Adapted Excerpt: Charter of 1662

Because trade and settlement in New England have grown, the King agrees to form a political government for the colony. This new government will have certain rights and responsibilities. To help manage the colony, there will be one governor, one deputy governor, and twelve assistants. These leaders will be elected by the freemen of the colony. The governor will meet with the assistants twice a year to discuss important matters. Each year, the governor, deputy governor, and assistants will be chosen again by majority vote. All English subjects living in the colony, including their children, will have the same rights as people born in England. The colony is also allowed to create its own laws, as long as they do not go against the laws of England.