The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were based on a sermon from Thomas Hooker, and were the first written form of government in Connecticut. They mandated how the colonies of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield would govern themselves. Prior to the Orders, these colonies had a functioning but simple government made up of magistrates and representatives. However, the Orders provided a common form of government that was more thought out and complete. They provided for the election of a governor and six magistrates every April. These men made up the General Assembly, which convened every September and April, and held all judicial, executive, and legislative power. There were no religious restrictions on voting, but it was limited to freemen. New Haven also had its own set of Fundamental Orders. However, this form of government soon became outdated, and was replaced with the royal charter of 1662.
The Royal Charter of 1662
This document did three main things: it consolidated the settlements of Connecticut into one large colony, it declared Connecticut as a royal colony of England (as opposed to a settlement owned by a private company), and it set up a government that will last for over 150 years. This government is revolutionary for its time, because it is extremely independent from that of England. It is ruled by a select group of representatives elected by the freemen of the colony. They have complete power over the land, which resembles the control given to a company than that given to a colony. The government consists of a governor, a deputy-governor, and 12 assistants, all elected annually by the freemen. Also, an Assembly consisting of one or two representatives from each town, elected by the freemen of that town, meet twice a year. This General Assembly has all legislative and judicial power, with the one restriction being that it can't pass laws contrary to England's. This form of government is based on that of East Greenwich in England, which is the freest in England. (connecticuthistory.org)
The Dominion of New England
Around 1686, King Charles II became uncomfortable with how independent the colonies were becoming. He issued a charter that combined all of the colonies of New England into one group so that they were easier to control and protect from the growing threat of the French and their Indian allies. This seemed like a good idea at the time, but the person put into control of the new system, Sir Edmund Andros, abused the system, abolishing local assemblies, taxing the colonists, and trying to end smuggling with harsh laws. The colonies were understandably angered by this, and they took a valiant stand against it.Connecticut was especially resilient. In 1687, Andros sent soldiers to Connecticut to seize its charter. The brave people of Connecticut would not stand for this, so they hid the charter in an oak tree to protect it. In 1689, the Dominion ended when Charles II was removed from the throne. (u-s-history.com)