Origins of American Government Chapter 2

The Coming of Independence Section 2 The Coming of Independence

Britain’s Colonial Policies Salutary neglect and colonial self-government. British essential created a federal system of imperial governance. The Navigation Acts (1630s-1740s) were largely ignored. George III implements new laws to govern the empire and sought to enforce these. Colonists resisted the increasing control. French and Indian War. Direct v Indirect Representation.

Growing Colonial Unity Colonies were separate, independent political units that were often at odds with each other. Attempts to create greater colonial unity had limited success. New England Confederation (1643-1684) The Albany Plan (1754) Only after the colonies grew at odds with the central government in London did unity grow. The Stamp Act Congress (1765) Formed to unite the colonies in protest of the Stamp Act.

The First Continental Congress The Intolerable Acts (1774) Sent Declaration of Rights to the King A formal protest of the acts of Parliament. Organized an intercolonial boycott of all British goods and called for the creation of committees to enforce the boycott.

The Second Continental Congress The British government reacts to the boycotts and protests of the First Congress by passing even stricter measures to control the colonies. The Second Continental Congress is organized in 1775 to respond to these measures. Congress created a Continental Army Acted as a intercolonial legislative and executive body. Drafted the Articles of Confederation Wrote the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence Declaration embodied many of the basic ideals of the American colonists and some of the principles articulated are drafted into the Constitution. Embodied Enlightenment political thought and ideology in its text.

The First State Constitutions During this process many States begin drafting Constitutions to govern their territories. Many had similarities Popular sovereignty Limited government Civil rights and liberties Separation of powers Checks and balances.