USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Free Consent of the People: Thomas Hooker and the Fundamental Orders. “The foundation of authority is laid firstly in the free consent of people.” That principle lies at the heart of the representative system by which the United States has governed itself for more than two centuries.

Detailed explanation-2: -What Does Free Consent Mean? Free consent refers to an agreement when both parties knowingly and willingly enter into a contract of their own will.

Detailed explanation-3: -Adopted in January 1639, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut stated the powers and limits of government. The preamble of the Fundamental Orders officially formed a confederation under the guidance of God-standing in stark contrast to today’s ideas about the separation of church and state.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Fundamental Orders were adopted by the Connecticut Colony council on January 24 [O.S. January 14] 1639. The fundamental orders describe the government set up by the Connecticut River towns, setting its structure and powers. They wanted the government to have access to the open ocean for trading.

Detailed explanation-5: -Roger Ludlow of Windsor, the only trained lawyer in the colony, probably drafted the Fundamental Orders, although he may have been assisted by Hartford residents John Haynes (a former Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony), Edward Hopkins, and John Steel. The document consisted of a preamble and 11 orders or laws.