Unit 1 Part II-Colonization Colonial Government

Where did our ideas about government come from? English colonists brought with them a legacy of fighting tyranny by rulers. Tyranny- the harsh use of power The Magna Carta and the Declaration of Rights had given English people basic rights including self-government.

Questions Can you give me an example of a tyrannical ruler in history? What does tyranny mean? What does self-government mean?

Magna Carta Magna Carta- in 1215, English nobles forced King John to sign the Magna Carta, or Great Charter. This agreement made it impossible for the monarch to tax people without consulting them. It also stated that people accused of crimes had a right to have a trial by jury of their peers, or equals. This was the first time an English ruler accepted limits on his or her power.

Signing of the Magna Carta

Questions How can we link what it states in the Magna Carta to our laws today?

Declaration of Rights Declaration of Rights- in 1688, during the Glorious Revolution, Parliament forced King James II off the throne. In 1689, the new king and queen, William and Mary, signed an agreement called the Declaration of Rights. It gave the power to make laws and levy taxes to the people’s elected representatives in Parliament and no one else. It also listed the rights of the people. This included the right to a trial by jury and the right to petition, or written request, to the government.

William and Mary

Question How can we link what it stated in the Declaration of Rights to laws we have today?

Elected Assembly Every colony had an elected assembly. Colonists also decided local issues such as organizing a militia. Militia-citizens trained to fight in an emergency

Peter Zenger Freedom of press became an issue in 1735, when Peter Zenger was charged with libel. His attorney argued that printing the truth is not libel and Zenger should have the right to print the truth. Libel-printing statements that damages a person’s good name.

Question Can you tell me how the media is protected today? Can the media be charged with libel? How? Do you know an example?

Peter Zenger Trial

Peter Zenger

Navigation Acts Although the colonists had some self-government, England controlled trade. Navigation Acts outlined how trade was to be conducted, but the colonists often ignored them. Navigation Acts: 1. All trade goods coming to and from the colonies had to be carried in English or colonial ships.

Navigation Acts Continued… 2. Listed colonial products that could be sold only in England ( tobacco, sugar, forest products, and furs) 3. Any goods coming to the colonies from countries other than England had to pass through England. British leaders became concerned about the growing independence of the colonies and prepared to crack down.

Navigation Acts

Navigation Acts

Question Why did England want to control colonial trade? What did the English need in order to do this? How did they enforce the Navigation Acts? How did the colonists try to avoid the Navigation Acts?