Final answer:
William Penn is credited with the formation of Pennsylvania, fostering religious freedom and democratic governance. His 'Charter of Privileges' in 1701 significantly influenced the colony's progressive nature. James Wilson also contributed to Pennsylvania's democratic ideals during the Constitutional era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Founding of Pennsylvania and William Penn's Contributions
William Penn is credited with forming the idea of the colony that came to be known as Pennsylvania. Penn, a Quaker and a proponent of religious freedom and democracy, received the charter for the territory as a means to settle a debt owed by Charles II of England to his father. William Penn joined the Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, in 1667 and became a leading voice for Quakerism. He sought to create a colony that would be a haven for those persecuted for their faith, leading to the establishment of Pennsylvania. In 1701, he approved the “Charter of Privileges,” which provided more control over the government to the colony's residents and emphasized religious freedom, a concept far ahead of its time.
Throughout the years, the governance of Pennsylvania evolved, including the promoting of democratic values during the formation of its state constitution. A major influence in creating a radical constitution during the Revolutionary Era was the democratization of politics, allowing men who paid taxes and swore allegiance to the revolutionary cause to vote, regardless of landownership. A key figure in the later development of the American Constitution was James Wilson, a representative from Pennsylvania who played a significant role in its ratification, becoming one of the six original justices appointed to the Supreme Court by George Washington.
These democratic foundations set by figures like Penn and Wilson played a crucial role in Pennsylvania's legacy as a state that championed the values of freedom and democracy in early America.