1. DEMOCRACY IN THE COLONIES A NEW GOVERNMENT FORMS

2. VIRGINIA A. Self-Governments 1. Virginia a. a representative system similar to that in Ancient Rome that in Ancient Rome b. “The House of Burgesses” – Jamestown - made laws in the Jamestown - made laws in the best interest of the settlers and best interest of the settlers and gave the people a say in government gave the people a say in government

3. MASSACHUSETTS 2. Massachusetts 2. Massachusetts a. Mayflower Compact – The a. Mayflower Compact – The Pilgrims wrote and signed this and agreed to follow all the laws passed by the majority b. All were allowed to choose b. All were allowed to choose leaders thus giving the power of leaders thus giving the power of governing to the people (all males) governing to the people (all males)

4. COLONIES B. C itizens in Colonial America (1600s-1700s) 1. Free to make own laws 2. Free to raise taxes 3. Free to set up court system 4. Free to establish own churches 5. Free to create new town governments 6. Free to hold town meetings

5. THE 13 COLONIES

6. CONSTITUTIONS C. The First Constitutions 1. 1 st written set of laws were created in Rhode Island and Connecticut 2. Constitutions listed the powers of the government and the political rights of the people

7. COLONIAL RULE D. G reat Britain’s 3,000 mile rule over colonies 1. Britain “protected” the colonies as Britain sent soldiers during French and Indian War 2. British Parliament passed laws and taxed the colonists due to wars, etc 3. “No taxation without representation” – colonists wanted to vote for Parliament 4. 13 original colonies wanted independence!

8. 1 st Continental Congress E. 1 st Continental Congress 1. 1774 – colonist representatives meet in Philadelphia 2. Colonists created the Declaration of Rights and proposed it to King George III Rights and proposed it to King George III 3. British took proposal as an act of war

9. 2 nd Continental Congress F. 2 nd Continental Congress 1. 1775 – Colonists met again 2. Colonists formed an army for war vs. Britain Britain 3. The 2 nd CC became the 1 st government of the USA! the USA! 4. The Congress led the USA through war 5. The Congress wrote up the Articles of Confederation – the 1 st bond of friendship between states Confederation – the 1 st bond of friendship between states

10. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE G. The Declaration of Independence 1. meeting at Philadelphia with 13 colonies 2. written by Thomas Jefferson 3. approved on July 4, 1776 4. lists reasons why colonies separated from Britain - objected to taxes without consent 5. purpose of government: protect human rights 6. 3 unalienable rights: life, liberty and pursuit of happiness