The first murmurs against the system put…

The first murmurs against the system put in place by the "Council" of the Governor's assistants had arisen when a tax was imposed on the entire colony in 1632, but Governor Winthrop had been able to quiet fears.

The issue of governance arises again in 1634,  as deputies demand to see the charter that has been kept hidden from them.

They learn of the provisions that the general court should make all laws, and that all freemen should be members.

The group demands that the charter be enforced to the letter, but eventually reach a compromise with Winthrop.

They agree to a General Court made up of two delegates elected by each town, the Governor's council of advisors, and the Governor himself.

This Court is to have authority over "The raising up public stock" (taxes) and "what they should agree upon should bind all."

What Winthrop did not expect was that what they would "bind" themselves to include the election of the governor, and Thomas Dudley is elected.

The first revolution is complete: a trading company has become a representative democracy.