Chapter 7, A Due Form of Government Summary and Analysis

The Massachusetts Bay Company charter allows Winthrop and eleven other members of the company's charter to establish order by making laws, statutes and ordinances. The powers are intended to be used in England but in New England the charter gives the company great power. The charter is specific about the form of government, requiring "freemen" to meet four times a year to make laws. They elect a governor and a deputy governor along with eighteen assistants.

Through these powers, Winthrop and the other company members can exercise any government they like. So long as their laws do not contradict English law, they are in the clear. To their credit, Winthrop and the company men do not establish an aristocracy. Endecott was governor of the colony before Winthrop and his people arrive...