What Type Of Government Did The Thirteen Colonies Have ?
The thirteen colonies that were first established in the eastern part of the United States went on to form the United States after the American Revolution. These colonies were made up of people who were looking for religious freedom, economic independence and wanting to start a new life in a new environment. In addition, convicts and indentured workers were also sent to these colonies. Later on, when slave trade started, the slaves also became part of the colonies, but had no rights.
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All the thirteen colonies were completely independent from England. This was true even where government and legislation was concerned. The colonies were self-governed and consisted primarily of landowning farmers, who used to cast their ballot for local as well as provincial government.
As the colonists were from England, they followed the English style of governance and law. The courts in the colonies were responsible for enforcing the common law that was being followed in England. Each colony had a governor's council and governor's court. The council members were invariably selected by the governor, so when a governor was called back to England, the new governor had the choice of retaining the old members or appointing new ones. While the governor was being replaced or if the governor was traveling, then the council members were responsible for the colony's governance. At this point it is important to note that some of the members that became council members were invariably appointed due to the position they held in some other office. For instance, the chief justice and the militia head were automatically part of the governor's council. It was the other members that the governor would appoint. These members had to be approved by the English government, but this practically not adhered to, as communication in those days took a long time. Majority of the council members were not paid for their services and they all had other professions on the side, such as lawyers, merchants and plantation owners.
The ballot could be cast just by enfranchised voters. However, as time went by, the voting rights were extended to all free men. However, the colonies did not have any decision-making powers when it came to trading laws and diplomatic issues. These were handled directly by the English government. Nonetheless, the colonies, at times, overlooked these laws; but they did not have to get involved in the wars that the British were fighting with the French and Spaniards. The Native American problems that many colonies faced were the sole responsibility of the colonies.
The thirteen colonies also had assemblies and these had wonderful names, such as House of Delegates, House of Burgesses and Assembly of Freemen. The members to the assemblies were elected by men who owned properties. Each member served just one year. The assembly was responsible for passing laws pertaining to budgets for the government and taxes.
More Articles :
Wikipedia: Colonial Government in the Thirteen Colonies
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_
government_in_the_Thirteen_Colonies
Wikipedia: Thirteen Colonies
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Colonies
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Today, the people of America consider themselves to be nothing but Americans; this was not the case when the colonies were set up in the New World. It is important to understand that when the thirteen colonies were established in North America, they belonged to the British and were part of the British Empire. The colonists were British subjects. 