Chapter 4 Life in the Colonies A Visual Vocabulary 17 words

legislature A group of people that have the power to make laws.

Bill of Rights A written list of freedoms that a government promises to protect

Habeas corpus The principle that a person cannot be held in prison without being charged with a crime.

Freedom of the press The right of journalists to report the truth without restriction or penalty

libel Publishing statement that damage a person’s reputation

apprentice Someone who learns a trade by working for someone in that trade for a certain time.

gentry The upper class of colonial society

Middle class Members who were small planters, independent farmers and artisans

Indentured servant Person who signed a contract to work from 4 to 7 years in the colonies for anyone who would pay for his passage.

Triangular trade  A three way trade between the colonies, the Caribbean islands and Africa.

racism The belief that one race is better than another.

Slave code Strict laws that restricted the rights and activities of slaves

Public school A school supported by taxes

Dame school Schools that women open in their houses to teach girls and boys to read and write.

Natural rights Rights that belong to every human being from birth

Divine rights The belief that monarchs got their authority to rule directly from God

Separation of powers The division of government powers into separate branches