The Rhode Island government was a democracy. All male citizens over the age of 21 were allowed to vote. The General Assembly, which was made up of elected representatives from each town, made the laws. The governor was elected by the General Assembly.
The Rhode Island government was very different from the governments of other colonies. Most other colonies were ruled by a governor who was appointed by the king of England. Rhode Island was the only colony that had a completely democratic government.
The Rhode Island government was successful in protecting religious freedom and the separation of church and state. It also provided a model for other colonies that were seeking to establish democratic governments.