Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

Definition

Adopted in 1639, these were considered to be the first written constitution in North America that established a government. They laid out democratic principles that would later influence the U.S Constitution.

Analogy

Consider Fundamental Orders of Connecticut as a "prototype smartphone". Just like how early smartphones paved way for modern devices with more advanced features, this document set up basic governing principles that influenced future American political system.

Related terms

Thomas Hooker: A Puritan minister who is often credited with drafting the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.

Connecticut Colony: An English colony located in North America that became one of the thirteen original states; it adopted Fundamental Orders as its constitution.

U.S Constitution: The supreme law of United States adopted on September 17, 1787; it drew inspiration from earlier documents like Fundamental Orders for establishing democratic governance structure.