Political When the English colonists came to North America, they brought the tools for creating a government—
important ideals that had formed the basis of government in England, such as limited government and representative government. These ideals constituted their English heritage and strongly influenced the colonists in North America—they helped shape government in the colonies. The colonists were strongly influence by Hobbes and Locke (Social Contract theory on how/why government originated). Especially influential was Locke: concept of natural and inalienable rights (e.g. importance of property and the concept of taxation—explain the motto: “no taxation without representation,” that is, why this issue was so salient and important). Use, as examples of such rights and protests over taxation: Patrick Henry’s resolutions protesting the Stamp Act, the Declaration of Rights and Grievances/Resolves of the Stamp Act Congress, excerpt from John Dickinson’s “Letters from a Pennsylvania Farmer”. Other Lockean concepts: popular sovereignty, consent of the governed, limited government, right to rebel. the concept/ideal of representative government: idea that the governed could give their consent to government actions/policies through their elected representatives (that is, the people would have a voice in government through their elected representatives)—such a representative body would work to limit the power(s) of the monarchy and the monarchy could not rule without the consent of the people, either directly, or through their elected representatives. the concept/ideal of limited government: idea that the power of the monarchy was limited by the rule of law—that is, the government must act according to set laws and for the purpose of promoting the public good. furthermore, the government could not violate or deny the rights of the people it governed w/o the consent of the people. The organization of Jamestown and of later settlements clearly showed the influence of the basic principles of English government (limited government and representative government)—the efforts to limit government in the colonies were evident in most colonial charters. Each colony had a system that reflected the ideals of limited and representative government: Each colony’s governor served as the government’s executive and most colonial governors were advised by a council. Most colonies had an assembly made up of the colonists’ elected representatives—
these councils and assemblies served to limit the governors’ power. Colonists repeatedly asserted that they (as well as their descendants) were entitled to all the rights, liberties, privileges, immunities, franchises that the subjects born/living within the kingdom of Great Britain (e.g. Henry’s resolutions protesting the Stamp Act, the Resolves of the Stamp Act Congress, John Dickinson’s “Letters from a Penssylvania Farmer,” “Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress,” Declaration of Independence, etc.). Sources of Liberty: Magna Carta, Petition of Right, Declaration of Rights, Toleration Act, etc. (in time, these protections were absorbed into common law and applied/ were extended to all Englishmen). Rights of the accused Freedom of conscience Right to petition for a redress of grievances No standing armies w/o consent The primary goal of the revolution: the preservation of the birthright of liberty and the establishment in principle of the existing conditions (free from corruption) essential for such preservation. Note: Do not write about the background/history of the Magna Carta, Petition of Right, etc.; rather, explain how and why these ideas/concepts/principles were adapted by the colonists. The concept of constitutionalism (i.e. a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government). Example(s): The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut In early 1776, even before independence, some colonies had adopted new constitutions. Following the Declaration of Independence, the other colonies also adopted new constitutions. These new constitutions were similar insofar as they reflected a desire for limited government, representative government (i.e. popularly elected legislatures), bi‐cameralism (two‐house legislatures), a weak executive (fear of tyranny), and an effort to protect individual rights by enumerating them in a Bill of Rights. The colonies operated under various forms of government (e.g. royal, proprietary, and corport/self‐
governing). Varying economies and geography also led to differences among the colonies while creating political divisions among the colonies, particularly the northern and southern colonies. Under the British system of salutary neglect, the colonists gained considerable experience and education in the art and science of political self‐government. Colonists became accustomed to being allowed to handle many of their internal affairs—in the more than 150 years since the first permanent settlement was established, elected assemblies in the colonies had gradually increased their authority, while simultaneously, the powers of governors and their advisory councils began to weaken. Governors often felt more pressure from local colonial interests (remember their salaries were paid through the authorization/appropriation of tax revenue raised through the taxes collected by the colonial legislative assemblies) than from the faraway British government. By the close of the French and Indian War, there existed in England a growing attitude in governing circles that the colonies had become too independent—however, the effort(s) to tightened British control over the colonies only served to unite the colonists in a common cause (independence) while pushing them further away and inspiring the colonists to greater action. The more the colonists protested, the more determined British officials became to tighten control over the colonies. Eventually, the colonists grew in their belief/conviction that America was destined to become a special place—an asylum or refuge where freedom and liberty could find safety and protection (i.e. they believed that the conditions in America were better suited for this). By 1776, the descendants of the original colonists had come to think of themselves as in a special category (“Americans”), uniquely placed by history to capitalize on (that is, to take advantage of), to complete, and fulfill the promise of man’s existence (the promise of freedom and the pursuit of happiness). The events and disturbances that occurred throughout the 1760s and in the years leading up to the revolution reinforced this belief, while offering grounds for a reconsideration of politics and society. Searching for unity: Common dangers pushed the 13 colonies toward unity (despite their differences, the English colonists faced some of the same dangers). Growing political distance also brought the colonies closer together while simultaneously straining the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain. Common dangers: Ever‐present possibility of conflict with neighboring American Indians and non‐
English colonists (i.e. the need for a common defense). Early attempts at unity: New England Confederation (1643): The four colonies in this confederation agreed to work together to defend against attacks by Amerindians or by nearby Dutch settlers. Albany Plan of Union: Conflict between Britain and France brought another effort at unity when, in 1754 (the outbreak of war between England and France) the British government summoned a meeting of colonial representatives. The purpose of the meeting: to plan for a defense against possible French attacks from present‐day Canada and other land to the west of British American colonies and their Amerindian allies as well as to forge closer ties (an alliance) with the Iroquois Confederacy. A total of seven British colonies met with the Iroquois in Albany New York. While the colonial delegates at the meeting adopted the Albany plan of union (which called for a council of colonial representatives that could levy taxes and raise an army), the individual colonial and British governments rejected the plan (the colonial governments did not want to give the Confederal government too much power). Why Early attempts at unity failed: Obstacles to unity: Colonists came to North America for different reasons and at different times (e.g. early colonists settled Virginia to make money, while Puritans came to freely practice their religion). Varying economies and geography also led to differences among the colonies. The New England Confederation had few powers because the members refused to relinquish power—resulted in a lack of cooperation (the objection of just one member of the confederation could keep it from taking action), which, when combined with disagreements rendered the confederation ineffective. Other instances/examples of when, why, and how the colonists came together (which you would need to explain): Stamp Act Congress non‐importation agreements (aka boycotts) Committees of Correspondence Formed in Boston in 1772 under the leadership of Samuel Adams in an effort to help with the growing colonial resistance—developed as part of a network of patriotic groups (that is, Committees of Correspondence) which had been established in 1763 to allow the colonists to communicate with each other about British policies. First and Second Continental Congresses (12 of the 13 colonies sent delegates to these congresses to determine a unified plan of action). First Continental Congress protested British policies and sent George III the Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress, called for a boycott of Britsih goods until British colonial policies were changed, adopted the Suffolk Resolves, and sent the Olive Branch Petition. Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, created the Articles of Confederation which loosely tied together the 13 independent States under a national government that was purposely kept weak (note: the states remained sovereign, while still “uniting” to wage a war of independence—reflects both obstacles to unity as well as attempts to search for unity). Declaration of Independence: Unanimously supported by the delegates of the Second Continental Congress (“These United Colonies,” “These United States,” that is, these colonies/states united….) The necessity of a unified opposition: In the end, political unity was achieved, despite the geographic and economic differences, due to common goals (e.g. the desire for independence from Great Britain). The colonial period witnessed the growth of colonial assemblies—the gradual transformation of colonial assemblies from provincial councils into miniature parliaments—they emerged as powerful legislative bodies. Examples ` Assertion among colonists that their elected assemblies had the “exclusive” right to tax them and/or to legislate on matters affecting the “internal polity” of the respected colony (e.g. excerpt from Dickinson’s “Letters from a Pennsylvania Farmer”). Galloway Plan of Union (proposed and ultimately rejected by the delegates at the First Continental Congress): Galloway proposed the creation of a "Grand Council of America" (something like an American House of Commons) to deal with inter‐colonial problems; this colonial legislature would be equal with Parliament in matters pertaining to the colonies Each colony would have a veto power over legislation that pertained to the colonies British king would appoint someone with veto power over the Grand Council. In addition, pay attention to the “colonial government and politics” handout, or the handout “how and why did North American societies adapt European governmental institutions to meet their needs in the new world”. Remember: You don’t have to write everything; nor do you want to write too in depth—rather, be very selective in what you choose to write about, while demonstrating you have a broad/general understanding of the topic. Don’t just list your topic, but provide enough explanation that I am convinced you know what you are talking about. Stay on topic!