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The Rights of Englishmen: Foundations of American Democracy

Explore the development of English rights and their influence on the colonies, including the Magna Carta, the role of Parliament, and the Glorious Revolution. Discover how these rights shaped colonial government and how tensions eased with salutary neglect.

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The Rights of Englishmen: Foundations of American Democracy

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  1. Section 2 Roots of American Democracy Chapter 5

  2. The rights of Englishmen • Free Americans enjoyed the rights and liberties of English subjects– helped tie the colonies together • English rights had been developing for centuries

  3. English nobles forced King john to sign the Magna Carta • King is not above law • King had to obey the laws of the land • Guaranteed rights to nobles and freemen • No taxation without council • No trial without witnesses • Jury trial • Elect representatives

  4. England’s lawmaking body was called Parliament • Parliament granted the colonists some self-government, it retained ultimate authority • Colonists disliked many of the laws that Parliament passed without consent.

  5. English Rights Questioned • King Charles revoked charter of Massachusetts for not following the Navigation Act • King James combined the New England Colonies into one, ruled by governor Edmond Andros • Colonists sent a man named, Increase mather, to England to plead with the King

  6. Revolution in England was about to change everything • King James tried to dismiss Parliament, so they secretly offered throne to his daughter • James fled the country and Mary, along with her husband, became the new monarchs of England • This change is called the Glorious Revolution

  7. William and Mary upheld the English Bill of Rights. • English Bill of Rights established an important principle: the government was to be based on laws made by Parliament, not on the desires of a ruler • Colonists were quick to claim these rights (jailed governor Andros) • Compromises were reached between royal power and colonial self-government

  8. Graphic on Page 140 shows Colonial government structure • Tensions began to ease and England interfered very little with the colonies in the early 1700’s • This hands-off policy was called salutary neglect • Parliament passed laws but governors rarely enforced these laws

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