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Unit 2. Chapter 2: Origins of American Government Chapter 3: The Constitution Chapter 4: Federalism. Chapter 2: Origins of American Government. Section 2: The Coming of Independence Objectives:. Chapter 2: Origins of American Government. Section 2: The Coming of Independence Vocabulary:
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Unit 2 Chapter 2: Origins of American Government Chapter 3: The Constitution Chapter 4: Federalism
Chapter 2: Origins of American Government Section 2: The Coming of Independence Objectives:
Chapter 2: Origins of American Government Section 2: The Coming of Independence Vocabulary: confederation Albany Plan of the Union delegate boycott repeal popular sovereignty
Section 2: The Coming of Independence. British Colonial Policies before 1760 • The 13 colonies were ruled separately under the king, generally this rule was exercised by the Privy Council and the Board of Trade in London. • With three thousand miles separating the colonies and Great Britain the colonies experienced a high level of self-rule. • A federal system of government emerged as colonies operated largely independently, while the central government maintained the military, handled foreign affairs, credit, trade market and common currency. • 1760 George III becomes king.
Section 2: The Coming of Independence. British Colonial Policies after 1760 • Crown began to deal more firmly with colonies. • Restrictive trading acts expanded and enforced. • New taxes imposed on the colonies. • King’s ministers were poorly informed of colonial resentment and pushed forward with unpopular policies.
Growing Colonial Unity New England Confederation (1643-1684) • Made up of the Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, New Haven and Connecticut settlements. • Existed primarily to address the common need for defense against Native Americans. The Albany Plan of Union • 1754, during a meeting held by Crown officials, Benjamin Franklin proposed an annual congress of delegates from all colonies meet. • The body would have the power to raise military forces, make war and peace with Native Americans, regulate trade with tribes, tax, collect customs duties. • Agreed to by those at meeting, rejected by colonies and crown.
Growing Colonial Unity Stamp Act (1765) • Law requires the use of tax stamps on all legal documents, business agreements and newspapers. • Widely denounced by colonists. • Oct, 1765 delegates from nine states meet in New York. The first strong protests against the Crown is official made. • Marked the first time a large number of colonies united to oppose the British government. • Parliament repealed the stamp act in response.
Growing Colonial Unity • Following the Stamp act other laws and policies were created to tie the colonies more closely with London. • Mob violence and boycotts erupted over these moves. • 1770, British troops fire on protesters, killing five, becomes known as Boston Massacre. • 1773, Boston Tea Party takes place in protest of British control of the tea trade.
The First Continental Congress • Sept 5, 1774, Delegates meet from every colony except Georgia. • Delegates discussed situation and possible actoins. • Boycotts of British goods were to be carried out until taxes and trade regulations were repealed. • Formal protest sent to King George III over situation. • Ends two months after beginning with a place to hold a second congress. • All colonies, including Georiga, approve of the actions.
The Second Continental Congress • British government reacted to colonial demands with even stricter, more repressive measures. • May 10, 1775, the Congress meets in Philadelphia. • By this time the Revolution had already begun with the battles of Lexington and Concord three weeks earlier (Apr 19)
The Second Continental Congress • Each of the 13 colonies sent representatives to the Congress. • John Hancock chosen a president of the Congress. • The Congress quickly organizes the raising of an army and appoints George Washington to lead it.
The Second Continental Congress • The Congress became the first government, mainly out of necessity. • No constitution yet existed of any kind. • The Congress was deemed illegal by the British government and all who attended were labeled traitors. • Acted as the government from 1776 to 1781 when the Articles of Confederation were signed.
Declaration of Independence • Congress names a committee of five to prepare a formal proclamation of Independence. • Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Rodger Sherman, Robert Livingston and Thomas Jefferson (document ended up largely his work). • On July 4th delegates adopt the document and formally separate from England and create a new nation after fierce debate.
First State Constitutions • Between 1776-1777 most states adopted new, written, constitutions to replace their charters. • The Massachusetts Constitution (1780) is still in effect, making it the oldest written constitution in the world. Common Features: • Popular Sovereignty • Limited Government • Civil Rights and Liberties • Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances.