Foundations of American Government Our Political Beginnings

Our Historical Beginnings  White European explorers, traders, and settlers began making their way to North America in the mid- sixteenth century Mainly French, Dutch, Spanish, Swedes, and English  The English came in largest numbers and soon controlled the 13 colonies

Landmark English Documents  Magna Carta Meaning “Great Charter” In 1215, a group of barons forced King John to sign it because they were weary of his military campaigns and heavy taxes It served as protection from the absolute power of the king—Divine Right.  Established that the powers of the monarch are NOT absolute Originally contained 63 clauses

Magna Carta  Out of 63 clauses, only 3 are still relevant today 1.Guaranteeing the liberties of the English Church 2.Confirming the privileges of the city of London and other towns 3.No free man shall be imprisoned, dispossessed, outlawed, or exiled without the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land

Landmark English Documents  Petition of Right Limited the King’s power further  Could no longer imprison or punish without lawful judgment of peers  Could not impose marshal law in time of peace  Could not require civilians to house troops  English Bill of Rights William and Mary of Orange  No standing army in peace time, except with consent of Congress  Parliament elections be free  Fair trial; Freedom from excessive bail; No cruel and unusual punishment

The English Bill of Rights  Bill of Rights declared: “that the pretended power of suspending the laws, or the execution of laws, by regal authority, without consent of Parliament is illegal… that levying money for or to the use of the Crown…without grant of Parliament…is illegal… that it is the right of the subjects to petition the king…and that prosecutions for such petitioning are illegal…”

Basic Concepts  Ordered government Governments (states) need to have an “orderly” relationship with one another  Established offices and units of govt that still exist today: sheriff, grand jury, counties, townships, etc  Limited government Govt is NOT all-powerful. Individuals have rights that can not be taken away—natural rights  Representative government Govt should serve the will of the people People should have a voice in deciding what the government should/should not do

Historical Movement toward Independence

Establishment of Colonies  1607 – Virginia—the first colony was founded (Jamestown)  1733 – Georgia—the last colony to form (Savannah)  By 1775, there were 13 separate colonies Each colony was established by a charter—a written grant of authority from the king

Three Types of Colonies Over time, three different types of colonies developed: Royal Colonies  Under direct control of the King Proprietary Colonies  Under control of a proprietor—person given a land grant by the king Charter Colonies  Granted to the colonists directly—they were largely self-governing

Royal Colonies  King named governor, executive  Bicameral Two house system Elected by male property owners All laws had to be approved by Governor or the Crown  Examples: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia

Proprietary Colonies  Established people who received land grants from the King Government was one chosen by the owner  Unicameral—these colonies used a one house system  Examples: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland

Charter Colonies  Granted by England to the colonists themselves  Almost totally self-governed Meaning they were not subject to direct scrutiny or control of the Crown  Examples: Rhode Island, Connecticut

 Royal Colonies Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia  Proprietary Colonies Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland  Charter Colonies Rhode Island, Connecticut Three Types of Colonies

( ) French and Indian War  War costs $$$$... Heavy taxes were placed onto the colonists  The increase in taxes upset the colonists But bigger issue was that they had no “say” in deciding taxes — TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

(1760) King George III  King George III was initially welcomed However, soon became seen as an autocratic ruler Began to raise taxes to support British troops in the colonies Many colonists were loyal subjects to the crown, but felt that the King and Parliament had no right to control their local affairs Many colonists were loyal subjects to the crown, but felt that the King and Parliament had no right to control their local affairs

Stamp Act of 1765  This was a new set of high taxes on paper goods Tax stamps were required for certain business agreements, all legal documents, newspapers, and even playing cards Although the Act was repealed by Parliament, it stirred up some friction  Mob violence and boycotts flared up Boston Massacre (1770) Boston Tea Party (1773)

1774 – Intolerable Acts  A new set of strict laws passed by Parliament to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party

1 st and 2 nd Continental Congress  After the Intolerable Acts, delegates from every colony (except GA) met in Philadelphia (September, 1774) They composed a Declaration of Rights and Grievances—a statement of complaints addressed to King George III  Met again in May 1775 By this time, the Revolutionary War had begun