Roots of Representative Government

• As discussed in the previous section – power of the government comes from the governed (the people) That is a Democracy.

• Magna Carta (Great Charter) – document providing these “Natural Rights” John Locke and others write about.

• 1215- King John signs

• Very beneficial to nobleman and freemen.

Magna Carta• 1. Could not have property seized• 2. Could not be taxed unless representing body

agreed.• 3. Could not be put on trial based only on a

powerful officials word.• 4. Trial by jury instated• 5. King is not above the law

• Over time, these rights are granted to all English

• Parliament – same representational body in Britain today.

• Much like the U.S. Congress.

• House of Commons, House of Lords• Colonies start to develop parliament-like

representational bodies• Might know one already?• General Assembly

• Parliament still controlled the colonies… with no representation from them.

• This angered the colonists

Bad Leader?

• Edmund Andros – governor of Massachusetts

• Removed representational assemblies• Only annual town meetings allowed

• Why?

• The colonial citizens in Massachusetts were breaking the Navigation acts.

• So we have little to no representation….

• A governor, or multiple governors who are not very popular with those living in the colonies…

GLORIOUS! Revolution

• Sometimes called “Bloodless” – not true.

• King James wanted a more catholic Parliament.– parliament got mad and decided to overthrow

him with the help of his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange (then king of the Netherlands).

English Bill of Rights

• Respect right in Magna Carta• Could not cancel or make laws without

Parliament consent• Cruel and unusual punishment forbidden• Right of protest

• Law made by Parliament – not the King or Queen.

• When the colonies hear about this Glorious Revolution…. What happens to Andros?

• Arrested and returned in England!!!

Salutary Neglect

• Salutary – helpful• Neglect – hands off or of little direct action

• So then what does this mean?

• And how did this affect the colonists?

Zenger Trial

• John Peter Zenger – stood trial for criticizing New York Governor. – acquitted of charges.

• Freedom of press – important for the eventual publication of newspapers and pamphlets like T PAINES – Common Sense