What type of meetings did New England communities hold to make decisions democratically?

New England communities held "Town Meetings" as a way to make decisions democratically. This practice emerged in the early colonial period and became a hallmark of town governance, especially in Puritan communities. At these meetings, eligible citizens would gather to discuss and vote on various issues affecting their local areas, such as laws, budgets, and community projects. Town Meetings emphasized participation and collective decision-making, allowing colonists to exercise their democratic rights in a direct way. It reflects the values of self-governance and civic responsibility that were significant in early American political culture. The tradition of Town Meetings continues in many parts of New England today, serving as a foundational example of grassroots democracy in action.