Government The group of people who control and make decisions for a country, state, etc.

Colony A country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country.

1607-1770 – American colonists begin developing their beliefs about the proper form of government.

Protected Rights basic human rights that the government must respect.

Representative Legislature the group of people who make laws and decisions and who are chosen by the public

Magna Carta Magna Carta means Great Charter Signed by King John on June 15, 1215

Magna Carta Gave English people protection against unjust treatment or punishment Said all English people, even kings and queens, had to follow the law

Representative Government A system by which people elect delegates to make laws and conduct government

English Bill of Rights 1689 Set limit on King’s powers King could not change Parliament’s laws, create taxes, or raise an army without Parliament’s permission Members of Parliament were to be elected by the public

English Bill of Rights Citizens of England have right to trial by jury in court cases Cruel and unusual punishments banned

Town Meetings people discussed local issues at town meetings. Local governments that passed local laws were created in these meetings.

Who participated in colonial government? White men who owned property

Who could not participate in colonial government? Women Indentured servants Poor men who did not own property African Americans (free or slaves)