 Throughout the 1670s the Massachusetts leadership steadfastly refused to make changes to its administration that were demanded by King Charles . At the instigation of agent Edward Randolph , Charles made increasingly specific demands concerning freedom of religion and adherence to colonial trade regulations known as the Navigation Acts , and prepared to issue a quo warranto writ to demand the return of the colonial charter . Danforth was one of the leading opponents to making any accommodation to the king 's demands . The issue reached a peak in the 1684 election , in which Danforth stood for election as governor representing the hardline party . He was narrowly defeated by the more conciliatory Simon Bradstreet , but retained the post of deputy governor . The colony 's attempts at moderation were in vain — the charter was formally annulled on June 18 , 1684 . 
