Chapter 4 Section 1 The Colonial Experience Civics Chapter 4 Section 1 The Colonial Experience

A Voice in Government Heritage – the traditions passed down to us from generation to generation. Colonists use to having a voice in government. Elected representatives to the legislature, a group of people chose to make the laws. Representative government began in 1619 in VA. (burgesses)

Royal Authority English Monarch established colonies through a charter, a document giving permission to created a government. Any colony that challenged England could be stripped of its charter and would become a royal colony. During the 1600s & early 1700s England was busy fighting wars, so colonists largely governed themselves.

Citizenship in the Colonies

Some Roots of Freedom Religion was closely linked to government. Pilgrims and Puritans left England because of persecution. Puritans turned out Roger Williams from their colony after criticizing the church. You could belong to any Christian Church. But religious freedom was an important step.

A Call for Freedom of the Press Earliest argument for freedom of the press – trial of Peter Zenger, publisher of a NY newspaper. 1735 Accused Governor of taking bribes. Was jailed. Jury found the Zenger not guilty. It did not change English law, but inspired the colonists to fight for freedom of the press.

Signs of Discontent Mid 1700s – England tightened its control over the colonies. Angry with royal Governors. Tyranny meant the abuse of power.