The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

Thomas Hooker, leader of the Connecticut Colony

Introduction

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut stand is a landmark document, reflecting the principles of self-government, democracy, and individual liberty that would shape the nation's constitutional tradition. Drafted in 1639 by settlers in the Connecticut River Valley, this document established a framework for governance that would serve as a model for future constitutions in America.

Historical Context

In the 17th century, the Connecticut River Valley was inhabited by English settlers unhappy with the Puritan leadership in Massachusetts. With permission from the Massachusetts General Court, these settlers, led by the Reverend Thomas Hooker, established several towns in the region, including Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield. As the population grew, the need for a formal system of governance became apparent, leading to the drafting of the Fundamental Orders. The actual writers of the document are unknown, as they probably wished to remain anonymous. 

Key Provisions

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut laid out a framework for governance that emphasized democratic principles and individual rights. Key provisions of the document included:

Government by Consent: The orders established a representative form of government in which freemen (male property owners) could participate in the election of magistrates and deputies to the General Court, the colony's legislative body.

Separation of Powers: The orders delineated the powers and responsibilities of the General Court, the governor, and other colonial officials, ensuring a system of checks and balances and a form of due process for individuals. 

Significance and Legacy

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut are often regarded as America's first written constitution, predating the United States Constitution by over a century. Their adoption represented a radical departure from traditional forms of colonial governance and laid the groundwork for the development of democratic institutions in America. The orders served as a model for other colonial charters and constitutions, including the Massachusetts Body of Liberties (1641) and the Maryland Toleration Act (1649).