Fundamental Orders of Connecticut facts for kids

The Fundamental Orders were an important set of rules created in 1639 by three towns in what is now Connecticut. These rules were like the first written plan for a government in the American colonies. They helped set up how the people would govern themselves.

What Were the Fundamental Orders?

The Fundamental Orders were a document that acted like a constitution for the early settlements of Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield in Connecticut. A constitution is a set of basic laws and principles that a country or state is governed by. This document was special because it was one of the first written constitutions in the American colonies. It showed how people wanted to create their own rules for living together.

Why Were They Created?

Building a New Society

In the 1630s, people from the Massachusetts Bay Colony moved to the Connecticut River Valley. They were looking for new land and more freedom. Once they settled, they needed a way to organize their communities. They wanted a clear system for their government. This is why they decided to write down their rules.

The Role of Thomas Hooker

A key figure in this movement was a minister named Thomas Hooker. He believed that the power to govern should come from the people. He gave a famous sermon in 1638. In this sermon, he said that the people had the right to choose their leaders. His ideas greatly influenced the creation of the Fundamental Orders. He thought that government should be based on the consent of the people.

What Was Inside the Orders?

Key Principles of Government

The Fundamental Orders laid out how the government would work. They created a system with a governor, a court, and representatives from each town. These representatives would meet to make laws. The document made sure that the government served the good of the whole community. It also allowed men who owned property to vote for their leaders.

A Step Towards Self-Governance

This document was very important for the future of America. It showed that people could create their own government. They did not need a king or queen to tell them what to do. It was a big step towards self-governance. This means people governing themselves. The Fundamental Orders helped shape the idea of a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."

Lasting Impact

The Fundamental Orders served as the basic law for the Connecticut Colony for many years. They were a model for other colonies. They also influenced the writing of the United States Constitution much later. The ideas of self-government and written laws found in the Orders are still important today. They remind us of the early steps taken to build a democratic nation.