Asked by Bobby Tippy on Apr 28, 2024
Verified
Discuss the similarities and differences between the British and American concepts of representative government. How did the differences in their concepts contribute to the coming of the American Revolution?
Representative Government
A system of government in which public policies are made by officials selected by the voters and held accountable in periodic elections.
British Concepts
Ideas, philosophies, or principles that originate from or are associated with Great Britain, encompassing a wide range of fields including law, governance, and social norms.
American Revolution
The period of political turmoil and military conflict between 1775 and 1783, in which the Thirteen Colonies gained independence from Great Britain.
- Clarify the variances in viewpoints between the British and Americans on the concept of representative government and how these differences fueled rising conflicts.
Verified Answer
However, there are also significant differences between the two concepts. The British system of representative government is based on a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch has significant powers and the Parliament serves as the legislative body. In contrast, the American system is based on a federal republic, with a president as the head of state and a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
One of the key differences that contributed to the coming of the American Revolution was the lack of representation for the American colonies in the British Parliament. The American colonists felt that they were being taxed and governed without their consent, leading to the famous slogan "no taxation without representation." This lack of representation and the imposition of taxes by the British government without colonial consent ultimately led to growing resentment and a desire for independence.
Additionally, the American colonists also sought greater autonomy and self-governance, which was not possible under the British system. The concept of "no taxation without representation" highlighted the fundamental difference in the understanding of representative government between the British and American perspectives.
In conclusion, while both the British and American concepts of representative government share some similarities, such as the idea of elected officials representing the people, there are also significant differences that contributed to the coming of the American Revolution. The lack of representation for the American colonies in the British Parliament and the desire for greater autonomy and self-governance were key factors that led to the eventual break from British rule and the establishment of the United States as an independent nation.
Learning Objectives
- Clarify the variances in viewpoints between the British and Americans on the concept of representative government and how these differences fueled rising conflicts.
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