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English Political Thought in the Colonial Period: Foundations of Limited and Representative Government

This section explores the foundational ideas of English political thought that colonists brought to America during the Colonial Period. Key concepts such as limited government, represented by documents like the Magna Carta (1215) and the English Bill of Rights (1689), and the concept of representative government, as exemplified by the British Parliament, are examined. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau influenced colonial governance, emphasizing written constitutions and the separation of powers. These ideals laid the groundwork for self-governance in the American colonies.

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English Political Thought in the Colonial Period: Foundations of Limited and Representative Government

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  1. The Colonial Period Chapter 2 / Section 1

  2. English Political Thought • Colonists brought with them two fundamental ideas: • 1. LIMITED government • Magna Carta– 1215 • Petition of Right – 1628 • English Bill of Rights -1689 (J. Locke – Two Treatises of Gov’t) • 2. REPRESENTATIVE government • British Parliament – Two Chambers • 1. House of Lords • 2. House of Commons

  3. New Political Ideas • Late 1600’s-1700’s – the ENLIGHTENMENT • The Age of Reason • French Enlightenment Writers • John Locke • Social Contract Theory • The State of Nature • Natural Law • Legitimate Government and Consent • Jean-Jacque Rousseau

  4. Colonial Governments • English Colonies were Established Between 1607-1733 • Did not have democracies, but had these ideals: • Written Constitution • Elected Representatives in a Legislature • Separation of Powers Between Executive and Legislative Branches

  5. Written Constitutions • Mayflower Compact – The Pilgrim Plan • Social Contract • General Fundamentals – First System of Laws • Mass. Bay Colony • Fundamental Orders of Connecticut • People had right to elect offices • Other Colonies followed suit

  6. Colonial Legislatures • Virginia House of Burgesses – first legislature • Virginia's Colonial Government • Puritans – church members should elect government • Contrary to church of England • Colonial legislatures had operated well before the Revolution

  7. Separation of Powers • Montesquieu – The Spirit of Laws • Governor of Colony – Kings Agent • Privy Council – Reviewed Colonial Legislature and Courts • Colonial Legislature – Chosen by People • Colonial Courts – Heard Cases • Colonies were practicing self government

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