In 1682, the Proprietors of Carolina, who were the individuals governing the colony, introduced a new constitution known as the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina. This document made the government of Carolina more democratic in several ways:
1. The Fundamental Constitutions provided for a bicameral legislature. The Legislative Council, consisting of the Proprietors and their appointed deputies, was the upper house, while the Assembly, composed of elected representatives, served as the lower house. This division of the legislature allowed for greater representation and increased the role of elected officials in the decision-making process.
2. The Fundamental Constitutions introduced the concept of representative government. It established that each settlement or region would be entitled to elect representatives to the Assembly, ensuring that the interests of different areas and communities were heard and represented.
3. The constitution also granted limited political rights to the colonists. For example, it stated that every free colonist was entitled to "life, liberty, and property" and had the right to pursue legal actions, which provided some level of protection and empowerment to the individuals residing in Carolina.
4. The Fundamental Constitutions allowed for the right to appeal decisions made by the governor and council. This inclusion of the appeals process provided a mechanism for individuals to challenge decisions they believed to be unfair or unjust, ensuring a degree of accountability within the government.
Overall, the implementation of the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina in 1682 made the government of Carolina more democratic by establishing representative institutions, granting certain political rights to colonists, and introducing measures for checks and balances.
What change in 1682 made the government of Carolina more democratic
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