Colonial Government By Mr. Casey
Colonial Government
By Mr. Casey
AGENDA
English Government (Britain)
Colonial Government
The Path to WarBritish Government
British Rule
King George III
Prime Minister & Parliament
By the late 1700’s the colonies had been governing themselves for
more than 100 years. They had been practicing self-government and
making their own laws. They had a sense of freedom and although they
were British subjects, they had a desire to live free.
COLONIAL GOVERNMENTAssemblies v. Governors
AssemblyEach of the colonies had an assembly of representatives that voted on laws and whether or not to support the Royal Governor
The colonists had no representation in Parliament. What problems do you
think that caused? Why would colonists be upset about no
representatives from the colonies in Parliament?
The colonies modeled their government on Parliament.
*Parliament was Britain’s lawmaking body. Elected members voted on laws and taxes.
The king still held great power and final say.
Assembly
The colonists had no representation in Parliament. What problems do you
think that caused? Why would colonists be upset about no
representatives from the colonies in Parliament?
The colonies modeled their government on Parliament.
*Parliament was Britain’s lawmaking body. Elected members voted on laws and taxes.
The king still held great power and final say.
Royal Governors
Eight of the 13 colonies had a Royal Governor. They were appointed by the king. Their job was to enforce British Law. They often disagreed with the assembly.
House of Burgesses
Virginia had the most successful assembly. It was called the House of Burgesses. It was started in 1619. Many other colonies end up copying the House of Burgesses system.
Assemblies (like the H.O.B) could make laws to print money, build roads, collect taxes, make land laws, and organize militias
House of Burgesses
Famous Virginians that served in the H.O.B include:
Thomas Jefferson
Patrick Henry George Washington
What are a few of the documents that inspired the colonists to govern
themselves?
The Mayflower Compact
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut