![]() The New York legislature was dismissed in 17 for refusing to implement the quartering act for British troops in the colony. "He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people."Īs friction between the colonies and England grew, Royal Governors had the authority to suspend and/or dismiss any colonial legislatures that ignored or refused to act on Parliamentary legislation they did not agree with, or when they expressed viewpoints considered subversive to the British government. This is a direct reference to the “Massachusetts Government Act” in 1774 (Known in the colonies as “The Intolerable Acts”) that was passed by Parliament after “The Boston Tea Party.” It revoked the colony’s 1691 charter, made General Thomas Gage the military Governor, and allowed him to dissolve the current legislature, appoint a new one and force them to meet where he wanted them to. "He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures." If the colonists submitted to internal taxation from Parliament they were submitting to “taxation without representation.” The reference to “Relinquishing the right of representation in the legislature” refers to parliament trying to dictate internal regulations in the colonies, such as taxing the colonies. "He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only."Īnother reference to parliament attempting to restrict colonial self-rule. "He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained and when suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them."Ī reference to colonial self-rule being removed the royal governors were appointed by England, and Parliament sometimes instructed their governors to withhold ratification on legislation they did not agree with. This refers generally to any time colonial legislatures passed internal laws that the British Parliament refused to ratify. "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good." As you read this, you'll see history through their eyes as you discover the meaning behind the words. Oftentimes we know a document is important, and may understand why the document is important, but the details of the message are lost as decades (and even centuries) grow between us and the past. How many of you have listened to or read the Declaration of Independence and wondered exactly what each of the grievances (or complaints) were referencing? What were Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration Committee referencing as they created this document, which ultimately was an incredible act of treason against their King and country.
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