British Parliament

Definition

The British Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, consisting of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It played a crucial role in shaping colonial policies and laws that directly impacted the American colonies, leading to significant tensions and conflicts during the colonial period and the American Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The British Parliament was established in the 13th century, evolving from advisory councils to the current bicameral system.
2. Parliament's decision to impose taxes on the colonies, like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, fueled colonial unrest and demands for representation.
3. The concept of 'no taxation without representation' emerged as a key rallying cry among colonists who felt excluded from parliamentary decisions.
4. Parliament's failure to address colonial grievances contributed to the growing desire for independence among American colonists.
5. The First Continental Congress was partly a response to perceived overreach by Parliament, showcasing colonial unity against British rule.

Review Questions

• How did the British Parliament influence colonial governance and policies in America during the 18th century?
  • British Parliament exerted significant influence over colonial governance through its ability to create laws and impose taxes on the American colonies. Key legislation, such as the Navigation Acts and the Stamp Act, directly affected colonial economies and daily life. The colonists resented these laws because they had no representatives in Parliament to voice their concerns or influence decision-making, leading to growing tensions that eventually contributed to revolutionary sentiments.
• Evaluate the impact of specific acts passed by Parliament on the relationship between Britain and its American colonies.
  • Acts like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts were pivotal in straining relations between Britain and its American colonies. These laws imposed direct taxes without colonial consent, igniting protests and boycotts among colonists who felt they were being treated unfairly. This resentment fostered a sense of unity among diverse colonies, ultimately culminating in collective actions such as the Boston Tea Party and influencing calls for independence as colonists sought to assert their rights against perceived tyranny.
• Discuss how philosophical ideas about governance during the Enlightenment influenced colonial attitudes toward Parliament and contributed to revolutionary ideology.
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke emphasized natural rights, government by consent, and the social contract, which influenced colonial attitudes toward British Parliament. Colonists began to see their lack of representation as a violation of their rights as Englishmen, leading them to question the legitimacy of parliamentary authority. This philosophical shift laid the groundwork for revolutionary ideology that argued for self-governance, ultimately inspiring declarations of independence and justifying rebellion against an unresponsive government.

Related terms

Colonial Governance: The system through which British colonies were administered, often involving appointed governors and assemblies that operated under the authority of Parliament.

Stamp Act:

A 1765 law passed by Parliament that imposed direct taxes on the colonies, requiring them to use stamped paper for legal documents, which sparked widespread protests and resistance.

Virtual Representation: The British argument that the American colonies were represented in Parliament even without direct election, as all subjects of the empire were considered represented by their members.