The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639): This document established the first written constitution in what is now the United States. It set up the Connecticut Colony's government, which included a governor, a deputy governor, and a legislature elected by the people. The Fundamental Orders also guaranteed religious freedom, which was a rare concept in the 17th century.
The Rhode Island Charter (1663): This document, granted by King Charles II, established Rhode Island as a colony with a high degree of religious freedom and autonomy. It also allowed the colony to elect its own governor and legislature, making Rhode Island one of the most democratic colonies in America.
The Massachusetts Body of Liberties (1641): This document was a compilation of laws that were used to govern the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It included provisions for free speech, trial by jury, and protection against unreasonable search and seizure. The Body of Liberties was one of the most important legal documents in colonial America and helped to lay the foundation for American law and legal practices.
The Declaration of Independence (1776): Although not a document of a single New England colony, the Declaration of Independence is one of the most important political documents in American history. It proclaimed the thirteen colonies' independence from Great Britain and outlined the principles of liberty, equality, and self-government that would shape the American nation.