Virtual vs. Actual Representation

  • Actual Representation
    • In order to be taxed by Parliament, the Americans rightly should have actual legislators seated and voting in London
    • Colonists wanted to choose their own people to be their representatives in Parliament
  • Virtual Representation
    • Virtual Representation is a concept that led to a conflict between the colonists and the British government
    • Colonists were upset because they didn’t have representatives that they elected to Parliament
    • Colonists’ rights were being violated when tax laws were passed
    • Colonists didn’t have elected representatives that could speak about and vote on these proposed laws
  • James Otis
    • James Otis was one of the most passionate and effective protectors of American rights
    • Born in West Barnstable on Cape Cod
    • The son of a prominent Massachusetts political figure with the same name
    • Graduated from Harvard College in 1743, practiced law briefly in Plymouth, and in 1750 settle