1. Colonial
GovernmentBy Mr. Casey

2. AGENDA
English Government (Britain)
Colonial Government
The Path to War

3. British Government

4. British Rule
King George III
Prime Minister &
Parliament

5. By the late 1700’s the colonies had been
governing themselves for more than 100
years.They had been practicing self-
government and making their own laws.
They had a sense of freedom and although
they were British subjects, they had a
desire to live free.

6. COLONIAL GOVERNMENT
Assemblies v. Governors

7. Assembly
Each of the colonies had an assembly
of representatives that voted on laws
and whether or not to support the
Royal Governor

8. Assembly
The colonists had no representation in
Parliament. What problems do you think
that caused? Why would colonists be upset
about no representatives from the colonies in
Parliament?
The colonies modeled their government
on Parliament.
*Parliament was Britain’s lawmaking body. Elected
members voted on laws and taxes. The king still held
great power and final say.

9. Royal
Governors
Eight of the 13 colonies had a Royal
Governor.They were appointed by the
king.Their job was to enforce British
Law.They often disagreed with the
assembly.

10. House of Burgesses
Virginia had the most successful assembly. It was
called the House of Burgesses. It was started in
1619. Many other colonies end up copying the
House of Burgesses system.
Assemblies (like the H.O.B) could make laws to
print money, build roads, collect taxes, make land
laws, and organize militias

11. House of Burgesses
FamousVirginians that served in the
H.O.B include:
Thomas Jefferson
Patrick Henry George Washington

12. What are a few of the
documents that inspired the
colonists to govern themselves?
The Mayflower Compact
Fundamental Orders of
Connecticut
Magna Carta