In what ways did the colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania serve as models of religious toleration during the colonial period? How did Rhode Island serve as a model of free exercise?

When Maryland was established in 1632, it drew people (Christians and workers) due to its economic activities. Christians as a minority experienced discrimination, which resulted in Christians being shipped back to England. In 1649 the Maryland Toleration Act was passed, this law protected Christians against protestants discrimination. Pennsylvania was established in 1681 as a place of refuge for Christians who seeked freedom of conscience, but Pennsylvania did discriminate against non-Christians, because only a person of christian faith could hold office.

Rhodes Island on the other hand was established as a colony that allowed people of different faith and/or non-believers to live together and practice their faith freely without discrimination.

Answer: Rhode Island's experience was a catalyst to the development of these values. Under the terms of its founding Charter, Rhode Island stood alone among the colonies in its desire to hold forth a lively experiment that a most flourishing civil State may stand and best be maintained with a full liberty of religious concernments.

Explanation:

Rhode Island's experience was a catalyst to the development of these values. Under the terms of its founding Charter, Rhode Island stood alone among the colonies in its desire to hold forth a lively experiment that a most flourishing civil State may stand and best be maintained with a full liberty of religious concernments.