Which statement best summarizes Britain’s argument for taxes like the Stamp Act?

Question

A) Britain needed the authority to feed, house, and pay troops stationed in the colonies.
B) The colonies had an obligation to help pay the war debt Britain had taken on to defend their land.
C) Britain’s constitution ensured that only elected representatives could tax citizens.
D) The colonies had long paid taxes to their colonial governments to provide security.

Answer 1

The statement that best summarizes Britain’s argument for taxes like the Stamp Act is:

B) The colonies had an obligation to help pay the war debt Britain had taken on to defend their land.

This reflects the British perspective that the colonies benefited from British military protection during conflicts, such as the French and Indian War, and therefore should contribute to the costs associated with that protection through taxes.