Democratic ideas in colonial America began to emerge as colonists established their own local governments that allowed for limited self-representation. These early governments, such as the House of Burgesses and Mayflower Compact, gave colonists the ability to make decisions on local issues but ultimate authority still rested with the King of England. Over time, the lack of full representation and powers of these colonial governments, such as laws being passed without colonial consent, led to growing tensions that later contributed to America's democratic ideals.

1. What brought
on democratic
ideas in colonial
america?
Unit 4, Lesson 7: Mr. Casey

2. AGENDA
New vocabulary
Early colonial government
colonial government
(Limitations)

3. democracy
(noun) a government that is run by the
people

4. citizen
(noun) a member of a country

5. representatives
(noun) a person who is chosen to act for
others

6. assembly
(noun) a gathering of elected representatives
for a specific purpose

7. town meeting
(noun) a gathering of
people who live a
town to discuss
issues

8. county seat
(noun) a place
where a county
government is
located

9. Early Colonial
governments
Early governments
formed out of necessity.
they needed a way to
keep orderThe early governments
were based on
“The HOUSE OF
COMMONS”

10. Early Colonial
governments
The house of
Commons was
a
representativ
e body that
advised the
king on
courses of
action

11. Early Colonial
governments
house of burgesses (jamestown, 1619)
mayflower Compact (Massachusetts,
1620)
Fundamental orders of connecticut
(1639)

12. Early Colonial
governments
These governments allowed colonists to make
decisions on local issues, but the ultimate authority
was...
THE KING!

13. Limited
representation &
Powers
Limited Representation
1. Only white land owners could be part
of colonial governments
2. could vote on local matters
Limited powers
1.The British government could pass
laws on the colonies without their
consent
... THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE
PROBLEMS!

14. DISCUSSION
Why do you think limited
representation and power
would be a problem?
What do you think it would be
like to have a “foreign” power
making laws for you?