How was the government outlined in the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (FOC) different from the government in Massachusetts? SELECT TWO THAT APPLY.(4 points)

Answer 1

The Fundamental Orders of 1638-1639 established a governmental framework for the Connecticut Colony that differed significantly from the government in Massachusetts in a couple of key ways:

1. More Democratic Structure: The Fundamental Orders created a more democratic and representative government than the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In Connecticut, the Orders provided for an elected assembly (the General Court) that could be chosen by all members of the congregation, rather than mainly by church members, which was more common in Massachusetts.

2. Written Constitution: The Fundamental Orders are often considered one of the first written constitutions in the Western tradition. This formal written document laid out the structure of the government and the rights of the citizens, whereas Massachusetts operated more on unwritten laws and traditions, with less formalized codification of government structure.

These differences highlight how governance in Connecticut was more inclusive and systematically outlined compared to the more theocratic and traditional approach of Massachusetts.