Unit 1: Colonial World Deconstructed DBQ Assignment Sheet and Document Set
In what ways did different groups, such as religious communities, traders, and settlers in the American colonies establish and practice self-government?
Documents
Document A: The First Charter of Virginia (1606)
| “GRANT and agree, that the said [Adventurers] … shall and may begin their said first Plantation and Habitation, at any Place upon the said-Coast of Virginia or America, . . . and that they shall have all the Lands, Woods, Soil, Grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Mines, Minerals, Marshes, Waters, Fishings, Commodities . . . and may also build and fortify within any the same, for their better Safeguard and Defense, according to their best Discretion… And we do also ordain, establish, and agree … that each of the said Colonies shall have a Council, which shall govern and order all Matters … according to such Laws, Ordinances, and Instructions, as shall be, in that behalf, given and signed with Our [the king’s] Hand” | Plantation and Habitation- settlements
Commodities- materials and products
fortify- protect
Discretion- decision or choice
ordain- to make official |
Document B: The Mayflower Compact (1620)
| “We, whose names are underwritten, … having undertaken, … a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northerne parts of Virginia, doe by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civill body politick, for our better ordering and preservation, …constitute, and frame such just and equall laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meete and convenient for the generall good of the Colonie unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. |
doe- do
covenant- contract or solemn promise
civill body politick- a community or society under a government |
Document C: The Charter of Maryland (1632)
| “We [King Charles] … do grant unto the said now Baron[of Baltimore],… and to his Heirs, for the good and happy Government of the said Province, free, full, and absolute Power…, to Ordain, Make, and Enact Laws, of what Kind soever, according to their sound Discretions…of and with the Advice, Assent, and Approbation of the Free-Men of the same Province.” |
soever- of any kind Discretions- judgement
Advice, Assent, and Approbation: approval |
Document D: The Frame of Government of Pennsylvania (1682)
| “Now know…, that for the well-being and government of the said province…I, the said William Penn, have declared…all the freemen, planters and adventurers of…the said province, these liberties, franchises, and properties, to be held, enjoyed and kept by the freemen, planters, and inhabitants of the said province of Pensilvania [Pennsylvania] for ever. . . .That the freemen of the said province shall . . . chuse out of themselves seventy-two persons of most note for their wisdom, virtue and ability, who shall meet, on the tenth day of the first month…and act as, the provincial Council of the said province…. |
chuse: choose |