1. Chapter 4 Life in the Colonies
A Visual Vocabulary
17 words

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

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

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

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

6. libel
Publishing statement that damage a person’s reputation

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

8. gentry
The upper class of colonial society

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

10. 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.

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

12. racism
The belief that one race is better than another.

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

14. Public school
A school supported by taxes

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

16. Natural rights
Rights that belong to every human being from birth

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

18. Separation of powers
The division of government powers into separate branches