Representative Government Birthed in Colonial America

The charter granted by the Crown on March 3, 1629 stated that the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s General Court had to meet on an annual basis. This General Court admitted new freemen, chose officers, and made laws and ordinances for the good and welfare of the company. These laws could not conflict with Britain’s laws. The first meeting of this General Court at Boston occurred on October 19, 1630. The main order of business was to admit freemen to the colony. Continue reading Representative Government Birthed in Colonial America

Podcast – Charles I grants Royal Assent to the Petition of Rights

In a pinch for money, English King Charles I ratifies the Petition of Right. This document is still in force in England and many historians give it equal standing with the Magna Carta in terms of importance. Approved by both Houses of Parliament, Charles I agree to it so Parliament would provide funds for his Thirty Years War effort. It provided precedent for the 1641 Massachusetts Body of Liberties. Several amendments in the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution also have roots in the Petition. Continue reading Podcast – Charles I grants Royal Assent to the Petition of Rights

Podcast – First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia

The crises with England had grown after Parliament passed the so-called Intolerable Acts. In an attempt to provide a united response to Parliament and get the Acts repealed, delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies on the Atlantic seaboard assembled in Philadelphia at Carpenter’s Hall. The last inter-colonial meeting had been the Stamp Act Congress of 1765. Continue reading Podcast – First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia