From England with Love: Traditions of American Government

Overview

• Lecture focuses on English traditions of government and their influence on American governance.
• Examines values that led colonists to declare independence from Britain.

Constitutional Government

• Definition: A constitutional government is a limited government that has specific purposes and limitations on power.
• Thomas Jefferson's quote emphasizes the need for a government of laws, not men.

Historical Context

• Middle Ages: People were oppressed under monarchs.
  • Robin Hood symbolizes the fight against oppressive rulers, specifically King John.
• Magna Carta (1215): Key document establishing limited government and individual rights.
  • Principles enshrined:
    • Taxation by consent: King needs permission from representatives to tax.
    • Rule of law: Laws apply to everyone, including the king.
    • Right to jury trials: Judicial authority separate from the monarch.

Development of Government Systems

• Emergence of British Parliament: Body of nobles and clergy that the king must consult for taxation.
• Comparison of monarchs:
  • English king's powers were limited compared to other European kings.

Stuart Dynasty and Absolutism

• Queen Elizabeth's death leads to the Stuart dynasty and absolutism.
• Divine Right of Kings: Concept rejected by the English, leading to civil war against Charles I.
  • Result: Execution of Charles I and rejection of absolute monarchy.

Glorious Revolution (1688)

• James II's reign ends without bloodshed; Parliament seeks a compliant monarch.
• Mary Stewart and William of Orange accept the throne, signing the English Bill of Rights:
  • Principles established:
    • Parliamentary supremacy: Parliament makes laws, not the monarch.
    • Consent required for taxation.
    • Free and frequent elections.
    • Prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments.

John Locke's Influence

• Locke's Philosophy: Natural rights—life, liberty, property.
  • Influences the Declaration of Independence.
  • Government by consent: Legitimate only with the people's approval.
  • Right of revolution: People can change or remove an unhappy government.

Colonial Governance

• Colonists bring English political traditions:
  • New England: Town meetings—democratic participation.
  • Virginia: House of Burgesses—aristocratic representation.
• Exclusive authority to tax held by colonial legislatures, not Parliament.

Salutary Neglect

• Colonies practiced self-governance with minimal interference from Britain.
• Shift post-French and Indian War: Britain seeks to recoup costs by increasing control over colonies.

Conclusion

• Next lecture: Examination of the abuses leading to the American Revolution.
• Reminder of additional resources available at TomRitchie.net.