How was the new government of the United States similar to the government under British rule?

The new government was a representative democracy.
The new government gave power to one group of people.
The new government was influenced by Enlightenment ideals.
The new government was based on the idea of natural rights.

1 answer

The new government of the United States was similar to the government under British rule in the following ways:

1. The new government was a representative democracy: Like the British government, the new American government also embraced the concept of representation. People would elect officials to represent them and make decisions on their behalf.

2. The new government gave power to one group of people: While the British government had a monarchy that held all the power, the new American government also gave power to a specific group of people, though this group was elected through democratic means. This is similar to the British system where power was concentrated in the hands of the ruling monarch and the aristocracy.

3. The new government was influenced by Enlightenment ideals: Both the British and American governments were influenced by the ideals of the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that emphasized reason, individual rights, and the importance of government by consent. This influence can be seen in the principles underlying the American Constitution, such as the separation of powers and the guarantee of individual rights.

4. The new government was based on the idea of natural rights: Both the British and American governments recognized the concept of natural rights, which are fundamental rights inherent to all individuals. The American Declaration of Independence explicitly acknowledged these natural rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Similarly, the British legal tradition also recognized certain natural rights, even though their enforcement and protection differed from that in the United States.