1. Colonists expected their government to preserve their basic rights as English subjects. What were those rights? How did English citizens gain them?

2. English Rights Magna Carta signed by King John under force Limited powers of king by guaranteeing rights to nobleman-property could not be seized, no taxation unless a council of prominent men agreed, could not be put on trial based only on an official’s word & without witnesses, punished only by jury of peers 1215 English Bill of Rights upheld by William & Mary An agreement to respect the citizens and Parliament Monarchs could not cancel laws or impose taxes unless Parliament agreed, free elections and frequent meetings must be held, excessive fines and punishments forbidden, people had the right to complain without being arrested 1689 John Peter Zenger stood trial fro printing criticism of New York’s governor (an illegal act) Zenger claimed people had the right to speak the truth, jury agreed. Freedom of the press established. 1735

3. Colonial Government

4. Colonial Government in NC