Town Meetings: How Colonists Made Decisions — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.6.3-5
D2.CIV.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This passage explores the role of town meetings in the New England Colonies and how colonists worked together to make important decisions. Students will learn how early American settlers gathered, debated, and voted on issues facing their communities, laying the foundation for democratic government. The passage uses clear language and a chronological structure to help students make connections between past and present. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a glossary, and a graphic organizer. The passage is aligned to C3 Framework and Common Core standards, making it ideal for teaching history and literacy skills together. Audio support and a Spanish translation are included to support all learners. Students will gain an understanding of civic participation, unity, and leadership in colonial America, and see how these early practices continue to influence American democracy today.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Town-Meetings-New-England-Colonies — In the New England Colonies, colonists showed their belief in fair and equal say.

In the New England Colonies, colonists needed to make many important choices. They had to decide on rules, solve problems, and plan for the future. To do this, they held town meetings. These meetings were a big part of life. They helped people work together and have a voice in their own government.

Town meetings took place in a simple building called a meetinghouse. At the meetinghouse, men from the town would gather to talk. They talked about taxes, roads, and laws. Everyone listened as different people spoke. A leader called the moderator made sure everyone had a turn. When it was time to decide, people voted by raising their hands or saying "aye." This was called a vote. Voting helped everyone share in the decision-making.

One famous town meeting happened in Massachusetts. People there debated how taxes should be used to build new roads. Some wanted to spend money on roads, while others wanted to save it. After much debate, the town voted. The decision was made by the people, not just one leader. A colonist once said, "Let every man have his voice." This showed their belief in fair and equal say.

Town meetings were also a place for new ideas. Colonists could suggest changes or new rules. If someone had a problem, they could speak up. For example, if a fence was broken, a neighbor could ask for help. The town could decide together what to do. This process taught people how to solve problems as a group.

Women and children usually could not vote, but they sometimes watched and learned. Over time, the idea of everyone having a say became more important. Town meetings helped start the idea of democracy in America. People learned that working together made their community stronger.

Town meetings still happen in some New England towns today. They show how the colonists' ideas about fairness and teamwork are still alive. Town meetings gave the early settlers a voice and helped build the first steps toward the government we have now.

Interesting Fact: The first recorded town meeting in America was held in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1633.

Where did town meetings take place?

MeetinghouseChurchSchoolFarm

Who was the leader of the meeting?

ModeratorGovernorTeacherFarmer

What year was the first recorded town meeting?

1633177616201701

Why did colonists hold town meetings?

To make decisionsTo play gamesTo make foodTo trade goods

How did people vote at meetings?

Raising handsDancingWriting lettersDrawing pictures

What did colonists learn from meetings?