignty and representative democracy, which would influence the political development of other New England colonies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Fundamental Orders were adopted by the General Court of the Connecticut Colony on January 14, 1639, but were drafted in 1638 by settlers from Windsor, Wethersfield, and Hartford.
2. These Orders created a government that included an elected governor and a legislature, making it one of the earliest examples of a representative government in America.
3. The Fundamental Orders allowed for a greater degree of political participation than many other contemporary governments by permitting all freemen to vote regardless of church membership.
4. This document was significant because it set a precedent for future state constitutions and democratic practices within other colonies and eventually influenced the U.S. Constitution.
5. The Fundamental Orders were initially intended to provide stability and order in the rapidly growing Connecticut Colony during a time when governance was often chaotic and informal.

Review Questions

• How did the Fundamental Orders of 1638 reflect the democratic ideals emerging in New England at that time?
  • The Fundamental Orders of 1638 reflected emerging democratic ideals by establishing a government based on popular sovereignty, where officials were elected by the people. This was significant because it shifted power away from purely religious authority, allowing a broader segment of society, including non-church members, to participate in governance. By emphasizing representative democracy, these Orders laid groundwork for later democratic practices throughout New England.
• Discuss the significance of the Fundamental Orders in relation to other colonial charters or governing documents of the time.
  • The significance of the Fundamental Orders lies in their role as one of the first written constitutions that explicitly outlined a framework for governance. Unlike other colonial charters that often reinforced royal authority or church dominance, these Orders emphasized elected representation and civil governance. This innovative approach inspired later documents such as the Massachusetts Body of Liberties and eventually influenced constitutional development in America.
• Evaluate how the adoption of the Fundamental Orders impacted the political landscape in New England colonies and its legacy in American governance.
  • The adoption of the Fundamental Orders significantly impacted the political landscape by encouraging other colonies to consider written constitutions as essential frameworks for governance. This move toward codified laws contributed to an environment where representative democracy could flourish and served as a model for future constitutions across America. The legacy of these Orders can be seen in later democratic reforms and principles embedded in both state and federal constitutions, illustrating an early commitment to self-governance.

Related terms

Connecticut Colony: A British colony founded in 1636 by Puritan settlers, which later became one of the original thirteen colonies and played a significant role in the early governance of New England.

Puritanism: A religious reform movement that arose in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, emphasizing strict religious discipline and a commitment to living according to the teachings of the Bible.

Representative Democracy: A form of government in which elected officials represent a group of people, allowing for broader participation in political decision-making compared to direct democracy.