1.3 Colonial Governments and Influences Flashcards

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Historical Context for Colonial Governments

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All 13 colonies were started with a charter from the king, allowing people to live there and form governments and businesses. Each colony had elected legislatures and three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.

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British Influences on Colonial Governments

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The Magna Carta (1215) and the English Bill of Rights (1689) influenced colonial governments by establishing principles like no taxation without representation and the rule of law.

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Magna Carta's Contributions

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The Magna Carta stated that some people can't be taxed without representation, established the rule of law, and provided for a fair trial and freedom from cruel punishment.

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English Bill of Rights' Contributions

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The English Bill of Rights provided freedom of speech in Parliament and ensured that the monarch couldn't enforce laws without legislative approval.

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The Enlightenment's Influence

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The Enlightenment began in Europe in the 1600s, promoting questioning and reason, and led to new ideas about the relationship between people and government.

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Notable Enlightenment Thinkers

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Montesquieu advocated for the separation of government branches, Voltaire for freedom of speech, Rousseau for people as the source of power, and John Locke had a huge influence on early American government.

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John Locke's view on the beginnings of government

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All peaceful beginnings of government are based on the consent of the people.

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Natural liberty of man according to John Locke

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To be free from any superior power on Earth and not under the legislative authority of man.

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John Locke's view on freedom under government

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Freedom under government is having a standing rule to live by, common to everyone in society.

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Why John Locke would not agree with Great Britain’s rule under a king

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John Locke believed in government based on the consent of the people, not absolute monarchy.