Mackenzie Chaffee
History to 1877
Kim Steele
May 2015
Government in the United States to 1877
The United States started off its history as the longest lasting government, based on the
Constitution by separating its ties from tyrannical Great Britain. The wars that ensued to find
independence and to stay as a Union, from the disagreements and blood shed to the unified
forces that helped them conquer the greatest army on earth at the time, America proved time
and time again to have great strength. The democracy established wasn’t perfect, but it has
been the best one compared to the rest of the worlds in terms of power, safety, and
endurance. Other countries are modelling their governments after this great nation. There can
be no denying its effectiveness throughout its changes to become more efficient and better suit
the needs of the American people.
In the very start of America, there were the colonists in Virginia under the crown’s rule.
They were a royal colony after they had an uprising, and the king appointed the governor and
the council members after, but kept the previous charter mostly intact from there.1 Laws had to
be approved by the king’s bureaucrats in England instead of the company in Virginia. Also, “all
1
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed. Page
67. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
free adult men in Virginia could vote for the House of Burgesses, giving it a far broader and
more representative constituency than [the previous government].”2
The Chesapeake colonists were under the belief that only the greatest men should
obtain office. Yet, many believed that this was only “great men” using their power to “promote
their selfish personal interests rather than government impartially.”3 The poor felt that they
were being skived off and were only having wrong done unto them. This persuaded the people
in power to try and keep the power in their hands and they outlawed voting for poor men in
1670 so that only the wealthy who owned land and the heads of households to have a say.4
When the Pilgrims came, they also established a government of sorts. They landed in
the wrong area, and, as they had no legal rights to settle, they conjured up the Mayflower
Contract which established order, security, and to claim it was legitimate.5 They were half dead
two or three months into the winter, but with the help of Indians and willpower, they persisted.
It was a permanent settlement, but wasn’t attractive to outsiders.
Next was the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They elected a governor as well and he was a
landowner and lawyer. The ships that brought these colonists contained those who wanted to
reform the corrupt church and the governor tried to do everything through purity and while he
was a wealthy and prosperous man, Winthrop managed to govern them to their wants during
2
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 67. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
3
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 77. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
4
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 77. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
5
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 95. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
this time.6 This was an improvement from Chesapeake because the new colony “entered a
social order defined by the interlocking institutions of family, church and community,” while the
Chesapeake colonists were “disciplined mostly by the coercions of servitude and the caprices of
the tobacco market.”7
The next idea was that of a government for Puritanism. Puritans were taking hold in the
Massachusetts Bay colony and they believed laws needed to be the governing factor, and they
wanted godly men to decide what these would be. They allowed all male church members to
vote for officials, but not any women, regardless of if they were church members or not.8 They
allowed most men to speak out and be heard, and this falls along the lines of out more
traditional day government, where everyone has the freedom of speech and the chance to be
heard.
In Pennsylvania, the ability to vote was still based on religion. They accepted all
Protestants and Roman Catholics and those who wanted a say had to be Christians, to vote and
to hold office. Yet, they did not push people to attend church services or pay taxes to maintain
the state-supported church like in other colonies.9 They weren’t as lenient as they seemed,
however. They had no qualms using “civil government to enforce religious morality” and one of
6
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 96. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
7
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed. Page
97. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
8
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed. Page
101. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
9
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed. Page
112. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
the first laws made was for severe punishment for any offenses in the long list created, among
which were lying, cruelty, cursing, and others.10
The proprietor of the time in Pennsylvania was William Penn, and he ruled with powers
that only the king had to review. He was on good terms with Charles II and he picked the
governors, could veto laws, and “stressed that the exact form of government mattered less
than the men who served in it.”11 This means that although he was jailed for doing things some
didn’t agree with, he still was allotted power because of his loyalty to the king, but he tried his
best to make it a government suited for the people. Eventually, they developed a charter, the
Charter of Privileges, which gave the proprietor the power to appoint the council and in turn
stripped [it] of all its former powers and gave them to the assembly,” becoming the only singlehouse legislature in the new world at this time.12 Penn enacted 71 laws for the colony and they
drew the connection between politics and religion. They had laws against cursing (Chapter 6), a
law against adultery (Chapter 9), which directly relates to the Bible, and also against assaulting
a parent (Chapter 24), which relates to the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses. 13
10
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 112. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
11
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 111-112. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
12
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 112. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
13
Johnson, Michael P., et al. Reading the American Past: Selected Historical Documents, Vol. I: To 1877,
5th ed. Page 69-72. 2002. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
In Massachusetts and Connecticut, the government began selling land to individuals
directly14 and tis meant that membership in a community, rather than being a member of a
church, decided who could obtain their own property. This was a step further towards the
modern voting of today. It was opening up voting for more and more groups of people, besides
just church members, it was now landowners, and any male could buy land if he had the
money. It was still based on wealth to some extent, but had one less qualification. This
encouraged people to settle on their own instead of going to towns and villages.15
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress was created. The delegates were wellestablished figures and they disagreed quite a bit. Some thought that a king was necessary to a
working government and losing Britain’s protection was “suicidal.”16 At this time in
Massachusetts, were not under a civil government because the crown was taking almost
complete control. They wanted independence greatly as a result. Eventually, under the Second
Continental Congress, the delegates “created an army, declared war, and issued its own
currency.”17 This shows how, even without independence, they managed to make a working
example of a government on their own. They were not technically legal, but they were doing
everything in their power to be the independent nation they were already hoping for.
14
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 127. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
15
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 127. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
16
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 193. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
17
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 193. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
The victory against the British led the new ideas of power in government. The central
government powers were agreed on for things like regulating trade, pursuing war and peace,
having a postal service, and others. The Articles of Confederation were similar to that of the
Continental Congress and there was no president or judiciary for the national government, but
there was a three year term limit that ensured rotation in the offices.18 The new government
had taxation, however it was not direct. This led to a problem, since they hoped states would
collect taxes and deposit them to the national treasury, but they had no authority, and states
didn’t have to pay. Having a poor central government that was virtually powerless to continuing
progressing, since it needed unanimous consent to do so and with every aspect was added to
the Articles specifically to keep the government in check.19
The next step was to make sure that each state drew up their own idea of the
constitution they wanted. All wanted a written contract that stated their rights and a
government that promoted their welfare. Some contained bills of rights, and some of this ideals
transferred into the Bill of Rights we have today. States were also in charge of selecting who
would vote, among other things. They based it off of how much money they were worth in
some states, and very few states specified that women were not allowed to vote, as it was seen
as a fact that needn’t be mentioned. One state even made the price low enough that free
18
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 229. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
19
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 229. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
blacks and single women were allowed to vote, and this was concluded as most likely an
oversight, because in these days, that was unheard of.20
The Articles were proved hopeless when the army that was created was camping in
Newburgh and the soldiers needed pay. The officers took this as a chance to institute national
taxes as an amendment. This, along with the threat of Congressman Morris resigning created
enough shock that a few states started to submit money. Yet, they couldn’t make enough and it
was sent in after the soldiers were sent back. The debt increased, but they were enlightened in
this that the new territories would be a source of money.21
As the country progressed, a President finally was instituted, and Washington is well
known for all that he did, warned against, and for his limit of terms so as not to become
tyrannical like the monarchy they had just escaped. Washington made sure that the
government position was respected by keeping ceremonies and he wanted to project being
virtuous as a quality that was needed.22 He never wanted it to be the splendor of royalty. He
chose who would be in charge of what departments in the government and would meet with
them regularly. The meetings allowed for the Bill of Rights to be passed, and it was then that
the government amended the Constitution and ratified the first ten amendments. They left out
certain things, however, such as the right to vote, specifics based on slavery, and Congress
“never considered proposals to change structural features of the new government, and
20
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 233. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
21
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 239. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
22
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 261. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Madison had no intention of reopening debates about the length of the president’s term or the
power to levy and exercise taxes.”23 This means that, although the Constitution and first ten
rights still used today were intact and followed, things were still ignored and people were
discriminated against, because they didn’t want to open some topics. The government was
getting more and more similar to the one that exists today.
When Washington gave his Farewell Address to the United States, he gave advice that
can still be taken into account today. He told them that “must always exalt the just pride of
Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.”24 This means to
always take pride in the United States than any other category they might label themselves
under, and to put the nation first. He also calls it justly dear to Americans, and that it is the
“main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home,
your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly
prize.”25 What Washington makes clear here is that the government cannot be seen as
something separate, because they are under the same flag and to separate from each other
and to not support the nation will challenge all the things that they’ve earned. They cannot
exist without unity, pride, and trust that the government will keep them and the nation safe,
and that they will check it to make sure it stays just.
23
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 264. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
24
Johnson, Michael P., et al. Reading the American Past: Selected Historical Documents, Vol. I: To 1877,
5th ed. Page 183. 2002. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
25
Johnson, Michael P., et al. Reading the American Past: Selected Historical Documents, Vol. I: To 1877,
5th ed. Page 183. 2002. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Then Jefferson came along, and he decided to destroy the federalist innovations and
reduced the army, abolished federal taxes based on population and whiskey, and wanted to
introduce a limited government. He wanted them to have mere responsibilities and he cut
down the number of people in office. The outcome of all of this ended in the case of Marbury
vs. Madison. It was significant because it proved that the Court could “disallow a law on the
grounds that it was unconstitutional.”26
Jackson was the first president to not lessen party conflict by having different factions in
office, as he only allowed loyalists. This was followed by most of the presidents that followed
him.27 He supported a Jeffersonian limited government like Jefferson and he opposed grants
and charters that benefited the wealthy investors.28 This was a more “hands off” style and it
allowed the idea of building your own opportunities to still exist. Comparatively, John Locke
“asserted that all governments were essentially a compact between individuals based on the
principles of human nature.”29 It shows that the more natural a government is, the more likely
it is to please those that are under it. But the breaking of laws is what discourages the people.
Throughout the rest of his term, Jackson continued on his individuality by exercising his
power to veto, using it “twelve times; all previous presidents combined had exercised that right
26
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 293. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
27
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 333. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
28
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 333. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
29
Davidson, James West (2009-09-22). After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection, Volume I: 1 (Page
87). McGraw-Hill Higher Education -A. Kindle Edition.
a total of nine times.”30 It showed that the powers of the presidency exist for some and help
them form their causes, whereas for other presidential figures, not all powers will be used and
might even seem pointless. The once nonexistent executive branch ended up playing a more
important role than the past could’ve predicted.
The rest of the president’s continued to change certain ideals and make more
amendments. In 1862, when the war had begun, there was much going on in the economy. “…
the United States had no national banking system, no national currency, and no federal income
tax.”31 The government had to establish national banks that replaced decentralized state banks
and enacting tax laws. “By revolutionizing the country’s banking, monetary, and tax structures,
the Republicans generated enormous economic power.”32 This move was positive for the
republicans, obviously, and it helped pick the nation up and set it back on its feet, since having
such a negative economy at the start of the war is a huge dilemma. Following these, there was
the Department of Agriculture and the Land-Grant College Act, which set aside public land for
universities and these ideas “permanently changed the nation.”33 The outcome of many laws
and acts allowed the nation to progress both economically, politically, and socially.
Under Lincoln, the nation took a turn towards allowing slavery to be illegal and allowing
slaves to have the right to vote. The Civil War was not only a war against slavery though, it was
30
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 333. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
31
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 483. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
32
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 483. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
33
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th ed.
Page 484. 2002. Boston, Bedford/St. Martin’s.
for states’ rights as well.34 The southern states weren’t the first to consider seceding and they
felt they needed to so they could keep their rights. At this time, many states still believed that
states’ rights were predominant over federal law.35 This is different to now, where the states are
less powerful than the national government. It’s a change that makes sense to us now, but probably
was very conflicting to them, since the national government had always left certain laws and the
interpretation of the equality of all men to the states jurisdiction. On a side note, another reason
the South wanted to secede was because they depended heavily on slavery for economic
purposes and did not want to lose that advantage.
Government is important to a new nation, a growing nation, and most importantly, a
successful nation. Having a strong central government that people can trust is essential.
Throughout the United States history, many factors have changed it, added to it, and discarded
parts of it. There have been instances when it has been divided and when it has been united
and joyous. The United States could not be where it is today without each little alteration made
in the past, and it will continue to change, growing and becoming more efficient. Government is
important in uniting the people under it to have protection, education, and prosperity. Without
it, the nation would have fallen apart from the start. Under the Articles of Confederation there
was an ineffective government, and that alone was enough to make the nation stumble. The
government may never be perfect and most people will complain, but the Constitution is the
longest standing foundation of a country to this day. Washington warned the people to
recognize their label as Americans, and to not forget to be patriotic. This was for a reason.
34
Kim Steele. Lecture 15 -House Divided. Page 5.
35
Kim Steele. Lecture 15 -House Divided. Page 5.
I chose this topic to research because government is so essential to us, it stabilizes the
nation. It is important to every nation that hopes to succeed. Without it, we wouldn’t be so
proud of the institution it has helped create. It has aspects of a limited government, but it also
makes sure that the people cannot rebel against laws that are necessary to keep peace. It’s
really an amazing concept that has taken years to get where we are now, and it will constantly
evolve. It’s ever-changing. I would like to research it further because it is important to know
how the government works and to take into account its powers. To know it and understand it
gives me more power as an individual. I can vote and exercise any rights that I might not be
aware of now. I think I would also research other types of government as well, to have a better
understanding all around. The combinations ad trial and error of different types would be just
as interesting, if not more, than the government that the United States has created. It’s a great
institution and idea, and although it might not be perfect, it’s incredible to see where we
started, in the little colony of Virginia to the end result of the present that just continues on.