Colonial Government Structure

1
Colonial Government Structure
2
Parliament

• Supremacy of Parliament established by Glorious
  Revolution
• Parliament invites William and Mary to rule and
  un-invites James II
• Right to review and reject laws
• VETO POWER (rarely used)

3
Colonial Charters (by 1750)

• Royal Charter
• NH, MA, NY, NJ, VA NC SC, GA
• Proprietary Colony
• MD, PA, DE
• Corporate Colony
• CT, RI

4
Governor

• VETO POWER
• Royal colony - chosen by monarch
• Proprietary colony chosen by proprietor
• Charter/corporate colony chosen by the people

5
Governors Council

• Upper House of Legislature
• Chosen by the Governor

6
Legislative Assemblies

• Lower House of Legislature
• Elected by the voters
• Power over the purse strings

7
The People

• Voter Requirements
• Property owner
• Attended church
• Adult, white, male
• Who does this exclude?
• White women
• Poor white males
• Slaves (both males and females)
• Free Black Males