Final answer:
Decisions in Puritan and early American communities were made through a combination of church membership requirements, the concept of freemen, and representation from burgeoning towns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decisions in the Puritan community, as seen through historic texts and examples such as the Massachusetts Bay Colony's governance, were initially made by a group of "elect" individuals who held significant influence.
With the Massachusetts Bay Charter in place, the General Court determined that freemen, who were required to be church members, could participate in voting and holding public office.
Over time, the system evolved; by 1634, freemen now included representatives from surrounding towns, expanding the influence over legislative decisions. Similarly, in the Virginia Colony, the General Assembly asserted authority over the colony, setting a precedent for local governance.
Popular sovereignty, as shown in the national convention mentioned, further exemplified the principle that majority rule should decide key issues such as the legality of slavery in new territories.
The Plymouth Colony later adopted the Fundamentals of Plymouth, recognizing legal structures and rights such as habeas corpus and trial by jury. The evolution of these governing bodies showcased a growing trend toward involving more of the population in the decision-making process, albeit still limited to certain segments of society.
Despite the changes, early American governance systems heavily relied on representation and majority rule, with some checks and balances, such as the governor's power to veto.
This historical governance model laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles, demonstrating how community decisions were ultimately a reflection of the prevailing social and political values of the time.