When Connecticut became a state, it did not adopt a constitution like the other former colonies. It continued to operate under the original charter, which gave broad powers to the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA). The Federalist Party's stance on the War of 1812 and the Hartford Convention impacted their political power.
From Section I of the Connecticut Register and Manual (see link below):
"Though the people of the state had long acquiesced under the form of government derived from the charter, and sanctioned by the legislature; yet it was considered by many that we had no constitution, as our government under the charter had never received the explicit approbation of the people subsequent to the declaration of independence. It was also considered to be inconsistent with the dignity of a free nation to hold their rights, even nominally by the tenure of a Royal Grant and that it was proper the powers of the government should be divided into separate departments, and individual rights be secured by a constitution that should control the legislature itself. It was therefore thought advisable to call a convention for that object. Accordingly, in 1818, a convention was assembled which agreed upon a constitution. It was submitted to the people, and approved by a vote of thirteen thousand nine hundred and eighteen in its favor and twelve thousand three hundred and sixty-four against its ratification. On the twelfth of October, 1818, Governor Wolcott issued his proclamation, at the request of the General Assembly, declaring that the constitution was thenceforth to be observed by all persons, as the Supreme Law of this State."
The Declaration of Rights, while overlapping with Federal Bill of Rights, provides additional rights such as explicit right to counsel (State v. Stoddard, 206 Conn. 157 - 1988). Equal protection under Connecticut law is broader (Kerrigan v. Commissioner of Public Health, 289 Conn. 135 - 2008).
The 1818 Constitution provided for free exercise of religion, and no longer allowed state taxes to support the Congregational Church.
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