1.4 Colonial Experiences and Constitutional Development

Colonial America laid the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution. From the Mayflower Compact to colonial charters, early settlers established self-governance principles. The Albany Plan and Stamp Act Congress fostered inter-colonial cooperation, setting the stage for revolution.

As tensions with Britain grew, the Continental Congresses united the colonies and declared independence. The Articles of Confederation, while flawed, served as America's first constitution. These experiences shaped the Founders' vision for a stronger federal government in the Constitution.

Early Colonial Governance

Foundational Documents and Structures

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• Mayflower Compact established self-governance principles for Plymouth Colony in 1620
  • Signed by 41 male Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower
  • Created a "civil body politic" for making laws and appointing leaders
  • Emphasized rule by consent of the governed
• Colonial charters granted by the British Crown defined colony boundaries and powers
  • Included royal charters (directly from the monarch) and proprietary charters (granted to individuals or companies)
  • Virginia Company of London received a charter in 1606 to establish the Jamestown settlement
  • Massachusetts Bay Company charter of 1629 allowed for significant self-governance
• House of Burgesses formed in Virginia in 1619 as the first elected legislative assembly in North America
  • Consisted of 22 representatives elected by landowning colonists
  • Passed laws and levied taxes with the approval of the colonial governor
  • Served as a model for other colonial legislatures and future state governments

Pre-Revolution Cooperation

Colonial Unity and Resistance

• Albany Plan of Union proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 during the Albany Congress
  • Aimed to unite the colonies for common defense against French and Native American threats
  • Called for a grand council of delegates from each colony and a president general appointed by the Crown
  • Plan rejected by both colonial assemblies and the British government
  • Laid groundwork for future ideas of American union and federalism
• Stamp Act Congress convened in New York City in 1765 in response to the Stamp Act
  • Included representatives from nine colonies
  • Drafted a declaration of rights and grievances against British taxation without representation
  • Petitioned King George III and Parliament for repeal of the Stamp Act
  • Demonstrated growing inter-colonial cooperation and resistance to British policies

Revolutionary Congresses

Formation of a Continental Government

• First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia from September to October 1774
  • Delegates from 12 colonies (Georgia abstained) gathered to address British actions
  • Adopted the Suffolk Resolves, supporting Massachusetts in its resistance to British authority
  • Implemented a boycott of British goods through the Continental Association
  • Called for a second congress if grievances were not addressed
• Second Continental Congress convened in May 1775 after the outbreak of hostilities at Lexington and Concord
  • Assumed de facto governing powers for the united colonies
  • Established the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief
  • Issued the Olive Branch Petition as a final attempt at reconciliation with Britain
  • Adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, formally severing ties with Great Britain

Post-Revolution Government

Confederation Era and Its Challenges

• Articles of Confederation ratified in 1781 as the first constitution of the United States
  • Created a "firm league of friendship" among sovereign states
  • Established a unicameral Congress with each state having one vote
  • Granted Congress limited powers including declaring war, conducting foreign affairs, and issuing currency
  • Revealed significant weaknesses in national governance
    • Lacked authority to regulate interstate commerce or enforce tax collection
    • Required unanimous consent of states for amendments
    • Failed to provide a strong executive or judicial branch
  • Led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to address these shortcomings