Basic Concepts of Government

Our Political Beginnings

Ordered Government

Colonists from England saw the need for regulation, or government. They created local governments based on what they had known in England.

Limited Government

Colonists brought with them the idea that government should not be all-powerful. The people have rights that the government cannot take away.

Representative Government

Colonists brought with them the idea that government should serve the people. People should have a voice in what the government does.

Landmark English Documents

Magna Carta-Bill of RightsThe Petition of Right

The English Bill of Rights

Magna Carta-1215

Establish the principle of limited government and fundamental rights of English citizens with:◦Trial By Jury◦Due Process of Law◦Private Property

Established that the power of the monarch was not absolute.

The Petition of Right

Limited the monarch’s authority and elevated the power of Parliament while extending the rights of the individual. Established that the even the monarchs must obey the law.

English Bill of Rights-1689

Redefines the rights of the Parliament and the rights of the individual.

English Bill of Rights- 1689

Trial By JuryDue Process of LawNo cruel and unusual punishmentNo excess bail or finesRight to bear armsRight to Petition

Government in the Colonies

Royal Colonies were subject to the control of the crown by appointed governors, who were advised by councils; also appointed by the king.

There were 8 royal colonies before the American Revolution.

Royal Colonies

Government in the Colonies

Were governed and owned by proprietor, wealthy individuals,(who the king had made a grant of land) who appointed governors, who were advised by councils.

Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware

Proprietary Colonies

Government in the Colonies

Connecticut and Rhode IslandWere governed by the colonists

themselves, through elected governors, who were advised by councils.

The governors were elected by the white, male, property owners

Enjoyed a large degree of self-government

Charter Colonies

The Coming of Independence

The Royal Control◦Because of the distance from England to

America, royal control of the colonies was relaxed for much of the colonial period

◦Each colonial legislature assumed broad lawmaking powers

◦After 1760, when George III came to the throne, Parliament imposed new taxes and restrictive regulations and this angered colonists.

◦Taxation without representation

Growing Colonial Unity

New England Confederation◦Formed a “league of friendship” for defense

against the Native Americans. ◦In 1697, William Penn created a plan for inter-

colonial cooperation.◦Both failed in time.

The Albany Plan

Benjamin Franklin proposed the formation of an annual congress to deal with issues of common concern (i.e. defense, trade, tax).

Those attending the meeting agreed to the Plan, but it was rejected by the colonies and the Crown.

The Stamp Act Congress

Harsh tax and trade policies caused colonists to meet and denounce the taxation.

Nine colonies sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress in New York and protested.

Parliament repealed the Stamp Act, but followed with new laws and policies.

Organized protests and boycotts.◦ Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party

The First Continental Congress

(In 1774, Parliament passed more laws to punish the colonists for the troubles in Boston)

Cause: Discuss policy and unite the colonies.

Effects:◦Declaration of Rights.◦Colonial friction eased.◦The Association was formed which boycotted all

British products.

The Second Continental Congress

The revolution has begun.

The Congress organized a government and established an army, led by GW.

The Congress served as the government until the Articles of Confederation went into effect.

The Congress was unicameral, exercising both legislative and executive powers.

Declaration of Independence

Announced the US’s independence from Great Britain and listed the reasons for rebellion.

Assignment

Pg. 40-43 in your textbook:◦Read and answer the 8 questions on page 43.

◦Turn in when finished.