Prior to 1650, self-government in the New England colonies was affected by both democracy and freedom of religion. The basic idea of democracy as a form of government is that it is for the people, by the people. (Or through their choice of elected
             The Mayflower Compact, signed in 1620 was one of the first signs of democracy in America. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, adopted in 1639, were another example of democracy leading to self-rule. Freedom of Religion led to self-government as well. This is evident in the formation of colonies such as Plymouth, which was formed by Puritan dissenters from England seeking religious freedom. It is also exhibited in the formation of Rhode Island (1636) in which Roger Williams left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to seek religious freedom and create a religiously free colony of his own. In general, both democracy and freedom of religion made large contributions to the self-government of the New England colonies.
             Democracy was a key element to the rise of self-government in the New England Colonies prior to 1650. The Mayflower Compact of 1620 was signed by Puritan pilgrims aboard the ship the Mayflower. This compact served as the first constitution that these settlers abided by in their newfound home in New England. Upon their arrival in the new world, the pilgrims wished to establish a democratic set of rules for themselves, so they forged the agreed-upon set of laws contained within this document. It stated that the people would accept whatever the majority chooses, and the people would vote on laws.
             This compact was significant in that it served the purpose of a constitution for these settlers. It was quite democratic, as the laws established within it came about entirely as a result of the needs and desires of the people, the Puritan pilgrims, and was engineered to suit their needs as they formed a new society in the new world. Thus, this democratic doc
             ...