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Early Democracy in America |
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New England Town Meetings |
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Albany Plan of Union |
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New England Town Meetings emerged from the Puritans devout obedience to the church. The Church allowed more localized control over not just religious affiars but also political affairs. While representative bodies developed in Virginia, town meeting became the predominant forum to solve problem in New England. Laws were strict and most reflected belief in the Bible--i.e. the Salem Witch Trials. Town meetings led to a greater and closer connection between the government and the governed. Keep in mind that as the Enlightnement happened in Europe, those ideas cames across the ocean too. |
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Proposed by Ben Franklin in 1754, the Albany Plan of Union attempted bring the sisunited colonies together as one body. Although the colonies did not truly unie until after the French and Indian War, which ened in 1763, the Albany Plan of Union set in motion ideas of teh United States. Go to the Constitution.org site for more details. Pay close attention to the proposals for revenue, represnatation, commerce, and foreign affairs |
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House of Burgesses |
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If one was to travel to Colonial Williamsburg today, it would appear to be much the same as it was in the 1770s. The city contains the famous capitol building which was rebuilt be the National Parks Services. The capitol building was home to the House of Burgesses, the first democratically elected legislature in America. The House of Burgesses became a model for future colonial legislatures. As the Revolution spread to Virginia and redidents began to experience the repressive British policies, the House of Burgessses acted by condemning the King's new laws and the Governor's enforcement of those laws. Eventually, King George of England dissolved the House, not once but twice. After the second time, the group went down the block to Raleigh Tavern decide the fate of Virginia and its future role in the Revolution. |
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Go to Colonial Williamsburg and look around |
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Activity |
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Create a short free verse poem about early democracy in the US. |
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