The period of salutary neglect in the colonies, which roughly spanned from the early 18th century until the mid-18th century, allowed the American colonies a degree of autonomy and self-governance. During this time, the rights of Englishmen, as embodied in documents such as the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights, were reinforced and expanded in the colonial context. Here’s how the Enlightenment rights were strengthened in the colonies during this period:
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Colonial Assemblies Assumed the Right to Tax Citizens: The most significant development in the colonies during salutary neglect was the emergence of colonial assemblies that took on the authority to levy taxes. This was a critical assertion of local governance, as these assemblies were made up of representatives who were more directly accountable to the colonists than the distant British Parliament. This local control of taxation echoed the principles of representation as outlined in English legal traditions, particularly the notion that taxes should not be levied without the consent of the governed.
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Wealthy Colonial Landowners Obtained the Privilege to Tax Citizens: As influential figures within the colonies, wealthy landowners often held significant sway in colonial assemblies. Their ability to shape tax legislation meant that they could advocate for local interests and ensure that any taxes levied reflected the needs of their communities rather than arbitrary decisions imposed from afar. This not only strengthened their own status but also reinforced the connection between property ownership and political power, aligning with Enlightenment ideas about governance and the rights of individuals.
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Royal Governors Decided How Much to Tax Citizens: Although royal governors were appointed by the British crown and had the power to impose taxes, their reliance on the consent of colonial assemblies meant that they often had to negotiate and collaborate with local leaders. This created a dynamic where the influence of colonial assemblies, and by extension the interests of colonists, shaped taxation policies more than might have occurred in a more centrally controlled system.
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British Soldiers Obeyed Government Orders to Tax Citizens: The presence of British soldiers in the colonies was often tied to maintaining order and enforcing tax regulations. However, during the period of salutary neglect, the relationship between colonists and soldiers was less confrontational, allowing for a smoother implementation of any tax policies that had been agreed upon by colonial assemblies. This reinforced local governance structures, as enforcement came not only from the crown but also through local means.
In summary, the rights of Englishmen were strengthened in the colonies through the development of local governance structures that included taxation by colonial assemblies. The assertion of local control and representation in tax matters helped to lay the groundwork for broader calls for independence and the eventual rejection of British parliamentary authority in favor of self-governance.
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