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:
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