Colonial Government

By Mr. Casey

AGENDA

English Government (Britain)

Colonial Government

The Path to WarBritish Government

British Rule

King George III

Prime Minister & Parliament

By the late 1700’s the colonies had been governing themselves for

more than 100 years. They had been practicing self-government and

making their own laws. They had a sense of freedom and although they

were British subjects, they had a desire to live free.

COLONIAL GOVERNMENTAssemblies v. Governors

AssemblyEach of the colonies had an assembly of representatives that voted on laws and whether or not to support the Royal Governor

The colonists had no representation in Parliament. What problems do you

think that caused? Why would colonists be upset about no

representatives from the colonies in Parliament?

The colonies modeled their government on Parliament.

*Parliament was Britain’s lawmaking body. Elected members voted on laws and taxes.

The king still held great power and final say.

Assembly

The colonists had no representation in Parliament. What problems do you

think that caused? Why would colonists be upset about no

representatives from the colonies in Parliament?

The colonies modeled their government on Parliament.

*Parliament was Britain’s lawmaking body. Elected members voted on laws and taxes.

The king still held great power and final say.

Royal Governors

Eight of the 13 colonies had a Royal Governor. They were appointed by the king. Their job was to enforce British Law. They often disagreed with the assembly.

House of Burgesses

Virginia had the most successful assembly. It was called the House of Burgesses. It was started in 1619. Many other colonies end up copying the House of Burgesses system.

Assemblies (like the H.O.B) could make laws to print money, build roads, collect taxes, make land laws, and organize militias

House of Burgesses

Famous Virginians that served in the H.O.B include:

Thomas Jefferson

Patrick Henry George Washington

What are a few of the documents that inspired the colonists to govern

themselves?

The Mayflower Compact

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut