1. Its Ideological Origins

2.  Sugar Act, 1764  Stamp Act, 1765  Stamp Act Congress and Boycotts  Townshend Duties, 1767, and Boycotts  Boston Massacre, 1770  Tea Act, 1773  Boston Tea Party, 1774  Coercive Acts, 1774  1 st Continental Congress, 1774  Battle at Lexington and Concord, April 1775

3.  Old Interpretation: a conflict between virtuous American people and:  Inept British Empire  Tyrannical British Empire

4. New Interpretation: Ideology

5.  More benign meaning to “ideology” – a mentality  Contemporary history –Cold War ideological conflicts  Social science influence: anthropology and cultural meaning

6.  British constitution sacred – key to liberty  Constitution not codified; accumulated precedent

7. British Constitution: mixed Government Montesquieu, 1748 Rule Of:Degenerates into: ONEMonarchyTyranny FEWAristocracyOligarchy MANYDemocracyMob rule

8. British Constitution: mixed Government Montequieu, 1748 – Unprecedented stability and harmony Rule Of:Represented in: ONEMonarchyCrown FEWAristocracyHouse of Lords MANYDemocracyHouse of Commons

9.  1. Controversial issues all settled  King governs according to Parliamentary statutes  Will not levy taxes or wage war without consent  No standing army in peacetime

10.  2. Day to day harmony ensured:  Crown exercise of “influence” over elections  Crown distribution of patronage

12. BIG IDEAS:  Power Threatens Liberty  Liberty: Ability to exercise natural rights in limits set by law  Power: Compulsion “absolute power corrupts, absolutely”  The People MUST be Vigilant Against Corruption and Tyranny

13.  American Constitution Mimics British Rule Of:British Example American Echo OneCrownGovernor FewHouse of Lords Governor’s Council ManyHouse of Commons Colonial Assembly

14.  1. On surface, more power:  Veto Power  Can convene and dissolve Assembly at will  Judiciary powers

15.  But in practice, less control...  Responsible to external executive: Board of Trade  Little “influence” over elections Reduced ability to distribute patronage Assemblies appoint sheriffs, approve judges, appoint colonial treasurer

16.  Representation more egalitarian 50-75% of white men meet property qualifications to vote  Leadership less settled Instructions given to representatives  Idea of direct representation evolves

17.  Governors too powerful  British system corrupt  Radical whig warnings make sense...