<P> In New England, the Puritans created self - governing communities of religious congregations of farmers (or yeomen) and their families . High - level politicians gave out plots of land to settlers (or proprietors) who then divided the land amongst themselves . Large portions were usually given to men of higher social standing, but every man who wasn't indentured or criminally bonded had enough land to support a family . Every male citizen had a voice in the town meeting . The town meeting levied taxes, built roads, and elected officials who managed town affairs . The towns did not have courts; that was a function of the county, whose officials were appointed by the state government . </P> <P> The Congregational Church which the Puritans founded was not automatically joined by all New England residents because of Puritan beliefs that God singled out specific people for salvation . Instead, membership was limited to those who could convincingly "test" before members of the church that they had been saved . They were known as "the elect" or "Saints ." </P> <P> A majority of New England residents were small farmers . A man had complete power over the property within these small farm families . </P> <P> When married, an English woman gave up her maiden name . The role of wives was to raise and nurture healthy children and support their husbands . Most women carried out these duties . During the 18th century, couples usually married between the ages of 20 - 24, and 6 - 8 children were typical of a family, with three on average surviving to adulthood . Farm women provided most of the materials needed by the rest of the family by spinning yarn from wool and knitting sweaters and stockings, making candles and soap from ashes, and churning milk into butter . </P>

During the colonial era what was the principal occupation in the english colonies