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Questions and Answers
What primarily characterized the early governance system in British Honduras before the establishment of the Legislative Assembly?
What significant event concerning governance occurred in British Honduras in 1853?
Which document codified the regulations of settlement in British Honduras in 1765?
Who presided over the Legislative Assembly formed in 1854?
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In what year did Universal Adult Suffrage become a reality in British Honduras?
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How many ex-officio Members were included in the Legislative Assembly under the British Honduras Constitution Ordinance of 1954?
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What role did the Superintendent have in the Legislative Assembly as per its 1854 formation?
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Which political party emerged in British Honduras first?
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What was the primary purpose of the Burnaby's Code established in 1765?
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What financial requirement was imposed on members of the Legislative Assembly in 1854?
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Study Notes
Public Meetings
- British Honduras operated under a system of public meetings for self-governance after British settlement.
- Initially focused on addressing security concerns, these meetings evolved into a basic administrative form called the Public Meeting.
- Participation criteria included race, wealth, and length of residency.
- In 1765, Admiral Burnaby codified regulations known as Burnaby’s Code, aimed at preventing theft, collecting taxes, settling disputes, and determining punishments primarily through fines.
- Burnaby’s Code remained in effect until 1840 when an Executive Council was established.
Legislative Assembly
- The Public Meeting System was renounced in 1853, leading to the establishment of a Legislative Assembly in 1854.
- The Legislative Assembly was presided over by a British Superintendent, with members nominated based on property ownership, requiring at least £400 sterling.
- The Superintendent held extensive powers, including the authority to dissolve the Assembly and originate legislation.
- In 1871, Belize became a Crown Colony, resulting in the establishment of a nominated Legislative Council, which replaced the Legislative Assembly.
Adult Suffrage
- The Legislative Assembly was reintroduced in 1935, presided over by a Speaker, but members remained nominated.
- The British Honduras Constitution Ordinance came into effect on March 25, 1954, creating a redefined Legislative Assembly structure.
- The new membership included a Speaker, three ex-officio Members (Colonial Secretary, Attorney General, Financial Secretary), three nominated Members, and nine elected Members.
- The year 1954 also marked the achievement of Universal Adult Suffrage, granting the right to vote to all adults aged 21 and over without property qualifications.
Political Parties Emerge
- Political parties began to form in Belize in the early 1950s.
- The People’s United Party (PUP) was established in 1950, followed by the National Party (NP) in 1952.
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Description
Explore the evolution of public meetings in British Honduras after British rule. Initially informal gatherings for addressing security concerns, these meetings developed into a more structured form of governance, influenced by socio-economic factors. Learn about the Burnaby’s Code of 1765 and its impact on local administration.
