Omar Bennett
The first written constitution in the then-British colonies was the Fundamental Orders, adopted by the settlements of Wethersfield, Windsor and Hartford, Connecticut in 1639. The Fundamental Orders would become a model for constitutions in other colonies, prompting the colonists of Massachusetts, for example, to create a more formal and complete set of written laws, their own constitution called the Massachusetts Body of Liberties of 1641.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Fundamental Orders |
| Location | Connecticut |
| Settlements | Wethersfield, Windsor, Hartford |
| Date | 1639 |
| Date ceased to be used | 1818 |
| Governing principles | Moral truth, self-government, limited government, rule of law, popular sovereignty, elected representatives, work ethic, a literate citizenry |
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What You'll Learn
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The first written constitution in the then-British colonies was the Fundamental Orders, adopted by the settlements of Wethersfield, Windsor and Hartford, Connecticut in 1639. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, as they became known, were used until 1818 and served as a model for other colonies' constitutions.
The Fundamental Orders were created by the Puritans, who followed the Biblical Israelites' practice of written laws. The Puritans wrote down all of their civil covenants and constitutions of law, basing their governing principles and values on the Bible. These included moral truth, self-government, limited government, rule of law, constitutions, popular sovereignty, elected representatives, work ethic, and a literate citizenry.
The Fundamental Orders prompted the colonists of Massachusetts to create a more formal and complete set of written laws, their own constitution called the Massachusetts Body of Liberties of 1641. Connecticut later became known as the "Constitution State" for being the first colony in America to develop a complete constitution to govern itself.
Most of the colonies adopted some form of constitutional governing document before or during the early days of the Revolutionary War. In November 1777, more than a year after the 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain, delegates to the Second Continental Congress met to discuss the need for a document establishing a common federal government for the new nation.
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The Massachusetts Body of Liberties
The first written constitution in the then-British colonies was the "Fundamental Orders", adopted by the settlements of Wethersfield, Windsor and Hartford, Connecticut in 1639. The statutes in this document continued to be used until 1818. The Fundamental Orders prompted the colonists of Massachusetts to create a more formal and complete set of written laws, their own constitution called the Massachusetts Body of Liberties of 1641.
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The Puritans' Bible-based governing principles
The first written constitution in the then-British colonies was the "Fundamental Orders", adopted by the settlements of Wethersfield, Windsor and Hartford, Connecticut in 1639. This document was used until 1818 and served as a model for other colonies to create their own constitutions.
The Puritans' values and principles characterised their colonies and set the foundation for future governing documents in America. Their commitment to moral truth and limited government, for example, reflected their desire to create a society based on strong ethical principles and a clear separation of powers.
The Puritans' belief in self-government and popular sovereignty also influenced their approach to governance. They wanted to ensure that power was vested in the people and that elected representatives made decisions on their behalf. This belief in the importance of citizen participation and representation informed the structure of their colonies and the development of their constitutions.
Additionally, the Puritans' work ethic and emphasis on literacy played a role in shaping their colonies. They valued hard work and believed in the importance of an educated citizenry, which influenced the social and educational norms within their communities.
Overall, the Puritans' Bible-based governing principles reflected their desire to create a society grounded in moral truth, limited government, popular sovereignty, and a strong work ethic. These principles informed the structure and values of their colonies and continue to influence American political thought and practice today.
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The Second Continental Congress
The first written constitution in the then-British colonies was the "Fundamental Orders", adopted by the settlements of Wethersfield, Windsor and Hartford, Connecticut in 1639. The statutes in this document continued to be used until 1818.
Most of the colonies adopted some form of constitutional governing document before or during the early days of the Revolutionary War. In November 1777, more than a year after the 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain, delegates to the Second Continental Congress met to discuss the need for a document establishing a common federal government for the new nation.
The Puritans in America were influential in the creation of the first written constitution. They followed the Biblical Israelites' practice of written laws, such as the Ten Commandments. Similarly, the Puritans wrote down all of their civil covenants and constitutions of law. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut prompted the colonists of Massachusetts to create a more formal and complete set of written laws, their own constitution called the Massachusetts Body of Liberties of 1641.
The Articles of Confederation
The first written constitution in the then-British colonies was the "Fundamental Orders", adopted by the settlements of Wethersfield, Windsor and Hartford,
The Fundamental Orders would become a model for constitutions in other colonies. It prompted the colonists of Massachusetts, for example, to create a more formal and complete set of written laws, their own constitution called the Massachusetts Body of Liberties of 1641.
Most of the colonies adopted some form of constitutional governing document before or during the early days of the Revolutionary War. In November 1777, more than a year after the 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain, delegates to the Second Continental Congress met to discuss the need for a document establishing a common federal government for the new nation.
The Second Continental Congress tasked Delaware delegate John Dickinson with drafting the nation's first governing document, the Articles of Confederation. The original document called for the federal government to be vested with all powers not specifically granted to the states by the Articles. Congress debated and made many changes to Dickinson's draft.
Frequently asked questions
The first written constitution in the then-British colonies was the "Fundamental Orders", adopted by the settlements of Wethersfield, Windsor and Hartford, Connecticut in 1639.
The Puritans in America created the first written constitution of law, following the Biblical Israelites’ practice of written laws. The Israelites’ Ten Commandments, for example, were engraved in stone.
The Fundamental Orders became a model for constitutions in other colonies. It prompted the colonists of Massachusetts, for example, to create a more formal and complete set of written laws, their own constitution called the Massachusetts Body of Liberties of 1641.
The statutes in this document continued to be used until 1818.
Most of the colonies adopted some form of constitutional governing document before or during the early days of the Revolutionary War.
