Self government in early colonies

Limited the king's power and guaranteed rights to noblemen and freemen, influencing later documents like the US Constitution.

First representative assembly in American colonies, established in 1619, for white male landowners.

Agreement by Pilgrims to create a government in the New World, establishing self-governance through agreement.

A group of representatives who make laws for a specific area, such as a colony or a country.

King of England who signed the Magna Carta in 1215, limiting royal power.

Limited the power of the King of England.

First representative government in American colonies.

Advanced representative government ideas in the colonies.

Government where people elect representatives.

A British law that limited the power of the monarch and protected the rights of citizens.

Document stating the American colonies' separation from British rule.

The first government of the newly formed United States.

The fundamental laws and principles by which the U.S. government is governed.

First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution; protects basic rights of citizens.

During the 1610s, the Jamestown colony faced many challenges, including attracting new settlers and making the colony profitable.

The governor was a company appointee who held significant power, but was subject to oversight by the company in London.

Six prominent citizens chosen by the governor, acting as advisors to the governor.

Representatives chosen from different counties, originally mostly representing larger plantations.

The company in London retained ultimate control over the House of Burgesses, having the power to veto laws and actions.

The establishment of the House of Burgesses marked a step towards self-governance, as colonists gained a voice in their own government.

Initially, larger plantations played a larger role in the House of Burgesses, but over time representation became more diverse.

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, adopted in 1639, was the first written constitution in North America, outlining a system of government.

The Fundamental Orders placed limits on the power of the government, ensuring a balance of power and protecting individual rights.

The English Bill of Rights (1689) declared that the power to make laws and impose taxes belonged to Parliament, not the monarch.

The English Bill of Rights protected citizens' rights, including the right to petition the government, trial by jury, and freedom from excessive bail or cruel punishments.

A group of people who rule themselves without a king or other external authority.

A group of people organized under a common government, with laws and rules for all.

Regular meetings held to make laws and govern the colony, with two assemblies per year.

Rules preventing the governor from staying in power for too long, limiting the power of one person.

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut allowed all free men in the colony to vote.

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut allowed voting rights for all free men, unlike the Massachusetts model which was more restrictive.