why was the creation of the fundamental orders of connecticut an important milestone in the growth of representative government in the colonies?

The creation of the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was an important milestone in the growth of representative government in the colonies because it established one of the first written constitutions in the American colonies, setting a formal framework for self-government based on the consent of the governed. The Orders created a representative government in which freemen (male property owners) participated in electing magistrates and deputies, who formed a General Court with legislative, executive, and judicial authority. This marked a shift away from traditional colonial governance under the British Crown, emphasizing rule by the people rather than a monarchy, and eliminating requirements such as church membership to hold office. The Fundamental Orders provided a model for democratic governance and constitutional development that influenced later state constitutions and the U.S. Constitution.