The Massachusetts Colony, otherwise known as the "Massachusetts Bay Colony", was originally settled by the Puritans in 1630. They were plagued by religious persecutions from King Charles I and the Church of England. Tired of this stubborn torment, they left England under the leadership of John Winthrop. These original settlers quickly founded many small towns in the name of high religious ideals and strict social rules. They also founded churches, spread Puritanism, and religiously educated the masses, as these were some of their goals. The ultimate goal was a utopian society that the other colonies looked at with high esteem. The charter that gave the Puritans the freedom to leave England had a significant loophole: the colony was not to have a leader to represent them in England. This new government was placed in the apparently capable hands of a governor, a deputy governor, and eighteen assistants, all considered "free men". They then established a representative democratic government under which only property-owning freemen who were members of the church could have the right to vote. The formulation of this type of government was an early indicator of the colonists' desire to free themselves from Great Britain. Winthrop was elected the colony's first governor and also allowed the colony to be virtually independent from Great Britain by establishing a legislative framework that included a simple system of checks and balances along with representation. Strict borders, taxes, and rules were also established, further severing the ties that bound the colony to England. Although it was tragically flawed and did not last, it was a clear break with the British monarchy. The flaw in the system was the element of human greed and K...... half of the document ...... October 29, 2010, from http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USABmapM. htmMassachusetts Colony. (n.d.). Colonial Ancestors: Colonial genealogy records and history information to find colonial ancestors for your family tree. Retrieved November 2, 2010, from http://colonialancestors.com/ma/colony.htmMassachusetts Colony. (n.d.). Colonial Ancestors: Colonial genealogy records and history information to find colonial ancestors for your family tree. Retrieved November 2, 2010, from http://colonialancestors.com/ma/colony.htmTHE QUAKER PROVINCE: 1681-1776. (n.d.). The Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved November 9, 2010, from http://www.legis.state.pa.us/wu01/vc/visitor_info/pa_history/II.htmUntitled Document. (n.d.). the Quaqua Society - Financial and professional assistance for home educators. Retrieved November 1, 2010, from http://www.quaqua.org/pilgrim.htm