<P> British settlers did not come to the American colonies with the intention of creating a democratic system; yet they quickly created a broad electorate without a land - owning aristocracy, along with a pattern of free elections which put a strong emphasis on voter participation . The colonies offered a much freer degree of suffrage than England or indeed any other country . Any property owner could vote for members of the lower house of the legislature, and they could even vote for the governor in Connecticut and Rhode Island . Voters were required to hold an "interest" in society; as the South Carolina legislature said in 1716, "it is necessary and reasonable, that none but such persons will have an interest in the Province should be capable to elect members of the Commons House of Assembly". The main legal criterion for having an "interest" was ownership of real estate property, which was uncommon in Britain, where 19 out of 20 men were controlled politically by their landlords . (Women, children, indentured servants, and slaves were subsumed under the interest of the family head .) London insisted on this requirement for the colonies, telling governors to exclude from the ballot men who were not freeholders--that is, those who did not own land . Nevertheless, land was so widely owned that 50% to 80% of the men were eligible to vote . </P> <P> The colonial political culture emphasized deference, so that local notables were the men who ran and were chosen . But sometimes they competed with each other and had to appeal to the common man for votes . There were no political parties, and would - be legislators formed ad - hoc coalitions of their families, friends, and neighbors . Outside of Puritan New England, election day brought in all the men from the countryside to the county seat to make merry, politick, shake hands with the grandees, meet old friends, and hear the speeches--all the while toasting, eating, treating, tippling, and gambling . They voted by shouting their choice to the clerk, as supporters cheered or booed . Candidate George Washington spent £ 39 for treats for his supporters . The candidates knew that they had to "swill the planters with bumbo" (rum). Elections were carnivals where all men were equal for one day and traditional restraints were relaxed . </P> <P> The actual rate of voting ranged from 20% to 40% of all adult white males . The rates were higher in Pennsylvania and New York, where long - standing factions based on ethnic and religious groups mobilized supporters at a higher rate . New York and Rhode Island developed long - lasting two - faction systems that held together for years at the colony level, but they did not reach into local affairs . The factions were based on the personalities of a few leaders and an array of family connections, and they had little basis in policy or ideology . Elsewhere the political scene was in a constant whirl, based on personality rather than long - lived factions or serious disputes on issues . </P> <P> The colonies were independent of one other long before 1774; indeed, all the colonies began as separate and unique settlements or plantations . Further, efforts had failed to form a colonial union through the Albany Congress of 1754 led by Benjamin Franklin . The thirteen all had well - established systems of self - government and elections based on the Rights of Englishmen which they were determined to protect from imperial interference . </P>

What were the original 13 colonies of america