Chapter 4 : Americas Political Heritage The Colonial Experience Heritage: Traditions that are passed down from generation to generation Citizenship in the colonies required people to be: 1.White 2.Male 3.Property owners 4.Educated 5.Protestant Early Government in the Colonies Colonial Government RoyalProprietaryCharter Royal Colonies Subject to the direct control of the King of England Examples: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia King chose a royal Governor and a council to advise the Governor Any laws had to be approved by the King Proprietary Colonies Organized and owned by a proprietor (person whom the King had given land) Examples: Pennsylvania, Maryland & Delaware Governor was appointed by the proprietor (not the King) All laws were subject to the Kings approval Charter Colonies Self-governing colonies based on a charter (document that gives permission to form a government) Examples: Connecticut & Rhode Island Governors were elected Citizens could vote Laws did not need to be approved by the King Timeline of Early Government 1619: Virginias House of Burgesses (first elected representatives) 1620: Mayflower Compact (first written agreement) is signed 1636: Harvard College is established; Roger Williams founds the Rhode Island colony based on religious freedom 1735: John Peter Zenger trial (first trial regarding freedom of the press) Timeline Continued : King George III becomes King of England 1765: Stamp Act is passed 4.2 Roots of American Govt First direct democracy founded in Athens, Greece First republic or representative democracy founded in Rome, Italy The Magna Carta King John is forced to sign the Magna Carta or Great Charter by English nobles in 1215 First time the monarchs power was limited! Intended to give more rights to the English nobles Provided right to a fair trial and to travel freely The English Bill of Rights Signed by William and Mary in 1689 First document that granted more freedoms to the English citizens! (see worksheet) Other Influential Factors English Philosopher John Locke Believed in natural rights (life, liberty & property) Supported representative govt French writer Montesquieu Supported separation of powers (legislative, executive & judicial) Steps Toward Independence No Taxation Without Representation! Boston Massacre (1770) Committees of Correspondence (1772) Boston Tea Party (1773) First Continental Congress Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies meet in Philadelphia Agreed to boycott English goods Decided to meet again the following year if the situation worsened Second Continental Congress All 13 colonies send representatives to Philadelphia in 1775 John Hancock chosen as President Establish a continental army Serve as first national government Vote for independence The Declaration of Independence Committee of five chosen to write the Declaration: Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman & Robert Livingston in 1776 The Articles of Confederation Written in 1777, adopted in 1781 Created an intentionally weak central govt, which left the power to the states Established a legislature: Congress Congress had the power to settle disputes, declare war and make alliances Weaknesses of the Articles No power to tax No executive branch to enforce the Articles No power to regulate trade between the states No national court system Each state had one vote, regardless of their population Weaknesses Continued... Laws could only be passed with a 9/13 majority Changes (amendments) could only be added with the approval of all 13 colonies Weak (and ineffective) central government A New Revolution? Shays Rebellion in Massachusetts in 1786 Rebellion exposed the problems with the new govt Colonists call for a meeting in Philadelphia in 1787
