1. ASPECTS OF COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS THAT
INFLUENCED AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Colonial Government

2. COLONIAL LEGISLATURES
 Who: House of Burgesses, William Penn,
General Assembly, General Court
 When: begins in 1619
 What: elected officials make laws for the
colonies
 Why it is important: by 1760 every British
colony has legislature, clash with the King

3. RIGHT TO VOTE
 Who: white males (women, Africans, and
Native Americans not allowed)
 When: X
 What: 50-75% of white males vote in
colonies
 Why it is important: greater % than in
England, colonists value freedom

4. FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
 Who: John Peter Zenger
 When: 1735
 What: Zenger accused of criticizing governor,
accused of libel, found not guilty because his
writing is based on fact
 Why it is important: establishes freedom of
the press

5. NAVIGATION ACTS
 Who: English Parliament, colonies
 When: 1651
 What: Navigation Acts say shipments must
go through England first, British ships must
be used, key products must only be sold to
England
 Why it is important: As trade expands
colonists want to sell other places =
smuggling