At this early stage of the Colony's history the body of Freemen consisted of only the signatories to the Mayflower Compact.

The Governor and Assistants acted as magistrates with legislative function being reserved for the Freemen in an open assembly.

However this method of governance did not last due to the inconvenience and cost of travel that colonists would have to endure to meet at the General Court.

Some elements of direct democracy remained, such as the officers continuing to be elected from the whole body of freemen and not by the delegates of the Court.

In 1671 the qualifications for Freemen liberalized again allowing any Puritan man over 21 years old who possessed property worth over £20 to be considered.