Government, Religion, and Culture Chapter 4 Section 2 Page108 Government, Religion, and Culture

Objectives Students will define the ideals of American democracy. How freedom of religion took root in colonial period.

Key Terms Mercantilism Export Import Smuggling Charter colony Proprietary colony Royal colony apprentice Literacy

An American Story Poor Richard’s Almanac “Fish and visitors stink after three days” Ben Franklin set up a Hospital, University, various inventions, was a founding father. Page 108

I. English Colonial Rule England viewed North America as an economic resource. Raw materials went to England then manufactured goods would be sold back to the colonies. This was an economic theory called mercantilism. This theory states that as a nation’s trade grows, it gold reserves increases and becomes more powerful. The Navigation Acts directed the flow of goods between England and the Colonies. They couldn’t use foreign ships and prevented the colonist from sending certain products such as sugar or tobacco outside England’s empire. So, they started smuggling to other nations.

II. Colonial Government By the 1600’s English people had won political liberties, such as trial by jury and limited government with representatives. The Magna Carta established the power of the King was limited and they had protection against unjust punishment, the loss of life, liberty, and property except according to law. The Colonies soon relied on their own governments to make local laws.

A. Charter Colonies Connecticut and Rhode Island established by settlers who had been given a charter, or grant of rights and privileges. The colonists elected their own governors and members of the legislature. England had the right to approve the governor, but he couldn’t veto the acts of the legislature.

B. Proprietary Colonies Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania had been granted land as individuals or groups. They were free to rule as they wished. They appointed the Governor and members of their upper house, while colonist voted for members of their lower house.

C. Royal Colonies Ruled directly by Britain; Georgia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The King appointed the Governor and the upper house, while the colonist elected the lower house. This usually cause disputes between the houses when the King tried to enforce tax laws and trade restrictions.

Voting Rights Colonial legislatures gave only some people a voice in government. White men who owned property. This strong participation gave Americans training that was valuable when the Colonies became independent.

III. An Emerging Culture In 1720 – 1740 A Great awakening swept through the colonies as a religious revival. This led to the formation of many new churches.

A. Family Roles Most families worked the farms with the Father as the formal head and representative. Women could go to church but not vote, speak, or be clergy. Sons worked as apprentices or learning assistants.

B. Education Literacy is the ability to read and write. Some colonies required the schools to teach for Bible reading. The first public education law passed in 1647 by the Puritans in Massachusetts. The first collage was Harvard established in 1636 by the Puritans in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

C. The Enlightment Many educated colonist were influenced by a new movement which began in Europe, spreading the idea that knowledge, reason, and science could improve society. The best known American scientist was Benjamin Franklin.

D. Freedom of the Press One of the first important cases of free press in America was argued by Andrew Hamilton. “Free speech was a basic right of the English people.” The New York Weekly Journal faced charges of libel for printing a critical report about the royal Governor. The paper was found not guilty.