Which colonies were noted for having the least restrictions on religious practices?

The colonies of Rhode Island and Pennsylvania were distinguished by their progressive attitudes towards religious practices, allowing for a level of religious freedom that was relatively uncommon in other colonies at the time.

Rhode Island, founded by Roger Williams in 1636, was established on principles of religious tolerance and separation of church and state. Williams himself was a proponent of the idea that individuals should have the freedom to practice any religion, or none at all, without interference from government. This made Rhode Island a haven for various religious groups, including Quakers, Jews, and others seeking refuge from persecution.

Similarly, Pennsylvania, established by William Penn in 1681 as a Quaker colony, embraced a policy of religious tolerance and welcoming diverse beliefs. Penn envisioned Pennsylvania as a place where people could practice their faith freely, which attracted many groups, including German and Dutch Quakers, Catholics, and Jews.

In contrast, the other colonies in the answer choices exhibited more restrictive religious practices. Massachusetts and Connecticut, for example, were founded by Puritans who enforced strict religious doctrines. Virginia and North Carolina had established Anglicanism as the official religion and offered limited tolerance to dissenters. New York and New Jersey did see some degree of religious diversity, but it was not as