The Coming of Independence American Government

Britain’s Colonial Policies Although Parliament was interested in colonial trade, it left matters of administration to the king. Due to distance from England, the colonists because used to a large measure of self-government. Colonial legislatures had broad lawmaking power, including power of the purse. By mid-1700’s, relationship between Britain and the colonies began to resemble federalism. Britain was responsible for defense, foreign affairs, trade, and money. Most other elements of rule were left to the individual colonies.

Britain’s Colonial Policies When King George III came to power, the British dealt more firmly with the colonies. They implemented restrictive trading acts, and imposed new taxes. Colonists saw little need for British troops on American soil, and wanted to be free from “taxation without representation.” While colonists considered themselves loyal British subjects, they refused to accept Parliament’s claim that it had a right to control their local affairs. The king’s ministers pushed ahead with their policies, leaving the colonists two choices; submit or revolt.

Growing Colonial Unity Before the 1770s, there had been several attempts to promote cooperation among the colonies – New England Confederation formed among several settlements. It was a “league of friendship” for defense against Native Americans. Dissolved in 1684 as danger from Native Americans passed – William Penn offered a plan for intercolonial cooperation in trade, defense, and criminal matters. It received little attention.

The Albany Plan In 1754, a meeting was called to discuss problems of trade and the danger of French attacks. At this meeting, Benjamin Franklin offered the Albany Plan of Union. He proposed the formation of an annual congress of delegates from each colony. The body would have the power to raise military forces, make war and peace with Native Americans, regulate trade, and tax. The plan was agreed to by the representatives, but rejected by the colonies and the crown.

The Stamp Act Congress Stamp Act of 1765 – required use of tax stamps on all legal documents, certain business agreements, and newspapers. These new taxes were widely denounced in the colonies. October, 1765 – nine colonies sent delegates to Stamp Act Congress in New York. Sent a list of protests to the king. Parliament repealed the Stamp Act, but new laws and policies were made to tie colonies closer to England. In reaction, colonists protested throughout the colonies and boycotted British goods.

First Continental Congress In the spring of 1774, Parliament passed the “Intolerable Acts,” a set of laws to punish colonists for the trouble in the colonies. Delegates from all colonies except Georgia met and debated plans for action. The delegates sent a declaration protesting Britain's colonial policies to the king and urged the colonies to refuse to trade with the British. They also agreed to meet again in May, 1775.

The Second Continental Congress The British refused to revise its colonial policies, and placed more restrictive measures on the colonists in some cases. The Second Continental Congress met on May 10, All 13 colonies were represented. A continental army was created – George Washington was named commander. It served as the government of the U.S. during the Revolutionary War. It exercised both legislative and executive powers. Legislative – each state had one vote Executive – functions handled by a committee of delegates. July 4, 1776 – Declaration of Independence adopted.

The First State Constitutions Congress urged each of the colonies to adopt state constitutions to replace their royal charters. In , states adopted constitutions which included laws setting out the principles, structure, and process of their government. State constitutions shared several common features: 1.popular sovereignty – the idea that government can only exist with the consent of the governed. 2.Limited government – powers granted to government were limited and restricted. 3.Civil rights and liberties – the people held rights that the government must respect at all times. 4.Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances – Power was divided into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) and each had the power to check the others.