The American Colonial Government spanned 125 years from the first colony in Virginia in 1607 to the last colony of Georgia in 1733. Each colony was established under a charter from the King of England and had a representative legislature similar to the future U.S. Constitution with separation of powers between the governor and legislature. Most colonies also had a bicameral legislature like the future U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

1. Governmental Structure American Colonial Government

2. The American Colonial Government, also known as The English Colonies or the 13 Schools of Government have spanned over approximately 125 years. Along this period, merchants and farmers developed communities such as the first colony, Virginia. Colonists settled in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia. Georgia was last to be formed in Savannah in 1733. Every colony was based on a charter of the King of England. Definition

3. Representative Government was intact. This allowed people more apt in governmental affairs to control politics. Separation of Powers between Governor and Legislature allowed a balanced government. 12 of the 13 original states had a bicameral legislature. Pennsylvania was the exception. One side would be the senate and the other side would be the House of Representatives. The Virginia Company of London was an English joint stock company established by royal charter by James I of England on April 10, 1606 with the purpose of establishing colonial settlements in North America. Principles

4. Article I Consists of the powers and limits on the Legislative Branch. Article II Consists of the powers and limits on the Executive Branch. Article III Consists of the power and limits on the Judicial Branch. Colonial America had a representative legislature, lea which is the basis for the constitution. Location in Constitution

5. Chris Whitten, . "American Colonial Government." History of the US. 2007. Web. 25 Sep 2009. <http://www.usahistory.info/colonial/government.html>. Steve, Mount. "The United States Constitution." The U.S. Constitution Online. 2009. Web. 29 Sep 2009. <http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#A1Sec1>. Bibliography