Understanding the Massachusetts Bay Charter

What was the primary motivation for granting the Charter of Massachusetts Bay in 1629?

• To establish a trade route to Asia

• To create a Puritan-based colony for religious freedom

• To find gold and silver

• To expand the British military presence

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CCSS.RL.8.9

How did the corporate structure of the Massachusetts Bay Colony differ from other charters at the time?

• It was directly controlled by the King

• It allowed for self-governance with a Governor and elected Assistants

• It was managed by the Church of England

• It was a military colony

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CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Explain how the land boundaries described in the charter reflect the geographic knowledge of the time.

• The boundaries were based on detailed maps and surveys

• The boundaries were limited to the Atlantic coast

• The boundaries extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, showing limited geographic knowledge

• The boundaries were only within the Massachusetts area

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What was the religious mission of the Massachusetts Bay Colony as stated in the charter?

• To convert all European settlers to Puritanism

• To establish a "city upon a hill" to inspire others

• To create a secular society

• To build a large cathedral

Which economic freedom was granted to the settlers in the charter?

• The right to print their own currency

• A seven-year tax exemption on imports and exports

• The right to establish banks

• The right to trade only with England

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Discuss the significance of the voting rights being tied to church membership in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

• It ensured that only wealthy individuals could vote

• It reinforced the Puritan belief in a godly society

• It allowed women to vote

• It separated church and state

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CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

What defensive rights were granted to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the charter?

• The right to build a navy

• The right to form militias and defend against threats

• The right to hire mercenaries

• The right to build fortresses

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How did the charter's legal and judicial authority contribute to the colony's autonomy?

• It allowed the colony to ignore English law

• It enabled the colony to create and enforce its own laws

• It required all laws to be approved by the King

• It established a single court for all legal matters

Analyze the impact of the non-interference clause in the charter on the colony's development.

• It led to immediate independence from England

• It allowed the colony to develop self-governance and independence

• It caused frequent conflicts with the Crown

• It restricted the colony's trade with other nations

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What precedent did the charter of Massachusetts Bay set for future colonies?

• Direct rule from England

• Self-governance and representative assemblies

• Military control by the Crown

• Exclusive trade with England