During what period did limited democracy begin to take shape in colonial America?

Limited democracy began to take shape in colonial America during the Colonial Period. This era, spanning from the early 1600s to the late 1700s, featured the establishment of colonial governments that included elements of representative democracy, such as elected assemblies in various colonies. While these assemblies had limited powers and were mostly reserved for white, property-owning men, they marked a significant departure from the more autocratic systems found in Europe.

This period also saw the influence of Enlightenment ideas, which emphasized reason, individualism, and the social contract, encouraging colonists to seek greater involvement in their governance. While the Renaissance and Enlightenment fostered intellectual developments that contributed to democratic thought, the practical implementation of limited democratic principles in governance primarily occurred during the colonial era. Thus, the Colonial Period is the context in which early democratic practices began to solidify among the settlers. The Post-Revolutionary War period, although significant for democracy in the U.S., took place after these foundational elements had already developed in the colonies.