Final answer:
In Massachusetts, social unity was important and the common good was prioritized over the needs or rights of the individual. This concept can be traced back to the early Puritans in New England and is still relevant in American politics today.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Massachusetts, social unity was important and the common good was prioritized over the needs or rights of the individual. This idea can be traced back to the early Puritans in New England who sought to improve the quality of life for the entire community through collective action.
They built communal spaces called Village Greens or Cow Commons where villagers could corral and graze livestock. However, there was a risk of abuse or overuse of these commons, leading to what is known as the 'tragedy of the commons'.
Today, this concept of balancing the common good with individual rights and needs is still a central theme in American politics.