What document served as the first written constitution in America, establishing a representative government?

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut is recognized as the first written constitution in America that established a representative government. Adopted in 1638-1639, it created a framework for the governance of the new Connecticut colony and was significant for its emphasis on an organized system of representation and democracy. The Fundamental Orders provided for a general assembly and a governor, reflecting the colony's commitment to a government accountable to the people through elected representatives. This document was groundbreaking at the time, as it went beyond mere consent given in a charter by the Crown and outlined the specific powers and responsibilities of government.

In contrast, the Mayflower Compact was a significant document but primarily established a social contract among the Pilgrims for self-governance in their new settlement rather than a full constitution governing a representative government. The Freeman's Charter, which provided certain privileges in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, did not serve the same purpose as a constitution. The Articles of Confederation, while being an important document in American history, came later in 1781 and served as the first constitution for the entire United States, rather than being specific to a single state or colony. Thus, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut stands out as the foundational constitution that laid the groundwork for representative governance in colonial America