The Creation of the Federal Government

Unit 2

Sec.1:Roots of American Government

• A. An English Political Heritage–1. Many cultures settled here. Those from

England came in greatest numbers.• a. 1st permanent colony Jamestown, VA (12 more)

–2. English Principles influenced US Government.• a. Limited Gov’t: gov’t is not all-powerful

–1) Magna Carta: 1215, King John signed, limited King’s power. (taxes, cruel punish.)–2) English Bill of Rights (1689)–a) Kings don’t have divine right–b) Must have parliament’s approval to suspend

laws, levy taxes, keep an army.–c) Can’t interfere w/ elections–d) Ppl have right to speedy/fair trial.–e) No cruel/unusual punishment, right to bail.

–b. Representative Gov’t: People elected to make laws.

–1) British Parliament: House of Lords/House of Commons

–3. John Locke: writings became “textbook of American Revolution”.• a. All ppl were born free, equal, independent.• b. Ppl possessed natural rights.• c. Ppl contracted themselves w/ gov’t to protect

rights.• d. If Gov’t fails, people should change it.• e. People had not agreed to be governed by tyrants

who threatened their rights, but to rulers that defended them.• f. Gov’t legitimate as long as people continue consent.

• B. Gov’t in the Colonies–1. 1607-1733, 13 colonies founded, each had a

gov’t w/ governor, legislature and a court.–2. 3 types• a. Royal Colony: Ruled by King, he appointed gov’t.

(except lower house of legislature)• b. Proprietary Colony: Single individual given charter

by King to rule colony, Proprietor appts. the gov’t. (except lower house)• c. Charter Colony: Colonists given self-rule.• d. In all 3, people practiced representative gov’t.

–3. Colonial Gov’t practices became key pt. of our system.• a. Written Constiutions–1) Mayflower Compact (1620): Pilgrim pledge to

self-rule.–2) Fundamental Orders of Conn. (1639): 1st Written

constitution in America.• b. Colonial Legislatures: commitment to rep.

gov’t.–1) House of Burgesses (1619) in VA.

• c. Separation of Powers into 3 branches.

Sec.2:American Colonies Unite

• A. American Colonies and Britain– 1. Function of Colonies: provide resources and markets

for GB goods.– 2. Salutary Neglect: Hands off policy, as long as colonies

were loyal & useful, GB let them control day-to-day events (3000 mile distance)

– 3. Britain tightens control• a. Relations Change after Fr/Ind. War, Created war

debt and land needing protecting=more taxes, more troops.• b. King George III (1760): Dealt more firmly with

colonies (trade, inc. revenues) (stamp act)• -led to protests (Boston Tea Party/Intolerable Acts)

• B. Colonial Unity–1. Albany Plan (1754): Ben Franklin’s plan to unite

to deal with problems, failed.–2. Stamp Act Congress: Response to Stamp Act

(tax on all paper/printed goods), No Taxation w/o representation, boycotting, smuggling, Son of Lib.–3. Committees of Correspondence: Sam Adams,

underground communications network so efforts could be coordinated.

• 4. First Continental Congress: Placed an embargo on Britain and issued ultimatum to King (Declaration of Rights and Grievances)

• 5. Second Continental Congress: John Hancock, cen’l gov’t after Lexington/Concord. Helped prepare for war: appointed Washington, purchased supplies, borrowed $, started diplomatic relations, Declare Independence!

• C. Independence–1. Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense:

most persuasive argument for independence.–2. Declaration of Independence: written by

Jefferson, based on John Locke• a. Established a new form of gov’t based on

following ideals:

–1) All men created equal.–2) Endowed by Creator w/ unalienable rights (life,

liberty, pursuit of happiness/property)–3) Gov’ts are instituted to secure these rights.–4) Gov’ts derive power from consent of

governed.–5) People have right to abolish bad gov’ts.

• b. List of grievances against George III, shows how he violated political/personal rights.

• c. Formal declaration of war: necessary after all other attempts failed.