The Roots of American Democracy Ideas about Government and the Colonists

English Political Heritage Limited Government- the idea that people should have a say in their own government. Representative Government- the idea that people should have a say in their own government. Individual rights- the idea that government should protect individual and property rights These ideas led to this...this...

French and Indian War British actions- British win and take control of Ohio River Valley thus taking control of North America. They tax colonies to repay massive war debt. Colonists’ reaction- the war unites the colonies against a common enemy. Some join the war effort but many resent having to shelter and supply British troops.

The Stamp Act British action Parliament passes stamp act, a tax on paper goods. A seal is required on all goods to show that tax has been paid. Colonists’ reaction- boycott British goods claiming that Parliament had no right to tax them without their consent.

Boston Massacre British action- March 1770 British soldiers in Boston are surrounded by an unfriendly crowd of colonists and accidently open fire, killing three and fatally wounding two colonists. Colonists’ reaction- they call the event a massacre. The killing stir opposition to British policies and lead to the withdrawal of British troops from Boston.

Boston Tea Party British actions- the British pass the Townshend Acts, taxing all paper, glass, lead, and tea. They send forces to the colonies to enforce the new taxes. Colonists- Insulted by the tea tax, a small band of patriots disguised as Native Americans board English ships in Boston Harbor and dump 342 chests of tea overboard.

The Intolerable Acts British actions- as a response to the Boston Tea Party, the British pass a number of punitive (punishing) measures in the spring of Boston Harbor is closed, and British troops are quartered. Colonists’ reaction- the colonists call for a Continental Congress in The repeal (the doing away with) of the Intolerable Acts would be the colonists’ primary demand until independence.

Your Task Read The 9/11 Dilemma: Freedom vs. Security You will apply though analysis of the reading the ideas of limited government, representative government, and individual rights to the following questions: Can government listen to our phone conversations and read our s without warrants? Why or why not? Should suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba have the right to challenge their detention in court? Why or why not? How much power does the president have to search for and punish those accused of having terrorists ties? Are harsh interrogation techniques ever justified? And at what point do they become torture?