Self-governance

Definition

Self-governance refers to the ability of a community or group to make decisions and govern itself without external control. This concept is significant in understanding how early English colonial settlements functioned, as many established their own local governments and laws, reflecting the colonists' desire for autonomy and control over their affairs. The emergence of self-governance in these settlements laid the groundwork for future democratic practices in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of self-governance was evident in many early English colonies, where settlers often created their own systems of government to address local needs.
2. Colonies like Virginia adopted self-governing bodies, such as the House of Burgesses, which allowed for local decision-making and representation.
3. The Mayflower Compact is often seen as one of the first expressions of self-governance in the New World, creating a framework for governance based on consent of the governed.
4. Many colonies were granted charters by the English crown that permitted them to establish their own legislative assemblies and govern their internal affairs.
5. Self-governance in the colonies contributed to a growing sense of independence from England, setting the stage for future revolutionary sentiments.

Review Questions

• How did self-governance manifest in early English colonial settlements, and what were its implications for colonial society?
  • Self-governance emerged in early English colonial settlements through local assemblies and agreements like the Mayflower Compact. Colonists formed governing bodies to create laws and manage community affairs, which fostered a sense of autonomy and responsibility among settlers. This practice not only allowed for more effective local governance but also laid the foundation for democratic principles that would later influence American political development.
• Evaluate the impact of the House of Burgesses on the concept of self-governance in colonial Virginia.
  • The House of Burgesses significantly impacted self-governance in colonial Virginia by establishing a precedent for representative government within the colonies. It allowed settlers to elect representatives who would voice their concerns and legislate on their behalf. This system empowered colonists and encouraged political engagement, illustrating an early form of democracy that would evolve further as tensions with England grew.
• Analyze how the principles of self-governance during the Age of Exploration influenced later democratic developments in America.
  • The principles of self-governance established during the Age of Exploration played a crucial role in shaping American democracy. As colonists practiced self-rule through local assemblies and compacts, they developed a belief in individual rights and representation that contradicted monarchical authority. This experience contributed to revolutionary ideas about governance that culminated in the American Revolution, ultimately leading to the creation of a democratic system founded on popular sovereignty and rule by consent.

Related terms

Charter: A document that outlines the rights and privileges of a colony, including its form of government and how it will be governed.

Mayflower Compact:

An agreement made by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620, establishing a basic form of self-governance and majority rule for their new settlement.

House of Burgesses: The first legislative assembly in the American colonies, established in Virginia in 1619, allowing settlers to have a voice in their governance.