State Constitutions

Second Continental Congress May, 1776 the Second Continental Congress urged the states to create new constitutions to replace their British royal charters. Republicanism – political leaders receive from the citizens their authority to make and enforce laws. – Supported the views of John Locke.

John Locke English philosopher who developed the theory of “natural rights.” He believed that all people were born with the rights of life, liberty, and property and the role of the government was to protect those rights.

New Constitutions Most new constitutions restricted the powers of the government. Terms of governors were limited to one year. Reduced the influence of the church on the government.

Separation of Church and State Colonists opposed the idea of paying taxes to a state church. Some believed a bond between church and state would lead to abuse of political power and religious wars.

Assignment Create your own State Constitution for Massachusetts. Things to consider: – Who is in charge? Why are they in charge? Who gave them power? – What kind of power do they have? Total/Partial? – What is the role of the church? – What are the main principles? – Add anything else. Taxes? Natural Rights?

We the people, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in order to form a more perfect state....