The English colonists who settled in America brought with them a rich history and political culture rooted in the principles of representative democracy. Several factors contributed to their expectation of having representative democracy in the colonies:
1. English Political Traditions: The English colonists were familiar with the English political system, which had evolved over centuries. This system emphasized the importance of representative institutions, such as Parliament, where elected representatives played a crucial role in lawmaking and governance.
2. Magna Carta: The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, established the principle that no person, including the monarch, was above the law and that justice should be administered fairly. This document laid the foundation for due process, equal protection under the law, and the notion of limited government, which resonated with the colonists.
3. Common Law: The colonists were accustomed to the common law system, which emphasized individual rights, trial by jury, and judicial independence. These legal principles formed the basis for their expectations of justice and fair treatment in the colonies.
4. Colonial Charters: Many early colonial charters granted by the English Crown explicitly stated the right of colonists to have representative assemblies and to make their own laws. For instance, the Virginia Company charter of 1606 established a representative assembly, known as the House of Burgesses, marking the beginning of representative democracy in America.
5. Town Meetings: Local town meetings were common in early colonial settlements. These gatherings allowed community members to discuss local affairs, make decisions, and elect representatives to colonial assemblies. Town meetings provided colonists with practical experience in democratic self-governance.
6. Religious Freedom: Many colonists sought religious freedom in the New World, and the idea of representative democracy aligned with their desire for self-determination and the ability to shape their own communities according to their religious beliefs and values.
In conclusion, the English colonists in America expected to have representative democracy in the colonies due to their familiarity with English political traditions, the influence of documents like the Magna Carta, common law principles, the provisions in colonial charters, practical experiences in local governance, and the pursuit of religious freedom. These factors laid the foundation for the development of representative democratic institutions in the American colonies, which would eventually shape the political system of the United States.