Charles I (a Presbyterian, r. 1625 – 1649) issues the Charter of Maryland to Cecil Calvert, Baron Baltimore, empowering him to issue all legislation for the colony—with the assent of the freeholders (those who have debt-free title to their land).

       [added 9/28/2024]

Subsequent Events:

1/14/1639                   3/14/1643                 4/21/1649

Authority:

Magna Carta, Chapter 13
ccc-2point0.com/magna-carta-excerpts

References:

The Avalon Project : The Charter of Maryland : 1632
avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/ma01.asp

Colonial Governments of the Original 13 Colonies
www.thoughtco.com/colonial-governments-of-the-thirteen-colonies-104595

Current U.s. National Debt:

$36,167,124,467,492

Source