Influences on Representative Government in the Colonies

Key Documents and Early Governments

Magna Carta (1215)

• Written in England by the nobility to limit the king's power.
• Initially granted rights to the wealthy, which later extended to common people.

Virginia House of Burgesses (1619)

• Established in Jamestown, Virginia, as the first representative government.
• Allowed free white land-owning men to select representatives.

Mayflower Compact (1620)

• Created by Pilgrims in Massachusetts to establish the first self-government in the colonies.

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)

• Written by Thomas Hooker, it was the first written constitution in the new world.
• Extended voting rights beyond church membership.

English Bill of Rights

• Referred to as "Magna Carta 2.0."
• Limited the king’s power and granted rights to the people.

Causes of Colonial Self-Government

• Distance from King: Communication delays due to 3,000-mile distance.
• Salutary Neglect: King focused on economic gains rather than governance.

Influential Eras

The Enlightenment

• Encouraged education and informed thought.
• John Locke: Advocated natural rights (life, liberty, property) and the social contract.

The Great Awakening

• A religious movement emphasizing emotional preaching and personal engagement.
• Promoted religious freedom and equality, encouraging involvement in representative government.

Influential Figures

William Blackstone

• Lawyer who believed in God-given rights.

Thomas Hooker

• Advocated for equality and voting rights for all men.

John Locke

• Supported protection of individual rights and inspired the Declaration of Independence.

Charles de Montesquieu

• Promoted separation of powers into three government branches.

William Penn

• Quaker who established Pennsylvania, believed in equality and representative government.

Economic Influences

Mercantilism

• System where colonies enrich the mother country.

Triangle Trade

• Involved the exchange of rum and weapons from America to Africa in exchange for slaves sent to American plantations.
• Driven by cash crop agriculture and colonial profit motives.

Study Recommendations

• Review materials on Quizlet and supplementary videos on colonial regions.

Remember to study key dates and figures, and understand the cause-and-effect relationships that led to the development of representative government in the American colonies.