American Imperial Relationships

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Recommended: Events related to the proclamation of 1763

The last facet of the imperial relationship is politics. From the beginning of America imperial rule had its ups and downs. Resemblances of the English political system can be seen in the early days. During the rule of James II and Charles II, the grip on English say in America was stronger. The legality of charters and government rule scared the colonists into thinking that it would be another monarchy system. Not long after the reversal of roles came. The reign of Queen Mary II and William of Orange brought along a new age of thinking. Declaration of Rights was implemented which gave parliament power and individual rights. The insurgence of different power spread to North America. Colonists were able to breathe air of freedom with many royal …show more content…

For colonies with a royal charter, they had a governor chosen for them by the monarchy. Propriety colonies had the person with the original charter act as the governor. Other ones like Rhode Island and Connecticut where they allowed voting for their leader. This leader acted in the same way throughout the colonies. Even though laws were passed through these legislations, in the end it was up to the governor. England was the ultimate lawmaker in the American colonies, but as years passed things changed. During the salutary neglect, trade and politics flourished. Governors were soon giving up the power that they once held so tightly to these assemblies. Power left the government and went straight into the hands of the people. During this time we see debates going on, members being examined by the representatives, and the power in money decisions. Still, the laws could be vetoed by the governor or shot down by the Privy Council all the way in the motherland. One adjustment to the system was the ability to vote for these representatives. In English parliament it was by heredity that their lords were chosen. Colonists still picked the most elite men from there state to be elected, so it was not …show more content…

For example, in 1754 the English Board of Trade called for better relations with the Indians. The plan was for the representatives to meet in Albany to talk over French affairs. Only a few came which angered the British officials, soon they had to come to another agreement over Western affairs. For common colonists, they had gotten use to a life of self –governance. When the proclamation of 1763 came about they felt that England had taken their right to expand the colonies. Taxation came without any warning or opposition. Even though there were legislations, it did not matter because the political was all in the king’s hand. The term “taxation without representation” comes exactly from this situation. There was no representation for America in parliament. Decisions made three thousand miles away were expected to be enforced as they would in England. Americans saw themselves separate from English rule. They wanted a say in what laws they were to follow. With opposition now rising , British soldiers were stationed to towns. The quartering act not only took power away from the colonists, but took their homes

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