Why are Thomas Hooker's works important?

Question

I'm doing an author's report on Thomas Hooker for my AP English 11 class. I understand why he's important and all, being the father of Democracy and founder of Connecticut, but I don't know how his works are significant. That's what the other half of my essay is supposed to be about. Can someone help me? 

Answer 1

Hooker was a Reverend in colonial America who wrote a sermon in which he declared that "The Foundation of Authority is laid in the free consent of the people." The sermon became the basis for Roger Ludlow's "The Fundamental Orders", a compact written in the 1630's which is considered by many historians to be the first constitution between a government and its people. It was adopted by Connecticut in 1639.

Hooker believed that the right to vote should not be granted only to those who belonged to one church and owned property. Specifically, he believed that the Puritans should be given voting rights at a time when this belief was rejected by The Massachusetts Bay Colony where Hooker preached. As a result of this conflict, Hooker traveled down to Connecticut which led to its founding as a colony.

Hooker is often referred to as the father of American democracy and the U.S. Constitution is thought to be strongly influenced by The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.