This book traces the earliest forms of representative government which were found in Maryland.

Acknowledgments; Introduction; 'For the good and happy government' of Maryland; Part I: 'In the Infancy of This Plantation': 1632-1660: 1. 'A country ... newly planted'; 2. 'Divers occurrences and difficulties'; Part II. 'Lord Baltimore's Politick Maximes': 1660-1689: 3. 'For the most part good ordinary householders'; 4. 'To liken us to a conquered people'; Part III. 'Wee Your Majesties Most Humble and Loyall Subjects': 1689-1715: 5. 'By the name of the country borne'; 6. 'We more immediately represent the people'; Epilogue: 'Our present happy protestant constitution'; Appendixes; A note on the sources; Index.