The Colonies began to disregard British rule as early as they existed. From the beginning of Jamestown colonies began disobeying British rule at an increasing rate. Britain's failure to control the colonies led to an American society diverse from Britain. Before 1750, Britain's policy of salutary neglect influenced the development of American society displayed in the colonist's legislative assemblies, commerce, and religion.

Britain's policy of salutary neglect permitted the colonist to create many legislative assemblies which were independent from British decree. In 1619, the House of Burgesses was created. This was the first of many small independent governments to come. A year later, the Mayflower Compact was signed. This document was setting a precedent for American society, in a way that America would base it's constitution around this document. In 1639, Connecticut signed a document called the Fundamental Orders. This document, which established a government controlled by citizens of Connecticut, would...