What was the primary reason the Puritans in the Massachusetts Bay Colony placed such a strong emphasis on establishing public schools?

To ensure that all colonists could read and interpret the Bible for themselves.

To train a new generation of merchants and traders to compete with other colonies.

To prepare young men for leadership roles in a democratic government.

To promote cultural arts and sciences that were lacking in the New World.

The physical layout of Puritan towns, which were typically built around a central village green, was designed to achieve what social goal?

To provide maximum defensive capabilities against Native American attacks.

To create an efficient grid system for future commercial expansion.

To foster a close-knit community centered on the church and daily worship.

To separate the homes of the wealthy elites from those of the common farmers.