During the American Revolution, many Patriots held a strong belief that there was a fundamental right to representation in government, especially regarding taxation. This principle was encapsulated in the slogan "No taxation without representation," which articulated their deep-seated resentment towards British rule.
Patriots argued that since the colonists did not have elected representatives in the British Parliament, any taxes imposed by that body were illegitimate and unjust. They believed that taxation should only be enacted by governments to which the people elect their representatives. This view was rooted in Enlightenment ideals about governance, rights, and civic participation.
The imposition of various taxes by the British government, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, served as a catalyst for colonial unrest and fueled the desire for independence. Colonists felt that these taxes were not only burdensome but also a violation of their rights as Englishmen. The lack of representation in Parliament was seen as a critical factor that justified their push for independence and self-governance.
Overall, the relationship between taxation and representation was central to the Revolutionary discourse, as it encapsulated broader grievances against British authority and the desire for political rights and autonomy.