<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (January 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> In the United States and Canada, most government offices are closed on both Saturday and Sunday . The practice of offices closing on Sunday in government and in some rural areas of the United States stem from a system of blue laws . Blue laws were established in the early puritan days which forbade secular activities on Sunday and were rigidly enforced . Some public activities are still regulated by these blue laws in the 21st century . In 1985 twenty - two states in which religious fundamentalism remained strong maintained general restrictions on Sunday behavior . In Oklahoma, for example, it is stated: "Oklahoma's statutes state that "acts deemed useless and serious interruptions of the repose and religious liberty of the community," such as trades, manufacturing, mechanical employment, horse racing, and gaming are forbidden . Public selling of commodities other than necessary foods and drinks, medicine, ice, and surgical and burial equipment, and other necessities can legally be prohibited on Sunday . In Oklahoma a fine not to exceed twenty - five dollars may be imposed on individuals for each offense ." Because of these blue laws, many private sector retail businesses open later and close earlier on Sunday or don't open at all . </P> <P> Many countries, particularly in Europe such as Sweden, France, Germany and Belgium, but also in other countries such as Peru, hold their national and local elections on a Sunday, either by law or by tradition . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (January 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Who made sunday the first day of the week