Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

The Fundamental Orders were adopted by the Connecticut council on January 14, 1639. The orders describe the government set up by the Connecticut River towns, setting its structure and powers. It is the first written Constitution that created a government, and earned Connecticut its nickname of The Constitution State.

Individual Rights

The Fundamental Orders is a short document, but contains some principles that were later applied in creating the United States governments. Government is based in the rights of an individual, and the orders spell out some of those rights as well as how they are ensured by the government. It provides that all free men share in electing their magistrates, and uses secret, paper ballots. It states the powers of the government, and some limits within which that power is exercised.

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In one sense, the Fundamental Orders were replaced by a Royal Charter in 1662. But the major outline of the charter was written in Connecticut and embodies the Orders rights and mechanics. It was carried to England by Governor Winthrop and basically approved by King Charles. The colonists generally viewed the charter as a continuation and surety for the Fundamental Orders.

Related Topics:
1662 - Winthrop - King Charles

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Today, the individual rights in the Orders, with others added over the years, are still included as a Declaration of Rights in the first article of the current Connecticut Constitution adopted in 1965

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