The colonists were able to create their own governments which became more democratic and representative. Free white men had a say in local assemblies and could vote and hold office. They also created, to some extent, a capitalist economy where companies competed with each other for resources and wealth. Additionally, the British colonies were unique because of the Great Awakening and how the ideas derived from that movement helped create some unity across America. The spread of religious freedom in the central and southern colonies also made the colonies different to some extent. More importantly, there were more opportunities for people to improve their lives and social conditions