Colonial Rhode Island was formed in the 1600s. Anne Hutchinson, the leader of all the colonists that stayed in the region, formed a government together with her followers, which detached the church and state. Furthermore, every trial in the region required the presence of a jury.

King Charles II issued a charter to the colony in 1663 which gave the colonists much more freedom. The government was made up of three main bodies. The Governor of the colony made all executive decisions. Conversely, the Governor’s Council was made up of powerful figures that had an influence on the judiciary and the administration of the colony. Members of the council acted as advisers. Furthermore, there was an Assembly that represented all the inhabitants in the region. The citizens elected the Assembly.