Which type of colonial settlement was based on religious or moral values?

Covenant communities were types of colonial settlements that were founded primarily on religious or moral values. These communities emphasized the importance of living according to specific moral guidelines and religious beliefs, often as a response to the perceived immorality or corruption of the broader society. Such settlements sought to create a social order that reflected their religious convictions, and the members typically entered into a covenant or agreement to uphold these shared values.

This concept is exemplified by groups like the Puritans in New England, who aimed to build a "city upon a hill" that would serve as a model of virtue and piety. The focus on community, mutual responsibility, and a collective commitment to their faith defined the structure and governance of these colonial areas, making them distinct from other types of settlements that may have been motivated by economic or corporate interests.