Drafting the Stamp Act Congress Resolutions

STAMP ACT CONGRESS

A Vindication of British Rights

All Due Subordination

  • Allegiance to the Crown:

    • His Majesty’s subjects in these colonies owe the same allegiance to the crown of Great Britain as subjects born within the realm.

    • Emphasis on the due subordination to the Parliament of Great Britain, which is acknowledged as the authoritative legislative body.

We Want Our British Rights

  • Inherent Rights and Liberties:

    • His Majesty’s liege subjects in the colonies are entitled to all the inherent rights and liberties that are granted to natural-born subjects within the realm of Great Britain.

    • Assertion that colonial subjects possess the same rights as those who reside in Britain.

No Taxation Without (Local) Representation

  • Essential Freedom:

    • It is deemed essential to the freedom of a people and an undoubted right of Englishmen that no taxes should be imposed on them without their consent.

    • Consent can be given either personally by individuals or through their elected representatives.

    • This principle emphasizes the importance of democratic representation in any form of taxation.

Virtual Representation: A Slick Syllogism?

  1. Parliament's Representation:

    • Parliament is considered to represent the entire British Empire. Each Member of Parliament (MP) symbolizes the interests of the British nation and empire, not merely specific localities.

  2. Colonial Inclusion:

    • The American colonies are recognized as part of this empire.

  3. Conclusion on Representation:

    • Therefore, it is argued that the colonies are represented by the Parliament of Great Britain.

Virtual Representation: What?

  • Colonial Unrepresentation:

    • It is claimed that the people of these colonies are not, and cannot, be truly represented in the House of Commons in Great Britain.

    • The only valid representatives for the people of these colonies are those chosen by themselves.

    • No taxes have been, or can be, constitutionally imposed upon them without the consent of their respective legislatures.

A Jury of Our Peers

  • Right to a Jury Trial:

    • Trial by jury is asserted as an inherent and invaluable right of every British subject within these colonies.

    • This emphasizes the fundamental legal principle that individuals have the right to be judged by a jury of their peers.

An Economic Argument Thrown In

  • Trade and Economic Dependence:

    • The profits from the trade of these colonies ultimately center in Great Britain, as they are required to purchase British manufactures.

    • This economic relationship suggests that the colonies significantly contribute to the financial sustenance of the Crown through trade.

  • Impact of Trade Restrictions:

    • The restrictions imposed by recent Acts of Parliament on the colonies’ trade will inhibit their ability to purchase goods from Great Britain, potentially damaging the economic flow.

    • These restrictions are presented as detrimental to both the colonies and the British economy.