Puritan Influence on New England Governance

The New England Colonies, established in the early 17th century, were heavily influenced by Puritan beliefs and practices. These colonies were largely characterized by a desire to create a 'city upon a hill,' integrating religious conviction with community governance. The Puritans aimed to create a society that reflected their religious ideals, which influenced various aspects of life including education, politics, and social structure. By the mid-18th century, tension began to grow between established religious norms and the emerging Enlightenment ideas of reason and individualism. In which of the following ways did the New England colonies primarily reflect their Puritan heritage during this period?