With the death of Oliver Cromwell the Stuart dynasty, starting with Charles II, attempted to recentralized authority in England, as well as in the colonies. Between 1660s and 1700 the monarchs slowly abolished colonial assemblies, imposed Anglican rites, and attempted to implement long-standing trade regulations. Much to the consternation of the colonist they would endure a "loss of autonomy." The Glorious Revolution of 1688 (Catholic King James II was replaced with Protestant monarchs William & Mary of Orange [daugher of James II]) re-established Parliamentary rule in England, however, the seeds for discontent towards the mother country were already sowed in the colonial world. The Enlightenment (Age of Reason), coupled with the Great Awakening (religious revivalism emphasizing individualism) would eventually contribute to a unified front towards independence.
Two Colonial Americas: North & South
New England (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine; Middle colonies may also fall under this classification--New York expanded north to "check" Massachusett's westward expansion.
Religious foundations provide the basis for "autonomous" colonies: Congregations to Assemblies
Civil governments emerge from religious world (bicameral legislatures; consensual government-Mayflower Compact for Plymouth,, Council of Seven for Jamestown, etc)
Separation of Church and State (religious toleration: Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, Puritans, Anglicans, and Quakers
Capital-intensive economy gives rise to commercial society (urbanization)
Chesapeake & Southern Colonies (Virginia, Maryland, North & South Carolina, Georgia):
Religious foundation based on "Anglican Church"
Labor/land-intensive economy emerges (cash-crops: tobacco, cotton, indigo, rice)
Rural-manorial societies emerge
Bicameral and/or Unicameral legislatures formed; consensual government-Virginia General Assembly, Maryland's Representative Assembly, etc)
After the Glorious Revolution and with the assent of Parliament as the sole authority over the government, all colonies eventually revert to Royal control.
On the Nature of "Man"
John Locke: Philosopher/statesman embracing Enlightenment principals for government. Lockean philosophy argues that God made "man" in His own image, then by extension all "men" are created "equal" and endowed with certain inalienable rights. One of these rights is the right to life. Humans will "naturally" develop institutions to secure their right to life (family, government, economic models, etc.) and produce/secure benefits ("property') in the process. Thus the right to life & property become inalienable rights and members empower government to protect these civil rights.
Hamiltonians' Perspective: The masses are untrustworthy; to think otherwise is to surely lead a nation into chaos.
Jeffersonians' Perspective: Humans are rational and reasonable. When pressed they will turn towards virtue and liberties for guidance.
International Events & Culture Clash on the Rise:
King Wms War 1689-97; Queen Annes War 1702-13; French & Indian War 1754-63
Colonies not considered oppressed
Salutary Neglect defines English colonial policies (1607 to 1700)
Navigation Acts: Attempts to regulate the colonies or "recentralizing the empire"
Navigation Acts may be appropriate, however, the intellectual freedom was threatened!
Series of laws passed by the Crown attempted to regulate colonies: sugar acts, tea acts, molasses acts, etc.
Laws to increased revenue (taxes) for the state (& colonies) did not raise a need to severe ties from England
However, the Stamp Act (1765-Tax on Paper) threatens intellingentsia (lawyers, accountants, newspaper writers, clergy, etc.) sparks call for independence. Uproar and petitions to the Crown forces Parliament to repeal the Stamp Act, but only if the colonist accept the Declaratory Act of 1766 (Act recognizing Parliaments authority over the colonies. The colonial leaders accept it if, and only if, representation for the colonies exist in Parliament.
The challenge: Virtual Representation vs. Direct Representation
The colonist are vehemently want direct representation; Parliament prefers "virtual representation"
Between 1765-1776 a series of petition (including Thomas Paine's Common Sense) to the Parliament for redress of grievances are virtually ignored; finally a petition to King George II declares for independence.
From Revolution to Pragmatic Government
Articles of Confederation (1777-87) to the United States Constitution of 1787