Essential Question How did the structure and practices of English Government both affect & influence early America?

The Rights of “Englishmen” Chapter 5 Section 2 (Pt I)

Parliament & Colonial Govt. Parliament, England’s lawmaking branch, served as the model for colonial legislatures Parliament was bicameral, or had two houses: House of Commons Members were freely elected by eligible voters House of Lords Nonelected Lords, Nobles, & Clergy English colonists valued representative govt. & it followed them to America W/ the King 1000’s of miles away, self-govt became the norm in the colonies

Glorious Revolution & Bill of Rights In 1687, King James dismissed British Parliament which enraged the English people Secretly, Parliament offered the English throne to William & Mary of the Netherlands King James fled the country in 1688 This transfer of power, via a bloodless revolution, became known as the Glorious Revolution Part of the agreement btwn Parliament and William & Mary was the drafting & upholding of an English Bill of Rights This was a specific list of rights that the English Monarchy could not override

Salutary Neglect & A New Right After the Glorious Revolution, England very rarely interfered in colonial affairs This hands-off policy, known as “salutary neglect” encouraged colonists to govern themselves Colonists quickly got used to acting independently They also began to see the British as disinterested “Landlords”

A New Right In 1735, Colonists moved toward gaining the new, important right of freedom of the press John Peter Zenger, publisher of the NY Weekly Journal, stood trial for printing criticism of NY’s Governor His paper claimed that the governor accepted bribes, illegally removed judges, & tried to fix an election At the time it was illegal to criticize public officials publicly Zenger’s lawyer argued that his claims were based in truth & people had the right to speak truthfully The jury agreed, Zenger was released, & freedom of the press was established

Quiz Question/Summary What important right was upheld in the trial of John Peter Zenger? Freedom of Assembly Freedom of Religion Freedom of the Press The right to Bear Arms