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The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first elected legislative body in the New World. Other elected bodies followed which had power to approve taxes and spending.
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An agreement by the early colonist to agree live in a "Civil Body Politic". They agreed to obey just and equal laws.
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Actually a world war involving most European nations. War was fought over contrtol of world colonies such as North America, Carribean, and India. England won but was nearly bankrupt. Britain would be forced to tax the colonists which would create anger and frustration.
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Colonists were forced to pay for stamps to place on everything from deeds, mortgages, playing cards, almanacs, and newspapers. "No taxation without representation!"
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As a result of rough treatment of the colonists by the British, local militias began to form. Colonial resistance became more aggressive and militarized. This is pretty much the beginning of the American Revolution.
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Many ideas about proper governance are written by Jefferson in the Declaration such as self rule, popular sovereignty, natural rights, limited government, etc. Signing the document was a formal declaration of war.
