Government in the Colonies

13 Colonies

• Established from 1607-1733
• Needed a charter to start a colony
• Legal document granting land
• Most charters did not mention government
• Settlers developed own form

Colonial Governments

• Governor, legislature, & court system
• Colonists still pledged allegiance to the monarch
• Protected themselves from abuse by the British
• Used basic ideas of constitutional government

Basic Principles

• Written constitution that limited government
• Government protects people's natural rights
• Elected representatives in legislature
• Consent of the governed
• Separation of powers between three branches