The search for religious freedom had a big impact on the early governments in America.

Colonists such as the Puritans wanted to build communities that followed their strict religious rules. This meant that the governments they created often enforced those beliefs.

On the other hand, the Quakers, led by people like William Penn, believed in tolerance and equality. They set up Pennsylvania as a safe place where different beliefs could be accepted.

These different ideas about religion created a mix of attitudes toward religious tolerance in the colonies.