1. Background to the American Revolution
Roots of Democracy
Background to the American Revolution

2. English Democratic Tradition
English rights had been developing for centuries
1215 Magna Carta (Great Charter)
Guaranteed political and civil liberties
King had to obey laws
King could not seize property
No tax without agreement of elected representatives
No trial without witness or jury of peers

3. English Democratic Tradition
Parliamentary government made up of 2 houses
House of commons- elected by people
House of Lords- made up of nobility
Colonial governments were modeled after this
Distance had always allowed colonies a lot of autonomy

4. Colonial Conflict with Parliament
Parliament officially controlled colonies, but they only interfered on occasion
1628 Charles I wants more $$ from Parliament
Parliament issues the Petition of Rights

5. Colonial Conflict with Parliament
The Petition was not an enactment of new law, but a declaration of established rights. It contained four demands:
there should be no taxation without the consent of Parliament;
there should be no imprisonment without cause shown;
there should be no quartering of soldiers or sailors upon householders against their will;

6. Colonial Conflict with Parliament
King Charles takes away colonial governments
Navigation Acts 1651 (p.97 blue book)
Leads to Smuggling

7. Colonial Conflict with Parliament
King James II creates Dominion of New England
Appoints Edmund Andros governor 1674
No colonial assemblies or town meetings were allowed

8. Return to Tradition Glorious Revolution 1689 English Bill of Rights
King/queen could not change laws, impose taxes w/out consent of parliament
Free elections
No excessive fines
Could complain
Colonists regain right to assemble
Still had royal appointed governor
Changed Navigation Acts a little

9. Return to Tradition Policy of Salutary Neglect
Also means Beneficial Neglect
As long as the colonists remained loyal economically, parliament and the King/Queen stayed out of their business